Sean Burroughs -- By Robert Sherry

In 1993, Sean batted .600 and also pitched two 16-strikeout no-hitters during the World Series and was the winning pitcher vs. Panama in the championship game. The son of former MVP Jeff, Sean recently was voted the best 18 year old, by "Basball America", in the country. He ranked ahead of both Josh Hamilton and Rafael Furcal.

Coming out of Long Beach Wilson High, Burroughs was the 9th overall selection in the 1998 Draft by the Padres. As a senior, he batted .528 and had 38 RBI in 29 games. all while playing against some of the toughest high school compition in the country. Contract negotiations were slow and for a time it looked as if Sean would not be signing, instead taking his skill to USC. But the Padres gave in and signed him, including giving $2.1 million, to this 17 year old. After his pro debut in 1999, it looks like a very wise investment.

Sean is a totally different person now, physically, from is little league days. At 6"2" and about 200 pounds, this third baseman is right at the top of the list with Nick Johnson (Yankees) as the 2 best pure hitters in the minors, in my opinion.

His season playing for the Fort Wayne Wizards in the Midwest League got off to a slow start with him hitting .244 on June 2nd. However as the season wore on, Sean's numbers really increased over the summer, ending with a  batting title (.359) to go with 30 doubles, 17 steals,3 triples, 74 BB's, 59 K's, 5 home runs and 80 RBI. He hit .359, .426, and .452 in June,July and August. The most amazing stat is that he reached base in 54 games to end the season He earned a late seaosn promotion to Rancho Cucamonga of the California League. In 23 at-bats there, he hit .435 wih 1 HR, 5 RBI, and 3 doubles.

The only down side to his season was in the field where he committed 35 errors. I don't really feel alarmed by this number considering the position he played as well as his age. These will drop down. He has the strong arm to play 3rd in the majors.  Also, the home run numbers will  increase with experience.

Sean Burroughs as made an impact wherever he as played and this will continue, making him the likely future #3 hole hitter and a franchise-type player in San Diego.