Freiman had a huge year in AA San Antonio, posting a triple-slash line of .298/.370/.502, with 24 homers and 105 RBI’s. Freiman was not considered a “top prospect,” but the year he had did open eyes in the organization. He played for Team Isreal in the World Baseball Classic qualifying rounds and represented the Padres in the Arizona Fall League.

Freiman will have a huge opportunity in Houston, as the Astros do not have a long-term solution at first base or designated hitter. Houston must keep him on the 25-man roster all season, or offer him back to San Diego for $25,000.

In the Triple-A phase of the draft, the Padres lost OF Sawyer Carroll, who was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays. Carroll was the Padres 3rd round pick in 2008. He spent 2012 playing for AAA Tucson, hitting .263 in 112 games.

The Padres opted not to select a player in the Major League phase of the draft.

Peoria scored all four of their runs in the first three innings of the game. Padres top prospect Rymer Liriano continued to show why he could be an important part of the Padres future. He went 3-3, with a double and also drew a walk. Liriano had a huge season in the AFL and he could make an impact for the Padres in the near-future.

July 9, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; World outfielder Rymer Liriano (28) at bat in the seventh inning of the 2012 All Star Futures Game at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE

Nathan Freiman started at first base and went 1-4, with an RBI. The Padres must add Freiman to the 40-man roster, or risk exposing him to other organizations in the Rule V Draft. Freiman had a tremendous year and it would not be surprising to see an organization take a chance on the young slugger.

Padres prospect Kevin Quackenbush pitched a scoreless ninth to wrap up the championship for Peoria. Quackenbush used the AFL to display his skills and he very well could be the Padres closer of the future.

Later in the week, we here at Chicken Friars will have a full recap of how the Padres prospects fared in the league. Almost all were impressive, further showing why the Padres have one of the best farm systems in all of baseball.

Freiman, as well as Missions teammate Cody Decker, are spending the early part of their offseason playing for Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic qualifying rounds. Freiman has been an absolute monster, homering twice in Israel’s 7-3 win over the Republic of South Africa. Freiman started at first, hit 3rd, and has been the best player in the tournament.

Freiman followed that performance up with another multi-homer game, swatting two bombs in Israel’s 4-2 win over Spain. Israel looks poised to make the final round of 16 in the 2013 World Baseball Classic. It would seem that Freiman’s performance has made him a player to watch in the tournament next year.

Isreal is managed by former Padres catcher Brad Ausmus, who currently works as a special assistant in the Padres organization. Ausmus is a candidate for a few managerial openings this offseason. Working with Ausmus, as well as former big-leaguer Shawn Green, who actually plays for Team Israel can only benefit Freiman.

Freiman is a first baseman, and is currently blocked by Yonder Alonso in the majors, but it never hurts to have depth in the organization.  Freiman will also represent the Padres in the Arizona Fall League. It would not be a stretch to see Freiman at Petco Park sometime soon.