Headley's Up!

Third baseman Chase Headley, the San Diego Padres fourth overall pick in 2005, made his Major League debut against the Chicago Cubs today. The former Tennessee Volunteer and second round choice, was called up to spell another rookie third baseman, Kevin Kouzmanoff (strained back). The prized prospect made the jump from Double-A and made his first big league start at third base. The switch hitting Headley went 0-for-3 against Chicago Cubs starter Ted Lilly, in a 4-1 Padres loss.

When he got the call, Headley was leading the 2007 Texas League in hitting (.357) and OBP (.433) and was tied for second in the league with 13 home runs. He also ranked second with 42 RBIs and scored 45 runs in 62 games for the Double-A - San Antonio Missions (the new Padres affiliate in the Texas League). This season, the prospect improved on some solid Minor League numbers. Turning some heads last year (2006), Headley hit .291 (141-for484) with 12 home runs and 73 RBIs in 129 games at Class-A Lake Elsinore.

In less than half the games (62), Headley's 13 home runs have already surpassed his power numbers from last year's full season (129 games). Headley, known for his plate discipline and consistency, has lit up the Texas League (a notorius hitter's league). He batted .360 in April and .324 in May with the Missions, but really heated up in June. Prior to his promotion, Headley was 17-for-39 (in June) with five homers and nine RBIs in 11 games. Hitting .436 for the month and showing increased power, Chase must have shown the Padres that he deserved the call.