Paul McAnulty

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked San Diego Padres #18 prospect in 2007
  McAnulty continued his assault on minor league pitching in 2006, finishing fifth in the Pacific Coast League in both hits and doubles. One thing was different, though: McAnulty shifted from first base, his natural position, to third base. The move was precipitated by the Padres giving up on Vinny Castilla and Mark Bellhorn as everyday third-base options. The conversion proved to be a slow process, though, as McAnulty showed limited agility and an erratic arm at the hot corner. He played just six games in the outfield last season and is on the short side to make an ideal first baseman. A pure hitter, McAnulty boasts one of the best strokes--short and direct--in the system. He combines that with strength and a tremendous batting eye to profile as a major league hitter. He's a below-average runner. McAnulty got more reps at third base in instructional league and could break camp with the big league team if the Padres need a bat off the bench. He was initially scheduled to play third base in Hawaii Winter Baseball, but those plans were altered when his knee required offseason surgery. McAnulty can hit, knows he can hit and might have a career along the lines of former Padre Mark Sweeney as a pinch-hitter and occasional first baseman and outfielder.
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  Ranked San Diego Padres #8 prospect in 2006
  Former Padres scout Jason McLeod (now Red Sox scouting director) and crosschecker Chris Gwynn fell in love with McAnulty's bat at Long Beach State in 2002, when he hit .360-9-55. He won the Rookie-level Pioneer League batting title in his pro debut and hit his way to the big leagues in three years. McAnulty has a quick bat, quiet swing mechanics and no problem hitting lefties. He shows good patience at the plate and crushes mistakes. He's a gritty player who always gives full effort. Though he's a better athlete than his stocky frame suggests, McAnulty offers little more than his bat. He has below-average speed and arm strength. He lacks the power to profile as an everyday first baseman or corner outfielder, and he's no better than an adequate defender at those spots. McAnulty has little chance at earning a full-time job in spring training, so he's likely ticketed for a return to Triple-A. He could emerge as a valuable bat off San Diego's bench.
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  Ranked San Diego Padres #10 prospect in 2005
  McAnulty led the Rookie-level Pioneer League in batting (.379) in his 2002 pro debut, but followed that up with a mediocre showing in low Class A as his weight ballooned to 260 pounds. He showed up to camp last spring in the best shape of his career and responded with a breakout season. He went 8-for-17 with a homer as Mobile shared the championship in the Southern League playoffs. McAnulty's hitting ability is obvious. He has quick hands, developing power and an excellent feel for the strike zone. He projects to hit for average with 20-25 homers a year. He has great instincts at the plate and makes savvy adjustments from at-bat to at-bat. Other than the bat, McAnulty offers little else in terms of tools. Both his range and arm are lacking in left field, so he'll probably have to play first base in the majors. He's slow, though he runs the bases intelligently. His build and offensive package have drawn comparisons to Matt Stairs, who has created a lengthy career for himself as a grinder who can swing the bat. McAnulty will begin 2005 at Double- A.