Through his years in the minor leagues, San Diego Padres officials were excited about young Kyle Blanks.
He was a monster of a young man, could hit the longest home runs, but could do something that a whole lot of people wouldn't expect from someone his size, he was fast.
Coming into his first major league season in 2009, the Padres had high hopes for Blanks and what he brought to the lineup. They were hoping that having someone of his size and talent would provide some form of protection in the lineup for first baseman Adrian Gonzalez.
Not only that, but he was someone that could spell Gonzalez at first base when he needed a day off.
Blanks struggled through the first half of the season, but after the team returned from the all-star break he started to show his power stroke, even coming up with a few game winners during the second half of the season.
Fast forward to 2010 and there was even more promise for young Kyle Blanks. Most thought they would see the kind of potential most Padre fans expected after all the hype that had put behind him by Padre brass.
Unfortunately, Blanks once against struggled out of the gates and was never a factor at the plate.
He was put on the disabled list a few weeks ago with what the team called an elbow strain.
After finishing his stint on the disabled list, Blanks began his rehab assignment in the minor league, but that also was short lived as he would re-injure the same elbow that put him on the disabled list to begin with.
Now, according to Dan Hayes of the North County Times, via Twitter, Blanks and the Padres are discussing possible season-ending elbow surgery.
While a final decision has not been reached, it looks like a promising career could be on the shelf until next season. It's unfortunate, but you know he's going to come back more determined than ever.
The Padres are still going through other decisions, and playing the process of elimination game before they come to a final decision.
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