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P-MAC PROVING HE BELONGS by Jason Martinez posted 6/12/08 In the last few weeks, I have frequently wrote that Padres outfielder Paul McAnulty was keeping a roster spot warm for Chase Headley. On May 21st, his batting average had dipped to .195 after an 0-for-14 stretch. P-MAC was all but gone. No trade value. Out of options. Just waiting to hear that he'd been designated for assignment. Since that day, McAnulty has done everything possible to prove that he belongs on this team. Twelve hits in his last 36 at bats have boosted his average to .239. He also has 23 walks and 11 extra-base hits on the season to go along with an OBP of .374. In his last 7 starts, he's batting .364. The guy can hit. Because McAnulty's defense is nothing to write home about and his baserunning is even worse, the Padres will need to decide very soon if his bat is worth a spot on the roster. With Chase Headley close to getting the call to the big leagues, it is likely that either McAnulty or Justin Huber will either be traded, released, or sent to the minors if unclaimed, to clear a roster spot. Based on his recent performance, McAnulty should have the edge but until that day comes, he is fighting for a job on this Padre team. Whatever happens, P-MAC has likely resurrected his major league future here in the last few weeks. And to think, he could have been released back on May 21st with a .195 batting average. Who would have wanted a defensively challenged 27 year-old that had just been released by the worst offensive team in baseball? With those credentials, I'm guessing he would probably be joining ex-teammate Terrmel Sledge in Japan with those credentials. But the Padres stuck with him and P-MAC is now rewarding the organization that drafted him way back in 2002 |