New Padres owner-in-waiting Jeff Moorad probably had his best day as Padres CEO since taking over at the top of the organization. Over about a 12-hour span the following happened:
- 1st round pick CF Donavan Tate was signed to a $6.25 million deal, a franchise record for a draft pick
- 2nd round pick CF Everett Williams signed to $775,000 deal
- 4th round pick RHP Keyvius Sampson signed to $600,000 deal
- San Diego's Park View Little League team is going to the LL World Series. With the manager on the radio talking about how they are trying to raise money to get all of the parents out to Williamsport, PA, Moorad calls in and donates $10,000 on behalf of the Padres to help.
- Chase Headley and Kyle Blanks start a 2-out rally to beat the Cubs, ending on Blanks' 3-run walk-off homer.
So the Padres have secured top talent in the draft, signifying a big change from previous years when the Padres became well known for their tendency to sign "safe" college prospects. In doing this, Moorad makes it clear to the fans that he will be different and is fully committed to rebuilding and acquiring top-tier talent. Moorad also gets bonus PR points for donating money to the community. Then the Padres two top young prospects, Headley and Blanks, combine to win a game for the major league team. Personally, I thought yesterday was a breathe of fresh air. Obviously we have years to find out if these draft picks will pan out or not, but it honestly can't get any worse than past drafts. Instead of following Sandy Alderson's moneyball philosophy, which despite all of its hype has not produced a successful team, the Padres have shifted to a drafting philosophy more like recent successful small market teams like the Rays and Marlins - draft young, high upside, athletic players. Williams and Sampson are both steals. Tate and Williams have 5-tool outfielder potential, and Sampson is a power arm with a live fastball and a hammer for a curveball. He
has a crazy story that is a pretty good read.
Anyways, a bright day for the lowly Padres, who have had too many low points in the last 2 seasons.
