Vols' duo on way to Padres system

OMAHA -- Chase Headley is a quiet, unassuming guy, not one to seek attention. It actually works out better that way, especially since his counterparts at Nebraska and Miami often overshadowed the Tennessee third baseman in terms of national recognition.

Josh Alley also seems destined to be part of the background. At least at first glance, that's how it seems. Tennessee's center fielder stands 5-foot-9 and generally gets overlooked when it comes time to throw out names of college baseball's premier outfielders.

Yet, the San Diego Padres saw something in both of them, enough to grab them in last week's First-Year Player draft. Headley went in the second round, while Alley was gobbled up in the 10th round, and both players are excited to be headed off to pro ball with a friendly face by their side. There's still a little matter of the College World Series that needs tending to before embarking on pro careers, but neither player seems inclined to look past what's happening this week at Rosenblatt Stadium.

Headley addresses a need for a productive bat at third base in the Padres system while Alley provides scrappiness, which led San Diego scouting director Bill Gayton to say, "He's the kind of player that grows on you". The plan is to have both of them grow together.

"That's awesome," Headley said. "It's nice to get into an organization where you know someone. It's especially exciting to be able to play with Josh. When you know someone and you're going to a new environment, it's not so overwhelming. There is an element of familiarity there, and that's a big help. It makes the transition smooth."

Not that anyone expects Headley's transition to pro ball to be anything but smooth. He's hitting .391 [90-for-230] with 14 homers and 65 RBIs after blasting a two-run shot in Friday's 6-4 opening-round loss to Florida. His 62 walks broke Todd Helton's 1995 school record [61], and he's on the verge of setting a Tennessee single-season mark for on-base percentage. He also played in the wooden-bat Cape Cod League last summer and showed he had no problem using lumber as opposed to aluminum.

"I played against guys in the Cape League who will play at the next level," Headley said. "So I'm excited about this. I'm looking forward to the challenge. The Padres are doing well now as an organization and they have a nice new ballpark. I know they needed some third basemen in their system, so hopefully it will all work out well."

Headley says he doesn't feel as if he is overlooked, particularly in comparison to Nebraska's Alex Gordon or Miami's Ryan Braun. He points out that while those players warrant the attention they get, they do not intimidate him.

"I don't feel slighted because they are great players," Headley said. "But I don't think they are head and shoulders above me. I think I can play with anyone."

Alley is a bit more of a wild card for the Padres. His scrappiness is his best asset and that can't be measured in terms of statistics. He's the type of player Headley said "other teams typically don't like." But there's a whole lot to like about his .327 batting average, his 44 RBIs from the leadoff spot and his 24 stolen bases after going hitless in three at-bats Friday. He's also a defensive whiz, committing just one error in 65 games.

"I'm not your typical projectable guy," Alley said. "I'm done growing. I'm 5-9, but I think I was brought up and taught how to play the right way. It says a lot to me that they are willing to draft a 5-9 guy in the 10th round. They're not worried. They just want you to go out and play some."

Alley is almost as thrilled with having Headley headed with him as he was about getting drafted in the first place. The two already are good friends and both are devout Christians, which is an aspect of their friendship that will play an important role in their progress, according to Alley.

"It's a big thing that Chase and I share the same faith," Alley said. "We're both open Christians, and to be able to understand the Word and do bible studies together will make it so much better, especially when you can ask the Lord for help."

Only time will tell whether Alley's and Headley's prayers will be answered. The Padres seem certain, though, that there is little about which the pair have to worry.