Mokena Native One Step Closer to Big League

Dean Anna was spending his day off golfing near Lake Elsinore, Calif., when he got the news.

To date, , a minor league team, earning 3 home runs, 18 RBI's, .400 on-base percentage, and .484 slugging percentage. All told, he bats .311.

The San Diego Padres, the parent club of the Single-A Storm, thought those numbers were good enough Wednesday to call Anna up to the next level. He leaves Thursday morning at 5 a.m. pacific time for San Antonio, Texas, to join the Double-A San Antonio Missions of the Texas League.

Anna is a graduate of Lincoln-Way East High School. He was drafted in the 26th round by the Padres in 2008, after his junior year at Ball State.

"I think I'm going at a good pace, and it's the right time for me to move up. It seems like the organization feels that way, too," Anna said. "I was excited when my manager called."

Anna lived with a host family in Lake Elsinore and will soon be moving in with teammates in San Antonio, Texas.

"Most of my clothes are in a suitcase. It just makes things easier," he said.

Anna congratulated his former coach, Paul Babcock, and the Griffins on a "great season." He could make his Texas League debut as early as tomorrow against Frisco, playing either in the corner outfield or middle infield.

Before he departed, Patch asked Anna for his thoughts on Chicago baseball and the National League, as they stand.

On the Cubs: "They are struggling right now. They have to get it together. They aren't looking like a team right now."

On the White Sox: "I'm not a Sox fan, but they've been getting really lucky right now."

On the National League: "I'm hoping for the Padres, of course, but the Phillies look strong."