Corey Brock of MLB.com reports that the Padres optioned Chase Headley to Triple-A Portland. Headley hit .349 in 43 at-bats this spring and lead the team with 4 home runs and 14 RBIs. Headley has been sent down to work on his defense. Meanwhile, the Padres don’t have to submit their 25-man roster until March 30th. One prospect left is Callix Crabbe and it appears that the utilityman has a good chance of making the team. Crabbe can play every spot in the outfield and every spot in the infield except 1B. His chances of making the team are only improved by the fact that Jim Edmonds is on the DL.
Archive for the ‘Callix Crabbe’ Category
Padres Trim Down Roster
Tuesday, March 25th, 2008Padres Prospect: Crabbe Still Alive
Thursday, March 20th, 2008The Padres recently trimmed down their roster to 42. Callix Crabbe is one of the outstanding prospects remaining. He had a big day on Tuesday against the Diamond Backs with 3 hits and a RBI. This spring he has a .405 avg in 42 at-bats with 7 RBIs and a homer. This prospect is a great, versatile player and has obviously made enough of an impression on manager Bud Black to keep him around. Referring to Crabbe, Black said:
“The way he’s played this spring, and the way our scouts saw him last year, he possibly could be deserving of a shot. He’s playing very well. He’s getting his hits, he’s showing his versatility, which is a plus.”
Padres Roundup: Headley, Crabbe, and Gonzalez! Oh, My!
Monday, March 10th, 2008- Jim Edmonds limped off the field Thursday with a strained right calf. He had MRIs on Friday and the doctor’s report says he could be out for 2-3 weeks. What does all this mean? Bad new for Edmonds and great news for our prospects.
- Manager Bud Black will look to fill his outfield with a combo of Scott Hairston, Paul McAnulty, Chase Headley, and Callix Crabbe with Edmonds out. Headley had an eventful day in Saturday’s win over Texas batting 2-for-3 with a homer, triple, and three RBIs. He is batting .500 in 16 at bats and looks to be in good position to get a spot on the bench. That same game Crabbe was 2-for-4 with one RBI and is batting .375 in 24 at-bats.
- Another “prospect” that’s making news is Edgar Gonzalez. Edgar is the 29-year-old older brother of first baseman Adrian and has had an impressive spring. He is batting .533 in 15 at bats. He is versatile in the infield and has a strong bat. Bud Black says:
“Part of his game is his ability to move around the field. He’s told me he has played everywhere. He feels comfortable around the diamond and there’s no doubt he’s played well. He’s played well in the field, and offensively, he’s been swinging the bat great.”
That being said, its pretty obvious the only reason journeyman Edgar is even in camp is because of his younger brother’s pull. It remains to be seen whether he has the baseball skills to make the team on his own.
Padres Prospect: Chase Headley
Thursday, March 6th, 2008Chase Headley looks to be a strong prospect for the Padres. He played in eight games last year with a .222 avg in 18 at-bats. This spring he is batting .545 in 11 at-bats. Look for Headley to get some outfield play this year or backup Kevin Kouzmanoff at 3B. He got some action in left field yesterday, and said afterwards:
“With the exception of the very first ball, I felt like I did a good job. I think it was a very productive day. It kept me on edge all day.”
Headley will have to battle with Callix Crabbe and other Padres prospects to prove to manager Bud Black that he will be useful to the team.
Padres Prospects: The Bench Dilemma
Wednesday, March 5th, 2008Padres Manager Bud Black is stuck in the fortunate position of having a few open bench spots with many players to choose from. Callix Crabbe shines because of his versatility amongst others like Chase Headley, the 2007 Texas League Player of the Year, and Edgar Gonzalez, who had a 1-run homer today against Oakland. Crabbe, a Rule V Draft pick from the Brewers, is hitting .385 in 13 at-bats while playing almost every position on the field. Bud Black says:
“The versatility is a big plus for him … There’s a short little quick stroke. He puts the bat on the ball. He’s got that line-drive, gap stroke from both sides of the plate that looks pretty good.”
Black plans on testing his skills in the outfield for now but may try him out at shortstop, a position he hasn’t played since 2004. Crabbe, at 5′8” 190 lbs, has a great chance to earn a spot as a switch-hitting, utility outfielder as long as he keeps performing.
