University of Tennessee Athletics
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Fuson Likes Former Vol Headley's Versatility
August 24, 2007 | Baseball
By Tom Krasovic
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
August 20, 2007
Grady Fuson scouted prep third baseman Eric Chavez in Rancho Pe??asquitos, drafted him into Oakland's organization and watched the Mt. Carmel High alum develop. Fuson said Padres third base prospect Chase Headley's progress this season in the Texas League calls to mind Chavez's development as a Double-A player in Oakland's system.
Headley ???has done everything you could want,??? said Fuson, the Padres' vice president of scouting and development. ???He's homered, he's doubled, he's walked, he's driven in runs, he's scored runs, he's played defense, he's been durable.??? Headley's consistency is another plus. Entering August, the switch-hitter had hit at least three home runs in each month. His batting averages: .360 in April, .324 in May, .408 in June, .333 in July. At third base, Headley isn't expected to become a Gold Glove candidate, but he has built on his solid season in Single-A. In 102 games with San Antonio, he had 11 errors.
???He's done everything,??? Fuson said. ???I'm sorry he didn't steal 30.???
Headley, a second-round draft selection out of the University of Tennessee in 2005, didn't enter the season as an elite prospect in the view of many minor league analysts. But with a combined on-base and slugging percentage of over 1.000, he is drawing consideration for baseball's Minor League Player of the Year award.
???No doubt, Chase Headley is having a tremendous year and he's hitting for more power than most people expected,??? Baseball America's Jim Callis said. ???He's in the mix for our Minor League Player of the Year award, but I'll be honest. The three best prospects in baseball are Justin Upton (Diamondbacks), Jay Bruce (Reds) and Evan Longoria (Devil Rays), and they're all having great years also. It will be tough to beat out that group.???
Headley, who went from Double-A to the Padres in June, faced some of the majors' best pitchers in his seven games. He batted against Red Sox right-handers Josh Beckett and Daisuke Matsuzaka, Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano and Orioles right-hander Jeremy Guthrie. Overall, Headley went 3-for-17. When he was sent back to San Antonio, the 23-year-old said the experience left him confident that he will succeed in the majors.
