Guillermo Quiroz # - CSan Diego

 Age: 29DOB: 1981/11/29POB: Maracaibo, VenezuelaHeight: 6-1  Weight: 215lbsBats/Throws: R/RMLB Seasons: 7Signed by Toronto in  1998.

 The Padres have invited catcher Guillermo Quiroz as a Spring Training non-roster invitee. Quiroz, 29, has played for four teams (Rangers, Blue Jays, Mariners and Orioles) in parts of seven seasons posting a mediocer (.208 .267 .275) line. However, Quiroz is a former top prospect. In 2004, he was listed by Baseball America as the 35th overall prospect with the Blue Jays. He was the 3rd best prospect, the best power hitter in the organization and the best defensive catcher. In 2005, Guillermo Quiroz was the 79th overall prospect by Baseball America. "He looks like a baby Pudge Rodriguez. He'll shut down the running game, and he has some power." Said one NL scout.

While he is far removed from a top prospect, he does have tools that could make him valuable if he is healthy. Injuries have obviously hindered his development, both offensively and defensively. Having said that, I like that the Padres are looking at players with some upside with potential to produce. He will compete with Rob Johnson in Spring Training as the back up catcher to Nick Hundley. Last year he hit (.286 .347 .431) with 22 doubles, 2 triple, 7 HR's with 46 RBI in 329 Ab's between AA-AAA with the Seattle Mariners affiliate. He had very minimal time the last two seasons on the MLB level, batting (.286 .286 .286) in 09 and (.286 .286 .429) last year, a total of 21 AB's. Though a small sample, he does appear to finally be healthy and did have a very promising year in the minors in 2010, as aforementioned.

SB-Nation scouting report: 

Defense is his calling card, as he boasts a strong, accurate arm and cat-like quickness behind the dish. Has a little power at the plate.

Injuries have stunted his development as a hitter. Has also had problems finding any kind of consistency in all aspects of the game.

Career potential Backup catcher with good tools.

The Baseball Cube: