PEORIA, Ariz. -- Out of the playoffs for a dark decade, the San Diego Padres are hoping a core of up-and-coming players can help brighten the future.
Among them is catcher Austin Hedges, who intends to stick around in the majors this time.
Hedges hit .326 with 21 home runs in 82 games at Triple-A El Paso last season. The Chihuahuas, led by the youngster, won the Pacific Coast League championship.