After an early surge, the Padres are once again in their familiar spot at the bottom of the NL West.  While their pitching has been adequate, the problem continues to be their offense. In mid June, they are slugging .346, which is dead last in the majors.  While their minor league system is very strong, there is no Kris Bryant or Oscar Taveras who could hit 30+ home runs in the spacious confines of Petco Park.  Their ceiling looks like a .500 team just off the fringes of making the playoffs.

1. Next in Line Infield Prospects

• Cody Decker (1B, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low
• Austin Hedges (C, Double-A) – Fantasy relevance: Medium
• Jace Peterson (SS, Double-A) – Fantasy relevance: Medium – PROMOTED: 6/4/14
  

Notes: Cody Decker is on the doorstep on the majors but doesn’t make great contact and therefore it might to tough for him to tap into his power.   He would be fun to have in the majors as he’s personable and edgy.  While Yasmani Grandal has looked good since returning from injuries, Austin Hedges could be a special backstop.  He’s a great receiver with a plus arm and should eventually develop above-average power.  It might take a few years and therefore, fantasy owners need to be patient.  Finally, Jace Peterson spent the entire 2013 season in High-A but is likely the next best option at middle infield.  He’s a line drive hitter who makes good contact and has plus speed with the ability to steal high stolen bases if given the opportunity.

2. Next in Line Outfield Prospects

• Jeff Francoeur (OF, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low
• Reymond Fuentes (OF, Double-A) – Fantasy relevance: Medium
  
• Rymer Liriano (OF, Double-A) – Fantasy relevance: High

Notes: Reymond Fuentes put himself squarely on the prospect radar last year after hitting .330 across Double-A and Triple-A.  The results earned him a September call-up.  However, he started 2014 off slowly and has found his way back to Double-A.  Rymer Liriano is returning after having Tommy John Surgery last spring.  He has an intriguing combination of speed and power and once he knocks the rust off could also see San Diego over the summer.

3. Next in Line Pitching Prospects

• Keyvius Sampson (RHP, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Medium
• Juan Oramas (RHP, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low
• Matt Wisler (RHP, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: High

Notes: Keyvius Sampson dominated Double-A last year but struggled in Tuscon.  El Paso has not been any better as he’s posted a 7.71 ERA and has walked more than he has struck out so far in 2014.  His mechanics would indicate that he’s a better pitcher than what he’s showed in Triple-A but the Padres might be reluctant to call him up until he shows mastery at that level.  Matt Wisler has huge upside and could be a significant pitcher once he makes his way to San Diego.  He’s pitched extremely well in over 120 innings in Double-A and could see a promotion to Triple-A in May.  If he pitches well there, he could easily be in San Diego in the second half.  Given the pitching environment of Petco, it could be very good for fantasy owners.

4. Next in Line Relief Prospects

• Tony Sipp (LHP, Triple-A)  – Fantasy relevance: Low
• Kevin Quackenbush (RHP, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low – PROMOTED: 5/9/14
  

Notes: Kevin Quackenbush has closer potential but that’s not likely to happen in 2014.