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Vince Faison: Due to the Padres losing
players via free agency, the Padres where drafting early and often in the
June 1999 draft. Besides getting quanity, it looks like San Diego also got
quality in their early picks, especially in Vince.
This 5 foot 11, 192 pound star out of Lyons Toombs County (GA) High
School orginally signed a letter of tnt to attend the University of
Georgia and play on the Bulldogs football team, probably as a DB. However,
after being selected in the 1st round of the draft, Faison decided to
pursue a pro baseball career instead.
After signing, this 18 year old was assigned to the Padres Rookie-Level
team in the Arizona League. There, he batted .309 in 178 AB's (44 games)
with 4 HR's, 28 RBI, 6 doubles, 6 triples, 40 runs scored, 18 BB's, 45
K's, and 30 steals in 34 attempts. To end his first pro season, Faison was
promoted to Fort Wayne of the MWL. Wh playing in 11 games for the Wizards,
Vince hit .208 in 48 AB's with 1 RBI, 2 doubles, 10 runs scored, 6 BB's,
18 K's, and 7 steals in 8 attempts.
This lefthander looks like the future centerfielder in San Diego. The
only negative in his game is a below average arm. 2000 should see him
start at Fort Wayne but I would expect him to move fairly quickly through
the Padres system as long as everything goes well. Probably the best
comparison I can give you is that his ability is similar to Kenny Lofton
of the Indians. He has the talent to be a special player.
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