The 2011 Draft has officially closed and in addition to first round draft pick Cory Spangenberg, drafted back in the June amateur draft, the Padres have signed three more of their top four picks. Joe Ross, a right-handed pitcher from Bishop O'Dowd High in Oakland CA was signed for $2.75 million. Michael Kelly, another right-handed pitcher from West Boca Raton (Fla) High, was signed for $718k, and catcher Austin Hedges from Junipero Serra, CA was signed for $3 million. Ross is the younger brother of Oakland A's pitcher Tyson Ross and had a fastball that reached 96 mph in the spring. Kelly was 8-1 with a 1.89 ERA this past season and a fastball at around 94 mph. "He has a delivery that works," Padres assistant manager Jason McLeod said. Hedges was called by scouts the best defensive catcher in the draft.
What potential does 2012 hold with these three new athletes officially wearing a Padres uniform? Only time will tell!
