San Diego Padres 2011 draft profiles

The San Diego Padres have 5 draft picks in the first 60 players in the draft (10, 25, 48, 54, 58) then the 82nd pick in the 2nd round, 112 in the 3rd round and every 30th pick after that for the remainder of the draft. The #10 pick is compensation for not signing Karsten Whitson last year and is not protected. This means that if they don’t sign the player they don’t get any compensation next year. Most sound thinking will tell you that the player drafted in this spot should be a guaranteed sign. That most likely means a college player that doesn’t have unreasonable expectations for a contract.

This year’s draft, unlike 2009 and 2010, is more wide open regarding the top pick or the top three to four picks. It is becoming more clear who is favored for those spots but with the conference tournaments coming up the list could continue to shift around in a fluid fashion up till the last minute before the draft (June 6). All of these factors make for interesting prognostications about who will be the Padres top pick as well as the #25 pick that comes up later in the first round (their natural pick).

There are some brave mock drafters out there who are willing to name the top 60 picks, which would give us some added entertainment as that would cover the Padres first five picks. But I am having enough trouble trying to narrow down the first two picks, much less taking it out to the first five.

Here is the first installment of Peter Friberg’s Draft Big Board. I scour the consensus national ranking experts: Baseball America and ESPN’s Keith Law, as well as some of the blogs, but I always make my own opinions (i.e. George Springer is touted as potential 30-30 guy but I’ve yet to buy into him and my ranking is demonstrably lower than you’ll see elsewhere)…

With Spring Training kicking off, and games just around the corner, naturally I catch myself looking ahead to June and baseball’s Amateur Draft (it’s the amateur GM in me). The Padre system was recently rated #9 in all of baseball by Baseball America in their 2011 Prospect Handbook. With very few prospects expected to graduate into the big leagues (Cory Luebke and a few relievers should be the only guys who lose rookie eligibility) combined with several top selections (5 in the first 60) the Padres should system should take a big step forward as an organization.

KARSTEN WHITSON

6-4     210 LBS    Throws:  R  Bats:  R

Chipley  HS   (Chipley, FL)    Senior   DOB: 8/25/91  (18 yr  10 months)

Committed to the University of Florida Gators

The profile of Karsten posted previously on this site lists his weight at 190 lbs. A recent interview with Whitson updates that to 210 lbs. as a result of weight lifting during the previous winter.  He concentrated on his legs and upper body and is still in a growing phase. That is good news for the Padres. As is the fact that his recent fastball was clocked at 96 mph with still room to improve. He is currently sitting between 93-95 mph with the same sharp slider reported previously and an improvement on his circle change during this last season. He also uses a two-seam sinker at times and is working on improving it. He throws from a ¾ arm angle with a loose, live arm.

3B Nick Castellanos 6’4” 210

Castellanos plays for Archbishop McCarthy High School in Southwest Ranches, Florida.  He’s a short stop, but will likely move to third base at the next level.  He’s considered one of the best prep bats in the draft and profiles as an above average third baseman defensively.

Nick has good hands, agility, and plenty of arm for third base.  He’s projected to be a plus hitter with plus power at the next level.  He has had some trouble with breaking balls and has average speed.

He also has a strong commitment to Miami and will probably demand well above slot to sign.  Castellanos will most likely be available when it’s the Padres turn to pick at #9.

Updates on player signings and assignments will be posted here by Steve Adler and Mickey Koke.  Check back often!

The MLB Draft kicks off Monday with the first round and will continue through Wednesday.  We will do out best to provide you coverage of the Padres picks and unique analysis from our own Cheri Bell, Brian Koke and resources throught the web. 

I want to invite you to join us and encourage you to participate in the coverage.

The newest Padre: Karsten Whitson

Karsten Whitson  RHP

6-4 190 lbs     Chipley HS (FL)    DOB:  8/25/91

This year’s draft class is notably strong in pitchers, particularly RHP. Karsten is a prime example of the quality of this draft. With a fastball clocked between 91-96mph,  with good movement, he also has a plus slider from 81-83mph that has a hard, sharp break. His third pitch is an 80-82mph changeup that he is working to improve and is average at this point.

Whitson is tall and lanky, with good control and few walks in his starts. He has a repeatable delivery and is athletic.

He started the season strong but had a late season fade that has concerned scouts but has made a good showing in the All Star competition this month. As a result of this up and down season he has moved up and down in the mock drafts. His current surge could help move him back up to his prominent position in the top 15 picks of the first round.