Around the Mission: 6/20 Padres Links

Paul DePodesta: Roster Moves in Bulk
At some point any team's depth gets tested, and I'm afraid we're well beyond that point (especially since our projected #1, #2, and #3 starters are all on the DL). Nevertheless, this is a great opportunity for some of the younger guys to gain experience, prove they belong, and establish themselves.

New blood can't hurt if club's this bad
"He did all right in left," Towers says. "He's not going to be a problem. He may not be a plus defender out there, but he can run. He's not going to embarrass himself."

Padres choose to fill in with Blanks
"Kyle's right-handed and he's our hottest hitter in Triple-A," General Manager Kevin Towers said. "We're going to have to add him to the roster at the end of the year anyway. We can give him some bats now, let him get his feet wet. We'll see what happens."

Padres let late lead slip away | padres.com: News
Orlando Cabrera's two-run double in the eighth inning Friday lifted the Oakland A's to a 7-5 victory over the Padres in Interleague Play at PETCO Park.

Blanks promoted in flurry of moves | padres.com: News
Kyle Blanks, considered the Padres' top prospect, is on his way to PETCO Park. Blanks, a first baseman and outfielder with Triple-A Portland, is expected to have his contract purchased by the Padres on Friday when he will be added to the 40-man roster.

Friar John's Blog: Blanks gets the call to Big Leagues
Blanks is 22 years old, 6-foot-6 and 270 pounds. But he's no brute of a slugger. He's a hitter first who can put bat on ball with regularity -- .304 career average in the minors -- and actually had to work to develop his power in the minor leagues.