Nick Hundley

2013

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2012

Mediocre power numbers, a career .302 OBP, a below-average strikeout rate and injuries have all led Hundley to being an afterthought in fantasy circles. He's never played in more than 85 games in a season and, with a poor contact rate, has failed to deliver on most of the promise he showed in the minors. However, after mid-season surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow last year, Hundley's bat seemed to turn a corner. Over the final two months of 2011, he mashed six home runs, posted a 1.060 OPS and significantly dropped his strikeouts. The Padres expect him to assume primary catching duties in 2012, so if he can carry this momentum into the spring, he could prove to be a nice sleeper while Yasmani Grandal finishes his minor league development.

2011

Hundley again shared catching duties for the Padres in 2010. Like most catchers, he doesn't hit for average and has only moderate power. With Yorvit Torrealba's departure in the offseason, the team hopes to expand his playing time in 2011. He's entering his age 27 season, but owners shouldn't expect some great breakthrough, especially since he still calls PETCO Park home.

2010

No relation to the Mets and Cubs catcher from the 1990s, this Hundley is a comparable player, a low-contact backstop with some power who can draw an occasional walk. He's in the absolute worst park for a player with his skill set, crippling his fantasy value. If he ever gets out of San Diego, he could have a Mike Napoli season. Until then, he's a No. 2 catcher.

2009

Even with the caveat that sometimes catchers need more time to develop their offense than other position players, Hundley's progress is not as rapid as some had hoped. Injuries to Josh Bard and Michael Barrett led to Hundley getting significant playing time last season, but he really did not show much with the stick, though he did a good job receiving. Hundley showed a little pop, but his problem is more with plate patience and making contact, which will keep his average below .250 unless he makes significant upgrades in these areas. Still, he may be the Opening Day catcher by default and is capable of double-digit homers with regular playing time.

2008

Hundley will need to show more progress at the plate before he has a shot at sticking in the majors. He hit .247/.324/.475 with 20 homers and 72 RBI in 373 Double-A at-bats last year. He posted similar stats in the Arizona Fall League, although his power totals dropped. Hundley should spend 2008 in the minors. His eventual ceiling might be as a part-time major leaguer.

2007

Hundley took over as San Diego's best minor league catcher when George Kottaras was traded to Boston in September. Hundley split his 2006 season between Low- and High-A and finished with a combined .276/.356/.442, 11 homers and 67 RBI. His power numbers declined significantly after his promotion to High-A, dropping from one homer every 30 AB to a homer every 65 AB. It’s no surprise, then, that he has a reputation as a solid defender with an inconsistent bat. He likely will face the Double-A test in 2007.