Jon Knott

Knott has posted a .500 slugging percentage at each level since A-ball and has successfully made a transition from first base to left field, coming out of nowhere to enter into the team's plans as a fourth outfielder or bat off the bench. His ceiling is likely limited in the Padres organization given the depth at the positions, and it's not high enough to garner much in the way of trade value.

The Double-A Southern League All-Star in 2003 hit 27 home runs for Mobile before a promotion to Triple-A, where he went deep four times and drove in 15 in just 24 games. He doesn't make consistent contact although a .387 Double-A on-base percentage in conjunction with a .252 batting average is proof of strong plate skills. The first basemen will be 26 in 2004 and while the power suggests potential, he's blocked at the position in the majors and at Triple-A, with MIchael Johnson coming from behind. It's difficult to project much of a career given the circumstances and he doesn't look to be a factor in 2004.

Knott put together an impressive season between two levels of A ball in 2002. He won the California League batting title, hitting .341 for the Lake Elsinore Storm -- with Rob Deer as hitting coach, no less. He displayed power to the gaps, hitting 45 doubles for the season. He also drew 46 walks and struck out only 68 times, en route to earning the Padres’ Minor League co-Player of the Year Award. He could become the future for the Padres at 1B.