Prospect Profile: Wade LeBlanc, LHP San Diego Padres
-Dexter Sports
11:47 AM
Dexter-Sports Inbox
Proper Name: Wade Matthew LeBlanc
Born: Aug. 7, 1984 in Lake Charles, La.
School: Alabama Ht.: 6-3 Wt.: 190
Bats: L Throws: L
Wade LeBlanc has always been on the fast track to the Major Leagues. Like Tim Lincecum, Mark Prior and Andrew Miller before him, this lefty's fastball is way above average, h
is off speed is near major league ready, and the San Diego Padres considered him as the 5th starter in spring training just one year after being drafted. Later in this season, Leblanc could be the next power pitcher to make a name for himself as a major leaguer.
Baseball America's Freshman of the Year in 2004, LeBlanc led Alabama with a 8-4 record in his freshman campaign, with a 2.08 ERA. He missed most of his sophomore season due to injury, but he came back strong his junior season leading the Crimson Tide to the super regionals. Leblanc's success continued as a professional. Last year, he led the Padres organization in strike outs (145) and ended up with 13 wins and a 2.95 ERA in time at HiA and AA.
LeBlanc's signature pitch is his change up, which is an 80 on the scouting scale, has fooled batters whether it has been thrown in the dirt or for a strike. Since Leblanc's fastball only reaches 90 MPH, it is imperative for Leblanc to work his change and curve ball to perfection. Like many young starters, Leblanc has a hard time maintaining his mechanics in points of the game but is quickly improving in that aspect.
Making his debut at AAA Portland at the beginning of the season, LeBlanc put up 11 strikeouts, tying the Portland record. He settled in and only gave up four hits and struck out 6 of his first 8 hitters. Leblanc is very close to being an everyday major leaguer.
My Projections and ETA:
I believe that LeBlanc will be up by mid July, especially with the Padres struggles so far this season. If Greg Maddux is dealt or Chris Young and Jake Peavy stay out for longer than expected, LeBlanc is the best option for the Padres. Ultimately I believe that LeBlanc becomes a solid middle rotation type of pitcher that can dominate against lefty lineups. He will hold the third spot of that rotation for a long time into the future. That is saying something, considering the two men who will be in front of him. The Padres could have the best rotation for the next decade.
11:47 AM
Dexter-Sports Inbox
Proper Name: Wade Matthew LeBlanc
Born: Aug. 7, 1984 in Lake Charles, La.
School: Alabama Ht.: 6-3 Wt.: 190
Bats: L Throws: L
Wade LeBlanc has always been on the fast track to the Major Leagues. Like Tim Lincecum, Mark Prior and Andrew Miller before him, this lefty's fastball is way above average, h
is off speed is near major league ready, and the San Diego Padres considered him as the 5th starter in spring training just one year after being drafted. Later in this season, Leblanc could be the next power pitcher to make a name for himself as a major leaguer.Baseball America's Freshman of the Year in 2004, LeBlanc led Alabama with a 8-4 record in his freshman campaign, with a 2.08 ERA. He missed most of his sophomore season due to injury, but he came back strong his junior season leading the Crimson Tide to the super regionals. Leblanc's success continued as a professional. Last year, he led the Padres organization in strike outs (145) and ended up with 13 wins and a 2.95 ERA in time at HiA and AA.
LeBlanc's signature pitch is his change up, which is an 80 on the scouting scale, has fooled batters whether it has been thrown in the dirt or for a strike. Since Leblanc's fastball only reaches 90 MPH, it is imperative for Leblanc to work his change and curve ball to perfection. Like many young starters, Leblanc has a hard time maintaining his mechanics in points of the game but is quickly improving in that aspect.
Making his debut at AAA Portland at the beginning of the season, LeBlanc put up 11 strikeouts, tying the Portland record. He settled in and only gave up four hits and struck out 6 of his first 8 hitters. Leblanc is very close to being an everyday major leaguer.
My Projections and ETA:
I believe that LeBlanc will be up by mid July, especially with the Padres struggles so far this season. If Greg Maddux is dealt or Chris Young and Jake Peavy stay out for longer than expected, LeBlanc is the best option for the Padres. Ultimately I believe that LeBlanc becomes a solid middle rotation type of pitcher that can dominate against lefty lineups. He will hold the third spot of that rotation for a long time into the future. That is saying something, considering the two men who will be in front of him. The Padres could have the best rotation for the next decade.
