San Diego Padres fans may recall a 23-year-old prospect by the name of Kyle Blanks. Blanks burst on to the major league scene in 2009 and batted .250 with 22 runs batted in and 10 homeruns in 54 games with the San Diego Padres.

Then Blanks suffered a setback as an injury shortened his 2010 season to 44 professional games. Blanks underwent a reconstructive elbow surgery in 2010 and after rehabilitation; he started the 2011 baseball season in double-A San Antonio.

After a solid start in San Antonio this season, Blanks was called up to triple-A Tucson where he has been crushing Pacific Coast League pitching since early June.

In 28 games with the Tucson Padres this season, Blanks is hitting .378 with 11 homeruns and 31 RBI. Along with teammate Wade LeBlanc, Blanks was named PCL player of the week for the week of June 27- July 3. In those six games Blanks hit .520 with eight extra base hits and 15 RBI.

“I’m trying to stay loose and keep things as simple as possible,” Blanks said, “when I get a good pitch I want to put a good swing on it, if it results in a hit great and if not I still come away feeling good.”

Blanks admitted that previously in his career he would get frustrated when he didn’t get a hit or have a good at bat, where as now he learns and takes something positive away from every at bat.

“I feel like I learn a lot more from my failures now as opposed to a couple of years ago.” Blanks said, “Skube (Tucson hitting coach Bob Skube) told me if I take a bad swing, correct it don’t be mad at it. There is always something to be learned in every at bat.”

His mental growth as a player has been accompanied by physical change as well. Blanks went from being 6’6” 270 pounds in 2009 to 255 pounds in 2011.

“Last off-season I ran a lot more and stopped eating all of the bad stuff,” He replied.

Recently engaged, Blanks takes a break from baseball by watching movies and enjoying TV shows like Seinfeld. He appreciates nice cars and likes to keep his eye out for automotive deals as a hobby.

Growing up and attending high school in New Mexico, Blanks played baseball and basketball. Although he did not have a favorite baseball team, Blanks enjoyed watching Frank Thomas play, specifically when he was with the Chicago White Sox.

The Tucson Padres hold a 19-13 record since Blanks stepped into the lineup on June 9. Blanks has been spending most of his time at first base, although he has also played left field and served as the designated hitter when needed. Blanks attributes his success at the plate to not over swinging not trying to do too much.

“Doubles in the gap and homeruns are a bi-product of getting a good pitch and putting a good swing on it,” He said.

Blanks is batting over .500 with runners in scoring position this season; the Tucson Padres are third in the PCL with a team batting average of .300.  The teams timely hitting has led to shared success of late.

“Hitting is contagious and when everyone is hitting .300, we seem to do a lot of it,” Blanks said.

Kyle Blanks is healthier and more prepared now than any other time in his professional career. Now it is a matter of getting back to the big leagues where he can put his practice and preparation to work for the San Diego Padres and prove he belongs. Keep track of Kyle Blanks and his progress at friarhood.com.