DOB: 9/23/88         5-10   195 lbs         Bats:  R      Throws: R

Hometown of Morgantown, WV       Attended West Virginia University

Drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 2^nd round (59^th pick) of the 2010 draft

Hailed by most college scouts as one of the most advanced college bats available in the 2010 draft, Gyorko excelled in the Cape Cod league with a .323 batting average and .488 slugging %. He is an excellent contact hitter who drives the ball to all fields, keeps his hands back, has a fast bat through the zone and has excellent pitch recognition. His raw power potential projects to 15-18 HR/yr.  These skills also make him a hitter who can work the count and is disciplined at the plate.

A two time All-American, Gyorko also has good athletic ability with quick hands, a quick release when throwing and good arm strength. He played shortstop in college but his skill set better projects to 2B, 1B, 3B or LF and he is considered a hard-nosed, old-school ball player. An aggressive base runner, Jedd will benefit from schooling in the Padres system because he is not especially fast.

Defensively, his range is probably not at major league level for full time 2B work so 3B or LF will most likely be his major league position although it would be interesting to see how he worked out at 1B. The Padres system is fairly deep at 1B so this might not occur with the Padres.

Starting his 2010 season, after signing, with Eugene, Gyorko played in 26 games with 115 PA and 106 AB’s. His .330/.383/.528 line with a .911 OPS resulted in 6 2B, 5 HR, 18 RBI, a SB, 9 BB, 26 SO and a promotion to Fort Wayne.

In 42 games with the Tin Caps, Gyorko had 162 AB with 11 2B, 2 HR, 23 RBI, SB, 19 BB, 31 SO and a .284/.366/.389 line with a .755 OPS. As with most young hitters, cutting down on his strikeouts as he progresses thru the system will benefit him if he does not develop more power.

Currently with the Lake Elsinore Storm, Gyorko is on an early season tear. Through 23 games and 92 AB, Jedd has 20 R, 10 2B, 5 HR, 21 RBI, 11 BB, 15 SO for a .380/.442/.652 line and 1.094 OPS. He has consistently played 3B for the season so far, with 3 errors, and shares that role with Edison Rincon. He is also serving in the DH role when Rincon starts.

If Gyorko maintains this level of play, he will place the organization in a difficult but enviable position. The regular 3B for the San Antonio Missions, James Darnell, is also off to an amazing start to the season. Hitting at a .410 clip, Darnell is not likely to relinquish his position unless the Padres pull off a double promotion and send Darnell to the AAA Tuscon Padres while also promoting Gyorko. While it is obviously too soon to start talking promotions within the system, it would not surprise me if both Gyorko and Darnell end up with those promotions before mid season. In an organization that is flush with talented corner infielders, Gyorko has a tough road ahead to fight his way through to a starting job with the major league team. His bat speaks loudly, though, and he will be fun to watch as the minor league system sorts out where all these guys fit into the long range plans of the San Diego Padres.