1. Anthony Rizzo, 1B 8/8/1989 H: 6’3″ W: 220 – Acquired as part, but not the centerpiece of the Adrian Gonzalez trade prior to the 2011 season, Rizzo is the heir apparent to Gonzalez at first base in Petco park. Talk about huge shoes to fill. The good news for the Padres is that Rizzo had an excellent season in triple A. Hitting for an average of 331 and slugging .652, with 26Hr’s and 101 rbi’s, what is not to like? Unfortunately, that didn’t translate into the Major leagues where he turned into a strikeout machine. However, it is completely reasonable that he needs time to adjust to the major league caliber pitching. While playing a good glove and showing fine plate skills, there is every reason to believe that the best is yet to come for Rizzo. He came in at #46 on last years top 100 prospects and he has done nothing to invalidate that by his 2011 performance.
Our Instinct: Petco will sap some of his power numbers, but he still should exhibit gap power. With his patient approach at the plate and good pitch recognition his on-base ability will translate well in the majors. Look for him to start the season with the big club. Watch the K-rate as it needs to be reduced. Rizzo is likely going to adjust to major league competition and become a productive first baseman.
2. James Darnell, 3B 1/19/1987 H: 6’2″ W: 195 – Since being drafted in 2008, James Darnell has been high on the San Diego prospect list. And with good reason, he has a legit major league bat. In our scouting report Prospect Instinct|James Darnell we noted that his main problem is in his defensive game. The primary concern is fielding errors which have come down quite nicely over the last 2 years from 30 committed in 2009 to 14 in 2011. If he can maintain that kind of level of fielding then he will make a fine major league third basemen. The reason being that he has some serious offensive skills. First he had an excellent 68bb/78k ratio prior to his limited-time only appearance in the majors. This understanding of the strike zone will serve him well when major league pitchers attempt to find holes in his swing. Speaking of his swing, it has a bit of pop to it. In 422 ab’s he had 23 Hr with 79 rbi’s. With a combined .333 ba and .406 obp, there is every reason to believe that he can handle major league pitching.
Our Instinct: Despite the fact that he will be hitting in the cavernous Petco park, I see a very productive future for Darnell. Very good fantasy value can be found with this prospect. I look for a good batting average, with an even better OBP. Combine that with decent power potential and you have yourself a player that would look good on your fantasy squad.
the rest of the list... http://baseballinstinct.com/2011/12/04/san-diego-padres-top-10-prospects-list/
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