Justin Huber - C/1B/OF - San Diego Padres Born: 1 July 1982
Birthplace: Melbourne
MLB Debut: 21 June 2005
Justin Huber took up baseball during primary school and represented Victoria and Australia as a schoolboy. He played in the team that won the Victorian Under 18 championship shortly before being drafted by the New York Mets in 2000. Huber has had a bit of a cult following since joining the Royals in 2004. Despite his apparent popularity among Royals' fans, it seems Huber has not had an easy time making it into the Royals MLB roster.
With the Mets, Huber became a good catching prospect, although some scouts questioned his defensive capabilities. On 30 July 2004, the Mets traded Huber to the Royals as part of a deal to acquire Jose Bautista. In mid-2004, Huber switched positions from catcher to first base, and in 2005 he played 25 games with the Royals - mainly as a DH/pinch hitter, with some games at first base. Baseball America labelled him the best first baseman in the entire minor leagues. on 10 July 2005 he was named the MVP of the Futures Game, in which he went 1-for-2 with a 2-out, 2-run double.
In 2006, Huber played only 5 games with the Royals, and appeared only as a DH/PH. He also switched positions again, mainly playing in the minors as a corner-outfielder.
Huber battled injuries throughout much of 2007, and was called up to the Royals again in September. This eight game spell saw him play his first major league outfield, playing as a substitute in left field against the White Sox on 17 September 2007.
Huber appears to be a bit of a favorite prospect among Royals fans. However, whether he can make it to the majors again this year seems to be in doubt. He seems positive about the challenges ahead, but it seems there may be no place for him in the Royals in 2008
I’m trying not to think about it,” he says. “I really like this organization. I think they’ve been very good to me. I think there are a lot of great young players here, and I want to be a part of it. I can’t know how it will go,but I want to be part of things here as we become a winning organization.”
Hopefully he can pull together some more strong performances over spring, and land a spot in the roster for opening day.
UPDATED 31 MARCH 2008 - Huber has been traded to the Padres, and will start the season on their 25 man roster. For more info, read this.
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