Kyle Blanks Update

Padres prospect Kyle Blanks made his debut in left field last week for Portland, and figures to continue to see action there. He's a minor league 1st baseman who won't see the field for a National league team with Adrian Gonzalez on the roster. Adding some corner outfield experience is an excellent idea, but Chase Headley is blocking him there. One can only hope that the Padres view Headley as the long-term 3rd baseman, and don't see a future with Kevin Kouzmanoff in it. Blanks is a masher, who projects to have 30-40 homerun potential at the major league level. His minor league numbers are quite good, though he has struck out at a high rate as he adjusts to AAA. Don't expect him to contribute in 2009. While he may enjoy a cup of coffee in the majors this year, expecting production from him yet may be far fetched. I do doubt that he can play the outfield at a productive level, however. At 6 foot 6 inches and 270 pounds, his size might make fans and pitchers cringe at times.