I like seeing Padres minor league info, especially the guys that don't get a lot of press. John Sickels posted some excerpts from his new book and here are two Padres he wanted to share with us:

Erik Davis, RHP, San Diego Padres

Bats: R    Throws: R     HT: 6-4     WT: 200   DOB: October 8, 1986

  San Diego drafted Erik Davis in the 13th round last year, out of Stanford. He pitched excellently in his pro debut, showing sharp command of his 89-92 MPH sinking fastball, solid curveball and very good changeup. He never quite lived up to expectations in college, but scouts like his emotional fortitude: he was hit in the face by a line drive in the 2006 Cape Cod League, almost losing an eye and requiring reconstructive surgery. Davis will have to prove himself at higher levels, but he’s earned the opportunity, and I think he is a sleeper. Grade C.

Sawyer Carroll, OF, San Diego Padres
Bats: L    Throws: R     HT: 6-4     WT: 210   DOB: May 9, 1986

The Padres drafted Carroll in the supplemental third round last year, from the University of Kentucky. He was very successful in college, and he continued to hit well in the Northwest League after signing (OPS +33 percent). However, his strikeout rate at Eugene was rather high, and a late trial in the Midwest League resulted in poor numbers. People who like Carroll say he is a polished hitter with good strike zone judgment and at least decent power, who is fundamentally sound and makes the most out of average tools. People who don’t like Carroll say he’s an aluminum bat hitter who will struggle against better pitching, and that Midwest League pitchers exposed his lack of genuinely good bat speed. The jury is still out on this, given the sample size, but he’s shown the ability to make adjustments before. Grade C for now.

compliments of John Sickels over at http://www.minorleagueball.com/