Luis Durango
| AB | 65 |
|---|---|
| AVG | .292 |
| OBP | .361 |
| SLG | .292 |
| HR | 0 |
- Full name Luis A. Durango
- Born 04/23/1986 in Panama City, Panama
- Profile Ht.: 5'9" / Wt.: 155 / Bats: S / Throws: R
- Debut 09/15/2009
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
-
The diminutive Durango has come a long way since signing as a 17-year-old, steadily adding to his list of admirers with each minor league level he successfully completes. He won batting titles in his first two seasons in the United States, batting .378 in the Arizona League in 2006 and then .367 in the Northwest League as part of an MVP campaign in 2007. Durango started in left field for Panama in the World Baseball Classic last spring and then hit the ground running in Double-A, finishing the year ranked second in the Texas League with 44 stolen bases and 81 walks and third with his .390 on-base percentage. That snapshot provides a summary of Durango's offensive value. A switch-hitter, he can get his bat on most pitches, either slapping them for singles or fouling them off until the pitcher throws ball four. He's a plus-plus runner who has dramatically improved his instincts both on the bases and in center field. With a modest 70 percent success rate in full-season ball, he needs to be more efficient stealing bases. With San Antonio, Durango split time in center field with Cedric Hunter, limiting his repetitions at the position where he profiles as an average defender. He has improved his arm strength to average through dedication to his throwing program. With virtually no power--he has three career homers in four years in the U.S.--Durango will have to rely on his legs to carry him. Tighter team defenses and pitchers with more refined control figure to diminish his on-base ability in the big leagues. Added to the 40-man roster following the 2008 season, Durango received a September callup to San Diego last year. He has two options remaining, but he could make the Padres as a reserve as early as 2010.
Minor League Top Prospects
-
Durango's speed and slap-and-dash approach are his trademarks. He has top-of-the-line wheels, getting to first base in 3.6 seconds on drag bunts from the left side. He edged Hunter for the batting title (.378) and also led the AZL in on-base percentage (.470), but still has a ways to go as a basestealers after succeeding on just 17 of 23 attempts. A switch-hitter, he needs to gain strength but never will hit for much power. A former infielder, he has a below-average arm and his outfield instincts are lacking as well.
Best Tools List
- Rated Fastest Baserunner in the International League in 2012
- Rated Best Baserunner in the International League in 2012
- Rated Fastest Baserunner in the San Diego Padres in 2011
- Rated Fastest Baserunner in the San Diego Padres in 2010
- Rated Fastest Baserunner in the Texas League in 2009
- Rated Fastest Baserunner in the San Diego Padres in 2008
- Rated Fastest Baserunner in the San Diego Padres in 2007
