Mike Baxter

Bats: Left, Throws: Right Height: 6' 0", Weight: 190 lb.
Born: December 7, 1984 in Queens, New York, US
Drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 4th round of the 2005 MLB June Amateur Draft.

Our Interview with Mike Baxter on 9/20/10

{audio}images/mp3/Mike_Baxter_9.20.10.mp3{/audio}

The Padres have purchase the contract of 1B/OF Mike Baxter from Portland on Monday. To make room for OF Mike Baxter, the Padres have DFA'd LHP Steve Garrison.

Mike Baxter is having a stellar year with the Padres AAA affiliate in Portland, playing his best all around Baseball this year. Baxter is very versatile, playing the corner outfields and first-base, he can also catch a little, play third and center-field. Baxter is hitting .301/ .382/ .517/ 30 doubles, 10 triples, 18 HR, 72 RBI while also swiping 22 stolen bases with a .899 OPS.

Baxter is a solid-to-plus defender in the outfield corners, and even has some center field experience. Baxter has good speed on the base paths, along with good base running instincts. He also showcases an above average arm. Baxter is described as, "a very intelligent Baseball player".

Throughout Baxter's six years in the Padres organization he has continually shown the capability to hit on every level. Baxter has solid gap power, he will hit for average, has very good plate discipline enabling him to draw walks and possibly show more power as he advances however, he is 25 now and this is his first year hitting more than 10 home runs at any level. Over six minor league seasons in the Padres organization Baxter has posted a (.278 .348 .423 .771) line.

MLB comparison:  Nick Markakis

Baxter has a legitimate shot at an everyday job on the big league level next year with question marks offensively, such as Kyle Blanks, Scott Hairston, Will Venable, along with other unproven (on the MLB level) minor leaguers, Aaron Cunningham, Luis Durango and possibly Cedric Hunter who has come on strong. Recently acquired Wily Mo Pena has also been very impressive at AAA-Portland and Chris Denorfia has been very productive, taking over the starting job from Tony Gwynn Jr. even before he went on the shelf with a broken bone. It should be a very competitive off-season for the Padres plethora of outfielders.