The Book on Matt Antonelli
Prospect Info
Matt Antonelli
Born 4/8/1985
2B, SD
Antonelli is a little-known but quality athlete who could have a bright future at almost any fielding position in San Diego.
Originally selected by the Dodgers, Antonelli opted for college instead, and was subsequently taken by the San Diego Padres in the first round of the 2006 MLB Amateur Draft, 17th overall, Antonelli received a $1.6 million signing bonus, one of the highest that the Padres have ever paid out.
In 2007, Antonelli hit .314 for the Lake Elsinore Storm, primarily as a leadoff hitter. But in 2008 he took a nose dive, hitting only .215 in the minors before earning (?) a callup to San Diego, where he struggled (and failed) to break the Mendoza line.
Like Brandon Wood before him, he's a much better hitter than that, though, so we expect him to regroup and make a push back into the top of the prospect ranks this year. San Diego's slower and more patient rebuilding approach should benefit him.
No notes or updates today.
