Perhaps the misconception that the Padres are overly-cautious with their drafts will be moderated a bit after the first day of 2006. The club selected three AFLAC high school all-americans and three more Cape Cod League college players. Both events are showcases for the top talent at their respective levels.
Area Scout Ash Lawson was a busy man this spring! In the first 20 picks, the Padres took his guy four times, including each of the top two picks. The club has been active in the Southeast for several years, taking Chase Headley, Daniel Moore and Colt Morton early out of college programs in the region in recent drafts.
In the 21st round, the club grabbed Texas State slugger Daniel Cannon. The stocky left-hander clubbed 18 homers in 54 games in his senior year this season.
Going back to Tennessee again, the Padres grabbed the top hitter on the JuCo World Series championship team from Walters State. Listed as a first baseman, Justin Pickett has played both infield corners.
Like Aaron Breit last year, the Padres went back into the draft for pitcher Jeremy McBryde again, selecting the righty in the 26th round this year. He was their 38th-round pick last year out of high school before heading to Rose State College (OK) for his freshman year.
Returning to one of their favorite talent pools, the club took senior pitcher Matt Huff out of Colorado's Regis University. The Castle Rock, CO, native struck out 112 in 100.2 innings in his second year at the school.
The Friars went local with their 30th-round pick, taking Palomar College freshman pitcher Joe Cates. The righty is originally from Hemet.
Jon Kirby became the sixth player from Tennessee in the Padres' draft. Pitching for tiny NAIA Lee University, the power righty struck out 241 hitters in two years after a stint at Walters State.
The Padres are hoping family lineage plays out well for 34th-round pick Casey Haerther. The slugging first baseman's older brother Cody is one of the Cardinals' best prospects, but Casey is bigger and seemingly more advanced at this stage in his career.
Between the 33rd and 44th rounds, the team selected 12 straight high school players, including seven pitchers. In that mix are Georgia-committed shortstop Mike Freeman and Illinois third baseman Lucas Stewart, the son of area scout Jeff Stewart.
The club bowed out after taking the son of former big leaguer Joe Lefebvre, Bryce, with their 45th pick. The team could have continued through 50 rounds, but was content with their work already.
Stay with us throughout the day for ongoing coverage of the Padres' draft.