Youngster Latos heir to Hoffman?

[jacs]

By Tom Krasovic / UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

When 6-foot-5 Matt Latos met Padres closer Trevor Hoffman, Latos said the 6-foot pitcher appeared “larger than life.”

Latos, in years ahead, might see Hoffman as a potential mentor more than an icon.

“Latos has a chance to be a difference-maker at the major league level, probably as a closer,” said Padres field coordinator Bill Bryk.

Latos, a 2006 draftee who signed for $1.25 million in late May of this year, is a starting pitcher in the rookie-level Northwest League. The 19-year-old, who consistently exceeds 90 mph with his fastball, has struck out 29 against seven walks in 21 innings. His ERA is 3.86.

Notes

Ohio State's athletic department is known for football and basketball, but former Buckeyes pitcher Cory Luebke, selected by San Diego in June with a first-round compensation pick, isn't a secret to the Padres or other baseball clubs. “He has three big-league pitches now – fastball, slider, change-up,” Bryk said. “I've heard this from other guys: This guy's a steal.” The 6-foot-4 left-hander is 2-0 with a 1.06 ERA in the Northwest League. He has 15 strikeouts and no walks in 17 innings.

Second baseman Matt Antonelli went 17-for-38 (.447) after his promotion to Double-A. He hit three home runs and two doubles, and he had more walks than strikeouts in the 10 games.

Signed for about $300,000 this summer, Edinson Rincon, a third baseman, appeared in the Dominican Summer League's All-Star Game yesterday and soon will report to the Arizona Summer League. Just 16 when he signed, Rincon is ahead of the curve for a first-year professional.

Panamanian speedster Luis Durango, who scored 29 runs in 29 games with Eugene (Ore.), recently bunted the ball off the third-base bag and outran the defense to get a double. “Durango is the most exciting player in the Northwest League,” Bryk said of the 145-pound center fielder.

SignOnSanDiego.com > San Diego Padres -- Youngster Latos heir to Hoffman?

[padrefanforever]

Hell no........he's going to make up a trio of Ace's in our rotation......he's not going to be wasted on a bullpen role.......we have Matt Bush as the heir for that role

[FmrFresnan]

Matt Bush as the heir to Trevor Hoffman? Interesting thought, but is Bush going to be ready in 2009 after Trevor retires after the '08 season? It really is an interesting thought.

[padrefanforever]

Bush could be ready to make his ML debut in late 09.........IMO easily, if things continue to progress, in '10

....and keep in mind.......if Trevor is still going strong, he could sign a 1+ contract to get another season in.......and if things to sideways for him, he just retires or moves to a coaching position

[HollywoodLeo]

Hell no........he's going to make up a trio of Ace's in our rotation......he's not going to be wasted on a bullpen role.......we have Matt Bush as the heir for that role

Trio?

Inman might make 4.

(Going off what KT says about him combined with BA ranking him 3rd overall in a good Brewers farm, though, as I know nothing of the guy.)

[padrefanforever]

Trio?

Inman might make 4.

(Going off what KT says about him combined with BA ranking him 3rd overall in a good Brewers farm, though, as I know nothing of the guy.)

Please note the time stamp of my post........it was 10min before the trade announcement, and at the time of my post, we didn't have Inman......

thank you for your support

That being corrected.........I agree.........

4somes are greatness

[MrPadre19]

I think it will be Bush....but by 09' I don't know.
As far as Latos and Inman,I see a couple fans counting chickens!
Remember Tankersley?

[HollywoodLeo]

I think it will be Bush....but by 09' I don't know.
As far as Latos and Inman,I see a couple fans counting chickens!
Remember Tankersley?

Not counting anything, just talking possibilities.

[padrefanforever]

I think it will be Bush....but by 09' I don't know.
As far as Latos and Inman,I see a couple fans counting chickens!
Remember Tankersley?

Nobody has annointed them as the next coming of anything or anyone.......but all things are pointed the right direction. And until they flop ala Tank......they are going to get promoted as such........

If Depo thinks Inman is instantly the top pitching prospect in our system, that's saying something.......especially since we just drafted and signed some good arms......

Nothing wrong with a little excitement for a farm system that is clearly getting better