Tucson 7 (24-52), Fresno 5: The T-Padres scored two runs in the ninth inning, to get the win. The winning hit came from 2B Anthony Contreras(.290), as he delivered with a two-run double. 1B Matt Clark(.295) and 3B Jedd Gyorko(.316) each had two RBI’s. Matt Lollis made an emergency start, and pitched well. He gave up one run in three innings of work.

San Antonio 5, (4-1), Midland 1: San Antonio only needed six hits to score five runs, and they are off to a hot start in the season’s second half. C Ali Solis(.300) had a nice game, going 3-4 with a double, and two RBI’s. Donn Roach made his AA debut out of the bullpen, and pitched three shutout innings.

Mar 16, 2012; Peoria, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres second baseman Jedd Gyorko (70) singles during the second inning against the Los Angeles Angels at the Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE

Lake Elsinore 4, (4-0) Lancaster 3: The Storm won walk-off style, in 14 innings. The winning hit came courtesy of 2B Casey McElroy (.667), who went 2-5, including the walk-off single. McElroy is 10-15 since joining the Storm. DH Tommy Medica went 3-6(.325), and slammed his ninth homer. Matt Jackson turned in a solid start, allowing just one hit in six shutout innings.

Lake County 4, Fort Wayne 2 (2-1):  Another day at the office for SS Jace Peterson(.286) as he went 2-4 with a triple and an RBI. Tyler Stubblefield(.267) also had a pair of hits. Colin Rea(3.13 ERA) got the start for the Tincaps, and took the loss, as he gave up four runs in three innings.

Boise 14, Eugene 11 (5-5): It was a wild one in Boise, but the Em’s could not get anyone out. On the offensive side, Brian Adams(.316) had a monster game, going 4-5, with two HR’s and 5 RBI’s. Genison Reyes got shelled in his start, as he gave up five runs in 2.2 innings.

I’d been clamoring for the Padres to get high-upside starting pitching (and they sure did), but I’d also been hoping they’d select a catcher before the 14th round. At least they got Medica, a 22-year-old right-handed hitter.

Medica is a solid all-around player with a strong arm behind the plate and a good feel for hitting. A 2009 shoulder injury knocked him down some draft boards, so if he’s over that, he could be a real steal at this point in the draft.

Medica batted .386/.460/.667 in 2010 as a redshirt junior. He also stole 15 bases in 17 attempts, unusual for a catcher.

Medica played mostly infield in 2010 due to the presence of Geoff Klein behind the plate for Santa Clara, but he threw out a whopping 24 of 40 attempted steals in 2008, showcasing a good arm. Hopefully, the 2009 shoulder injury doesn’t sap his arm strength long-term.

You have to like catchers with arm strength and power, and Medica fits that bill.