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2006 season Headley a quick study on
path to the big leagues Chase Headley expected to be somewhat overwhelmed by the Arizona Fall League. After all, the San Diego Padres third base prospect had yet to make it past Class A ball, being that 2006 was only his first full professional season. "I hadn't seen AA pitching," Headley said, "but I actually felt pretty good when I got here. The pitchers aren't necessarily trying to strike you out every time .... that was something that kind of surprised me."
Facing quality pitching was Headley's primary goal for his six-week stint with the AFL's Peoria Saguaros. Mission accomplished! "My goal coming down was to go out and learn as much as I could from guys that have been in AA and AAA," Headley commented, "and just try to pick up some things ... success was not the front-running goal. I was not coming out here expecting to hit .400 coming out of A ball." Headley's stats were good enough, especially his .380 on-base percentage to go along with a .257 batting average and .406 slugging percentage. It was not all that different from what the Tennessee Volunteer alumni posted at Lake Elsinore during the regular season when he batted .291/.389/.434, with 12 homeruns. The biggest question that has dogged Headley since the Padres selected him in the second round of the 2005 draft is whether he will develop the homerun power that organizations like from corner infielders. "I think it will come," Headley answered. "I'm definitely starting to put on some weight, getting stronger, and learning to be a little more selective at the plate and look for pitches I can drive." In the meantime, Headley is working on his core hitting skills, like learning hwo to put the barrel of the bat on the ball. "Once I have a good grasp on being a good hitter," Headley continued, "then the power will develop." Headley's upside has sometimes been compared to that of recently-retired Bill Mueller, who had a nice career as a big league third baseman despite never hitting for a lot of power. The 6'2", 195 pound switch-hitter is flattered by the analogy. "Any time you're compared to a successful big league player, I don't think you can really look down on that," Headley said. "He's been a good player in the big leaguers for a long time ... that's what I'm hoping to do. So if I don't hit for a ton of power, that doesn't necessarily rule me out from playing third base." Headley is often asked about Tennessee's most notable big leaguer, Colorado first baseman Todd Helton. "That guy's had an amazing career," said Headley about Helton, " ... just a great hitter all around. He's added power as the years have one on, so I'm kind of hoping that 's the way my career will steer me." With the AFL season behind him, Headley is looking forward to 2007. "I'm pretty sure I'll get a chance to start in AA next season," he said. "I'm hoping to build off what I've done here, keep learning and get one step closer to the big leagues." --- Bill Mitchell All photos on the Arizona Fall League Report are credited to Bill Mitchell, unless noted otherwise, and are not to be used for any other purpose without express permission.
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