Jankowski among Padres headed to Arizona Fall League

SAN DIEGO -- Outfielder Travis Jankowski, the Padres' No. 5 prospect, according to MLB.com, will headline the group of Padres prospects headed to the Arizona Fall League in Scottsdale, Ariz., this offseason.

Jankowski, along with right-handed pitchers Ryan Butler, Michael Dimock, Elliot Morris and Eric Yardley; and infielders Fernando Perez and Gabriel Quintana, will represent the Padres and play for the Peoria Javelinas.

In addition, Double-A San Antonio Manager Rod Barajas who will manage the Javelinas.

Jankowski, who was the Padres' 44th pick in the first round of the 2012 Draft, was called up from Triple-A El Paso on Aug. 19. He is batting .250 entering Tuesday's game, and recorded his first stolen base and extra-base hit in Monday's 7-0 win against the Rangers.

Jankowski said he owns a house in Goodyear, Ariz., and is looking forward to be able to spend time there. He joked that some people may call where he lives a "retirement village" and that "he is probably the youngest in the neighborhood by a few years."

"It's a tremendous honor and I am excited. [I want to] just go out and work on my strengths and continue to improve them, also work on my weaknesses," Jankowski said. "Just go out and continue to do what I do and continue to have a successful season and year."

Assistant general manager Josh Stein said that the goal of Jankowski playing in the AFL is to get more at-bats and time in center field. Stein said that when considering the youngster for the AFL, they didn't know he was going to be called up before September.

"I think a lot of times Fall League is where you send your top prospects to continue development," Stein said. "It is a continuation of development probably against some of the best competition guys are facing. In Travis' case that could be an extension at the chance he's getting to prove himself."