The Padres announced a series of non-roster invites to Major League Spring Training on Thursday, with veteran catcher Chris Stewart and outfielder Boog Powell standing out as previously unreported additions to the organization. (A full list of the non-roster invitations can be seen here.)
Stewart, 37 next month, has appeared in parts of 12 big league seasons and frequently served as a backup or third-string catcher throughout that time. A career .230/.297/.291 hitter in 1334 plate appearances, the defensive-minded veteran split last season between the Braves and D-backs organization, appearing in just eight games. Prior to that, Stewart spent four seasons in Pittsburgh, where he totaled 192 games of reserve work for the Pirates. Stewart has consistently graded out as a strong pitch framer and been solid in terms of blocking pitches in the dirt, per Baseball Prospectus, and he’s also registered a slightly better-than-average 28 percent caught-stealing rate in his career.
The 26-year-old Powell (not to be confused with the 1970 AL MVP and four-time All-Star) spent the 2018 season with the Athletics organization after Oakland acquired him in the 2017 swap that sent Yonder Alonso to Seattle. It was actually the A’s who originally drafted Powell back in 2012, though it took a series of three trades for him to eventually land in the big leagues in green and gold.
In 59 games and 160 plate appearances at baseball’s top level, Powell is a .262/.333/.383 hitter with three homers, six doubles, a triple and a steal. He’s capable of playing all three outfield positions and has shown a knack for getting on base but limited power during his time in the upper minors; in parts of four Triple-A seasons, Powell is a .276/.358/.371 hitter.
Of all the names I ever thought would see a repeat in MLB, “Boog Powell” wasn’t high on the list.
That’s for sure.
I’m hoping for another Lil Stoner
During the 2017 season, Boog Powell and Boog Powell met at Boog Powell’s BBQ shack at Camden Yards and facetimed with Little League MVP Boog Powell.
Wut
I remember that. Quite a meet and greet if I remember. The elder Powell is very fan engaged.
Stewart is a solid depth catcher
yes, heck of a skill set for a minor league deal
He’s already been the Padres’ AAA emergency catcher once, prior to his time with the Yankmes and Pirates.
cue all the complaining by those who faii to understand a depth signing.
Considering they have four catchers currently on the 40 man and a giant surplus of outfielders on the 40 man. Complaining can and will be noted
minor league deals dont require a roster spot, FYI. complaining will not be noted.
No s**t surlock
Point is too many catchers and outfielders
Too many infielders still no third or short
Too many pitchers no legit 1 or 2
Do any of you even pay attention to spring training? Due to the quantity of pitchers during ST several “extra” catchers are NEEDED. When rosters start getting trimmed, these same catchers disappear. it happens EVERY year.
thanks for proving my point. instead of lowtalker, try being no talker next time. repeat: this is a minor league deal. pause, re-read, comprehend. minor league deal. a good depth move on at least one.
complaints….not noted.
Someone is a sour itch
Catchers there are plenty
No more outfielders
Powell’s a two-time drug suspendee who’s been passed around through 3 organizations I think…..can you say “LOSER”!…..but he can hit some….but he did stay at a Holiday Inn one night that Bryce Harper had stayed at 5 years earlier……
Wow, talk about casting judgement. What’s your baseball background?? Oh, that’s right, there isn’t one
quality dig. good work. keep it up.
TrumpTard I presume…
Nah, Bernie bro, actually…..don’t care for the Oligarchical Left, you know, those millionaires who have you convinced they’re concerned about YOU…..Lizzie, DiBlasio, Bezos….they really care about YOU…..idiotic at its base….they obviously have YOU fooled….
be a padres fan
glance & see article claiming they finally sign somone
gets excited
reads names included
gets disappointed
2018-2019 offseason in a nutshell for me
Oddly structured statement, but I sure agree with you!
I have a feeling Stewart inexplicably makes the Major League roster out of Spring Training
Are you assuming a trade or carrying 3?
Carrying 3
I would be irate if a single inning was taken away from Hedges and Mejia if they are both healthy. Wrong year and wrong roster to give a veteran 3rd catcher any playing time whatsoever.
I agree but Preller likes to carry like 4 catchers on the roster. It’s what he does.
see “minor league deal.” injuries never happen either.
Raffy Lopez was also originally signed to a minor league deal. He made the big club out of Spring Training only to be optioned down the next day while still maintain in a 40-man spot and spending the majority of the season in AAA.
Ellis 2.0 ?
Sans bat renaissance.
Is there a minor league free agent tracker out there? I know Baseball America had one in prior years, but can’t seem to find one for this off season.
Well that clearly solves the outfield log jam and 3b issue.
Forget Harper and Machado. These were exactly the two guys we have been waiting for!
PRINT THE WORLD SERIES TICKETS NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Padres vs Mariners
We have too many outfielders and catchers so most likely these guys stick at AAA
I see a trade coming up where Hedges and an OF is included as part of the package for a 3B or SP, just a wild guess
Boog Powell…brings back fond baseball memories of baseball in the 60’s & 70’s
Except that Boog Powell was a major league stud and a better first basemen than we’ve had in a long time.
Footage of 60’s & 70’s games is priceless.
Pong-like graphics were state of the art.
TV cameras were few and far between.
Field conditions were often inferior to some of today’s little-league fields.
I am sure glad the writer explained to me not to confuse this Powell with the one from 1970. It would have been pretty sad to subject an 80 yo to the rigors of the minors.
That was funny
Dang, I was hoping he would stick with the A’s. I didn’t even know he was a minor league free agent.
I’ve always liked Powell. He has the look of a guy that just needs a legit shot at the bigs to take the next step. Bummer is the Padres have a glut of outfielders so his path to playing time is a bit foggy in SD.
hmm