Padres News: Down On The Farm-Second Base

#2

Taylor Lindsey

Bats/Throws: L/R

Height/Weight: 6′ 195 lbs

Age: 23

Taylor Lindsey was a former 1st round pick for the Los Angeles Angels in 2010. He was acquired last July with R.J. Alvarez in the Huston Street deal.

In 2013 the young second basemen smacked 17 home runs in Double-A Arkansas to with a .274 average. He seemed to be on the fast track to the Major Leagues, but digressed a little last year statistic-wise. He still managed to hit 20 home runs between the Angels and Padres affiliates. Despite the power, his average hovered around .230 and his on-base percentage was barely over the .300 mark.

Despite the low averages and low on-base percentages, Lindsey does put the ball in play. Only 300 strike outs in over 2200 plate appearances isn’t outstanding, but it’s not horrible either. He has a line drive to all fields kind of stroke, that does translate well to Major League pitching.

Lindsey is not the most athletic of second baseman. No speed at all and has an average arm for a second baseman. His defense is not spectacular, nor is it horrible. He is durable and nearly major league ready. Lindsey has many fans and critics, the scouts seem split on his ultimate potential.

Although he didn’t perform well at all in Triple-A El Paso last season, his bat is pretty legit in my eyes. It was a new farm system for him, so the Padres will just have to see how well he performs when not as much pressure is put upon his shoulders.  A September call-up this season is a possibility, but he needs to take a few steps forward for that to become a reality.