$Ranking The Five 2016 San Diego Padres\' Prospects$

Ranking The Five 2016 San Diego Padres' Prospects

By Nick Vorholt

Ranking The Five 2016 San Diego Padres' Prospects

San Diego Padres General Manager AJ Preller and Manager Andy Green — Many fans and media members wondered out loud why San Diego Padres' General Manager A.J. Preller went all in for the playoffs in 2015, when by all outside measures his team was not ready. The answer is in the prospects coming up through the minors. While there are a handful that will be ready to help in 2016, most of the high value prospects won't be ready until 2017 or beyond. Here are the prospects that should be ready in 2016.

5. Colin Rea

San Diego Padres Starting Pitcher Colin Rea

5. Colin Rea

San Diego Padres Starting Pitcher Colin Rea — The first three in the Padres' rotation are James Shields, Tyson Ross and Andrew Cashner. After that lineup there is a wide range of options and speculation. The Padres could go out and sign a few veterans to complete the rotation. If not, Colin Rea is ready to step in and be productive. In time Rea could become a frontline starter, but with only six big league starts he needs a bit more polish.

4. Cory Mazzoni

San Diego Padres Reliever Cory Mazzoni

4. Cory Mazzoni

San Diego Padres Reliever Cory Mazzoni — Cory Mazzoni is a strikeout artist. Prior to 2015, he spent his professional career as a starter. He has been transitioned to a reliever with mixed results. He could use more time to adjust in the minors after a brief stint in San Diego in 2015.

3. Hunter Renfroe

San Diego Padres Outfielder Hunter Renfroe

3. Hunter Renfroe

San Diego Padres Outfielder Hunter Renfroe — Former Mississippi State Bulldog Hunter Renfroe is the top slugging prospect in the Padres' organization. He is the crux of the Padres' situation. He played 21 games at AAA and is close to being ready, but definitely needs a bit more seasoning. Wil Myers and Matt Kemp will have to hold down the corner outfield spots until Renfroe is ready. That likely won't be before September.

2. Jose Rondon

San Diego Padres Shortstop Jose Rondon

2. Jose Rondon

San Diego Padres Shortstop Jose Rondon — If the season started today, Jedd Gyorko would be the starting shortstop. He can hit plenty, but Gyorko doesn't have MLB range at shortstop. Jose Rondon was the main prospect who came over from the Los Angeles Angels in the Huston Street deal. He may never be an above average hitter, but the Padres need his glove at short as soon as possible.

1. Travis Jankowski

San Diego Padres Centerfielder Travis Jankowski

1. Travis Jankowski

San Diego Padres Centerfielder Travis Jankowski — With an April Fool's start to the season against the Chicago White Sox, Travis Jankowski may not be the literal opening day starter in center as Melvin (BJ) Upton will likely get the start against Chris Sale. After that, Jankowski needs to be batting leadoff and playing center. His plus defense and OBP skill set is something lacking through most of this lineup. Jankowski may not be the most typical top prospect but he will be the most important.

Nick Vorholt is a writer for www.RantSports.com covering the Cincinnati Reds and National League.

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