Nick Schmidt is Player to be Named Later in the Rockies/Padres Trade

Nick Schmidt was drafted 23rd overall in the 2007 Amateur Draft by the Padres. Prior to entering the draft, Schmidt became the all-time strikeouts leader in Arkansas Razorbacks history. The Padres were high on him with they took him with their first pick in 2007. Unfortunately for both sides, Schmidt never developed. In four minor league seasons, Schmidt was never able to progress beyond High-A ball.

Schmidt’s career line is 16-24, 4.61 ERA, and a 1.464 WHIP. His hits per nine innings were an unimpressive 9.1 throughout his career, and his walks per nine innings also raised concerns at 4.1.  Losing Schmidt for a one-year rental in Huston Street probably isn’t too big a deal for the Padres.  They can likely replace his talent-level with one of the Heath Bell compensatory draft picks.  They may even get someone who develops into a better player than Schmidt.

In all, the Padres didn’t lose much in the Street trade.  They lost a lower tier prospect, they lost some payroll flexibility for 2012, but they didn’t lose a key player in the trade.  Padres fans have to be pretty happy with that.  If Josh Byrnes can pull off similar moves that don’t eat up too much payroll, he may be able to put together a contender yet.

For now though, the Padres are faced with needs at second base, shortstop, left field, and right field.  Dealing Schmidt was a small blow to a stocked farm system.  I fully expect the Padres to replenish and even build on their great minor league system through next season’s draft, the 2013 draft, and additional trades.