08.19.16 / Padres360.com / @Padres360
By Wayne McBrayer and Rebecca Herman from Bakersfield, CA
Josh Naylor and Wayne McBrayer
With the twelfth pick in the first round of the 2015 MLB draft, the Miami Marlins selected Canadian High School player, Josh Naylor. Josh was a well known player in Canada and considered by many to be the best player on the Canadian Junior National Team for several years.
When the Marlins talked to the Padres about acquiring Andrew Cashner to help Miami with their drive to make the playoffs, AJ Preller was able to extract Josh Naylor from Florida along with pitchers Carter Capps and Jarred Cosart. The Padres also threw in minor league pitcher Tayron Guerrero. Naylor comes to San Diego after playing the 2015 season with the Gulf Coast Marlins and this season with the Greensboro Grasshoppers of the South Atlantic League.
We had planned to interview Josh at the Diamond, but decided to push back the interview to coincide with our scheduled trip to Bakersfield August 19-20, 2016. It is highly possible this might have been the final series for the Storm at Sam Lynn Ballpark.
Regardless, we made the trip to enjoy the Storm and introduce you to the Padres latest acquisition, first baseman, Josh Naylor. He is ranked our 4th best prospect according to MLB.
This was actually our second day in Bakersfield and we had the routine down pretty well. The Storm arrived and we were able to watch practice.
Lake Elsinore’s, Josh Naylor, during practice while at Bakersfield
Right after practice we had the opportunity to interview Josh Naylor:
Before the game, it was great to see local fans seeking Naylor’s autograph. One fan even had a program from the All-Star Futures Game that was held in San Diego.
It was a hot night in Bakersfield, CA and we were pretty happy when the sun finally set behind the outfield wall.
Hot Night at Sam Lynn Ballpark
Naylor had a good night with 4 ABs, 1 Hit, 2 Walks, 1 RBI, and 3 Runs.
Lake Elsinore’s, Josh Naylor, up at bat while at Bakersfield
Lake Elsinore’s, Josh Naylor, coming in for a HR at Bakersfield
Lake Elsinore Storm
Be sure to take the short drive up the I-15 and catch some games with our Padres high A affiliate. It’s always a fun day or evening at The Diamond and it gives you a chance to see the future Padres. Only a couple weeks of the season remain! Click here for the full schedule.
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