Kyle Blanks

2013

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2012

With the help of a strong walk rate, Blanks has traditionally posted a high OBP (>.380) and has displayed great power potential, however, he has had his difficulty with the adjustments to major league pitching. If he can reduce his 31.5 percent strikeout rate, maintain his walk rate and improve on his .195 average against southpaws, Blanks could eventually work his way into a platoon situation despite a murky outlook for playing time heading into spring training following the Padres' offseason additions to the outfield mix.

2011

The 6-foot-6, 270-pound Blanks played only in April and into part of May before an elbow injury sidelined him last season. The injury was serious enough that he needed Tommy John surgery to correct it. Prior to 2010, he had shown an ability to hit for power and average in the minors. Surprisingly athletic, he played left field in the past, but the surgery will likely sap his arm strength and limit him to first-base duties. His health status going into spring training will be tenuous, and it's likely that he won't be ready for action on Opening Day. Once healthy, he's going to have to cut down on his strikeout rate, if he hopes to stick at the major league level.

2010

Blanks' surprising dexterity in the left field was nice, but the plantar fascitis that ended his season is a serious concern for a player of his size, emphasizing the need for the Padres to get him to first base. Of perhaps greater concern was the degradation of his strikeout rate at Triple-A and in the majors. In the short term, Blanks brings too much risk to be a comfortable play; in the long term, he will be a Ryan Howard-caliber first baseman.

2009

Despite backing up his imposing physique with a solid season at Double-A San Antonio, Blanks is a bit under the prospect radar in part because of a subpar stint in the Arizona Fall League. He was sent to the AFL to work on his pitch recognition and if he can make strides in this area, he could creep up the prospect ladder quickly. For now, expect him to begin the year at Triple-A Portland and be sure to monitor his progress.

2008

At 6-6, 281, Blanks is an impressive physical specimen. He hit .301/.380/.540 in 2007 at High-A Lake Elsinore, including 24 homers and 100 RBI. Like a lot of power hitters, he strikes out frequently (98 times in 465 at-bats last year), however, Blanks still manages to hit for average and can hit the gaps in addition to slamming the ball over the fence. He should face the Double-A test in 2008.

2007

Blanks has been described as a taller Cecil Fielder in better shape: he stands 6-6 and weighs 290 lbs. Not surprisingly, Blanks can hit for power, but also strikes out a lot. Despite this, his .292 average wasn't bad. Blanks will probably begin 2007 with High-A Lake Elsinore. He was not a highly-regarded draft pick (42nd round in 2004) and is a long way from the majors.