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San Diego Padres: The 5 worst draft picks of the 2000s

By Rylie Smith

Matt Antonelli of the San Diego Padres (R) tags out Xavier Paul of the Los Angeles Dodgers (L/#75) sliding into second base during the second Major League Baseball game in China on March 16, 2008 at the Wukesong Baseball Stadium in Beijing, venue for the 2008 Olympics baseball event. Some 11,890 fans saw the second game of a two-game series between California rivals, with the San Diego Padres defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-3. Both teams are using only a half dozen players who will be on the opening day 25-man roster. AFP PHOTO/Frederic J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)
Matt Antonelli of the San Diego Padres (R) tags out Xavier Paul of the Los Angeles Dodgers (L/#75) sliding into second base during the second Major League Baseball game in China on March 16, 2008 at the Wukesong Baseball Stadium in Beijing, venue for the 2008 Olympics baseball event. Some 11,890 fans saw the second game of a two-game series between California rivals, with the San Diego Padres defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-3. Both teams are using only a half dozen players who will be on the opening day 25-man roster. AFP PHOTO/Frederic J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 01: A general view of the stadium as teams were announced prior to a game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Diego Padres on Opening Day at PETCO Park on April 01, 2021 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

2009 — Padres select Donavan Tate in Round 1, Pick 3

Donavan Tate was picked third overall in the 2009 draft with a huge bonus of $6.25 million. He was drafted from Cartersville High School in Cartersville, Ga., as a centerfielder. Despite being such an expensive pick, he never played in the majors.

Tate played in the minors until 2016 but never played above High-A. Over his minor league career, he hit .226/.331/.321 for an OPS of .652. He had his best season in 2011 and hit .288/.410/.411 for an OPS of .821.

In high school, he showed a lot more potential. According to Perfect Game, he ranked third in the Top 100 National Rank and first in outfield velocity at the 2008 national showcase. He was also seemingly well-liked and respected by his high school coach.

"“It’s almost like being around a professional athlete or a movie star or something like that.” -Former Cartersville High School coach Stuart Chester, via ESPN"

After Tate was released from his final minor league team in 2016, he focused on football at the University of Arizona.

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