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Payne, the 64th overall pick in the draft out of Georgia Tech, led the Yellow Jackets in batting average (.370), on-base percentage (.509), runs (68), hits (81), doubles (20), walks (62) and stolen bases (20) over his 56 games during the 2007 season. The 5-10, 185-pound junior earned First-Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors for the second-consecutive season and became one of just two players in school history to reach base in at least 70-consecutive games, reaching base safely in 77-straight contests to finish the 2007 season. A native of Woodstock, GA, Payne also made 15 appearances on the mound for Georgia Tech in 2007, going 0-2 with three saves and a 5.87 ERA (10 ER/15.1 IP). He recorded 19 strikeouts compared to nine walks. Payne is currently playing for the Padres Short-Season Single-A Eugene affiliate.

Also signing were right-handed pitcher Jeremy Hefner (5th round), catcher Emmanuel Quiles (6th round), third baseman Justin Baum (7th round), outfielder Angel Mercado (23rd round) and right-handed pitcher Dylan Axelrod (30th round).

Baum, a native of La Mesa, CA, hit .367 (83-for-226) with 16 doubles, eight home runs, 43 RBI and 44 runs scored in 59 games for University of the Pacific in 2007. A 6-1, 190-pound junior, he led the Tigers in batting average, home runs, doubles, RBI, slugging percentage (.553), walks (44) and on-base percentage (.471). Following the season, he earned First-Team All-Big West honors and was named a 2007 CoSida Academic All-American.

The Padres have now signed or agreed to terms with 28 players selected in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft.

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