PEORIA, Ariz. -- For a guy who didn't get a chance to even stand on the mound his first season as a professional, Tim Stauffer sure learned how to jump his second year as a Padres farmhand.

Stauffer, the team's first-round pick in the 2003 First-Year Player Draft, didn't sign until that August. The right-hander spent the remainder of the season rehabilitating his shoulder instead of getting his feet wet in the minors.

Come 2004, Stauffer was so ready for the minors that he made a rare double-jump in the system, rising from Class A Lake Elsinore to Double-A Mobile to Triple-A Portland in the span of his first professional season.

"Considering he's a guy who had to rehab his arm just to become active after he had signed, to go from A-ball to Double-A to Triple-A in one year is pretty impressive," Padres general manager Kevin Towers said. "He had success at every level. It wasn't like he struggled at all."

The grand totals in the three stops combined: 11-5 with a 2.89 ERA in 28 starts covering 168 innings, striking out 113 while walking just 48. He finally gave up a little bit more offense in Triple-A Portland, including 15 homers, but he finished with a 6-3 record and 3.54 ERA there.

In addition, Stauffer was recognized as one of the up-and-comers in baseball by being invited to the All-Star Futures Game, where he struck out two in a 1-2-3 inning.

Add it all up, and it's a pretty impressive first season as a pro for the former University of Richmond star.

"I think I learned quite a bit last year," Stauffer said. "From the beginning of the year to the end of the year, I think I became a better pitcher. All those experiences, all the different guys I played with, including some older guys, I just kind of took it all in. This year, it makes it just that much easier."

This year, Stauffer finds himself in Major League camp, a candidate for the Padres' No. 5 starter role. Though veteran lefty Darrell May figures to start the season in that role based on his experience and a hefty contract, Stauffer and fellow right-hander Justin Germano are being looked at for the spot as well.

There's no real urgency for the 22-year-old Stauffer to get to the Majors, but he's ready whenever he gets the call.

Spotlight on the Padres An up-close look at the club as we approach Opening Day • Schlegel: Padres ready for PETCO now • The heat is on: Ryan Klesko • Top prospect: Tim Stauffer • Breakout player: Sean Burroughs • Padres organization report • Padres Spring Training preview • Padres Spring Training quick hits • Video preview MLB.com spotlights the team directly from Peoria: 56K | 350K

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"Obviously, it's where you want to be," Stauffer said. "I can't really worry about that. I have to just do what I can and hope it's good enough. Wherever I go, I just want to do well and take things from there. I can't really worry about where I start or where I finish."

A year ago, Stauffer was in the Major League camp, but didn't get to pitch in a game. This time around, he's very much involved in the day-to-day workout regimen and is among the starting pitchers getting regular Cactus League work. He didn't give up a run in his first two outings, allowing just three hits while striking out four in four innings of work.

"It's definitely a little easier the second time around," he said.

While in camp, Stauffer's showing off a deep repertoire that is short on power, but big on movement. While many young pitchers fall into the trap of trying to challenge hitters with heat, Stauffer is and will continue to be one who lets his defense do the work.

"I'm not a guy who's going to go up there and try to blow people away," Stauffer said. "I've got a few pitches, and if I don't have it all one day I still have enough to give my team a chance to win, eat up some innings and try to keep the pitch count down.

"That's first and foremost for me -- being able to throw strikes. To take things from there, it makes it a little easier."

That is a strategy that certainly applies at all levels, including the big leagues. When exactly he makes that final jump remains to be seen, but Stauffer is intent on making 2005 a fine follow-up act to 2004.

"I'm just looking forward and hoping for a good year," Stauffer said. "Wherever I start or where I finish will be left up to how I do on the field."

Towers suggests it won't be terribly long before that last jump.

"This guy is definitely on the fast track," Towers said. "If he doesn't break with us this spring, I wouldn't be surprised at all if we see him pitch in San Diego before the end of the season."