On the first day of the 2014 MLB Draft, the Padres had two selections. It comes as no surprise the team with the least-productive offense in baseball grabbed a pair of position players.
The Friars took N.C. State shortstop Trea Turner with the 13th overall selection. Turner is one of the fastest players in this year's class, and is without question the best defensive infielder.
In fact, Turner might be on the level of Rey Ordonez with his glove. The problem is, Turner might also be on the level of Rey Ordonez with his bat.
The former Mets star won three straight Gold Gloves in the late 90's, but only hit 12 home runs in 3115 career at-bats. Turner is not known for his bat, and is not likely to drive in many runs at the Big League level. The Padres are hoping he'll make up for it by saving the pitching staff runs.
With the 51st pick, the Padres took Michael Gettys, an outfielder from Gainesville High School in Georgia. Gettys is regarded as one of the best raw athletes in this year's class, but needs to learn how to use his skill set in game situations.
Gettys has amazing bat speed, top-end speed and a great arm (he was clocked throwing 100 MPH from the outfield to the plate). He has some of the best raw power in the class and can run like the wind, but sometimes has trouble squaring up hittable pitches.
Working with professional coaches could help him utilize the raw tools to become a formidable, middle-of-the-order slugger.
One other concern is signability. Gettys is committed to the University of Georgia and may elect to go to college to further polish his game. If the Padres are able to sign him, Gettys offers one of the highest upsides in the 2014 Draft.
