We are proud to announce The San Diego Padres Top 30 Prospects for 2012. Peter Friberg has been studying minor league and amateur baseball players for nearly 10 years and has been writing about Padres minor leaguers for approximately eight. Peter has compiled his top 30 prospects in the Padres system for 2012, we are now into the top 10, continuing with #8 Anthony Bass

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2011 San Diego Padres Top 30 Prospects

8. Anthony Bass, RHP, 6’2” 190, Born: Nov. 1, 1987

Good: Anthony Bass has more stuff than most minor league experts ever gave him credit for. Additionally, as a shorter player (he is not as tall as his 6’2” official height lists him) he is further discredited as a prospect. Yet despite above-average performances year-in, year-out, Anthony is constantly overlooked.

Bad: I define dominance not with velocity readings but with results (specifically: K/9 rates). Anthony continually posts solid rates (well above the 5.5 K/9 minimum threshold but not near the 9.0 “Dominant,” level. Additionally, while Anthony has a solid 2-seam and 4-seam fastball, none of his other pitches are known as “out” pitches. Many still question Bass’ ability to succeed at the highest level without an above-average off-speed pitch.

Outlook: Anthony should begin the 2012 season in the Padres big league bullpen. He has the ability to become an above-average 4^th starter and possibility even a solid #3. Additionally, with a few years of success in the bullpen, and with his bulldog makeup, Anthony could even profile as a closer.