Padres News: Down On The Farm-Second Base

Mandatory Credit: youtube.com

Bats/Throws: R/R

Height/Weight: 5′ 9″ 160 lbs

Age: 17

Luis Urias was signed at the age of 16 in December 2013. Born in Magdelena de Kino, in Sonora, Mexico, the Padres negotiated his contract from the Mexico Red Devils.

The second baseman has shown a great eye at the plate at his young age. A .381 on base percentage and .297 batting average in 165 minor league at-bats. To play professional baseball at the age of 16 speaks of the potential of this young second baseman.

I watched some scouting video on him and it was very impressive. The video was before he was signed by the Padres. He took ground balls from shortstop and second base.

Urias is very fluid and has excellent range. I can see why the Padres moved him to second base though, as his arm strength is lacking. He gets himself in very good position and transitions the ball well to his hand, yet the arm just isn’t there. He is young, and arm strength can be built if the Padres feel his range and positioning is adequate at shortstop.

Hitting was also very impressive to see, as he even took swings left handed. The left-handed swing was stiff and off balance and the Padres were wise to have him concentrate as a right-handed hitter only. The swing is nice and compact, as he gets his hands through the ball well. Hits up the middle and to right side with ease, and in my opinion has a very high ceiling.

Luis Fernando Urias Figueroa was signed to play with the Yaquis de Obregon in November of 2014. At the age of 17, he was the second youngest in the history of the Mexican League. Playing time was limited, but to be on a team at that age again bodes well for his future.

The Padres are sure to bring him up slowly being that he is only 17. Think about it, when most of us were struggling with adolescence and high school, this young man already had almost two years of professional baseball experience.

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