THE REST OF THE GIANTS 2008 HAUL

The top of this draft looks like it could provide solid help for the G-men quickly. Buster Posey should make a near immediate impact behind the plate. If Conor Gillespie can approach the Bill Mueller comparisons, that would make most Giant fans very happy. If the system is able to squeeze out one solid starter from the combination of Crawford and Kieschnick, then this draft goes from very good to GREAT.

The farm system is helped even further by the report that the Giants signed 16 year old Rafael Rodriguez as a free agent. He has been compared to "Vladimir Guerrero because of his size and power with the bat" according to one ESPN report.

He would immediately join 18 year old phenom Angel Villalona at or near the top of the Giants prospect list.


HERE'S THE OTHER DRAFTEES:

Conor Gillaspie, 3B Wichita State University

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/events/draft_report/y2008/index.jsp?mc=gillaspie

After a strong Cape season, Gillaspie has followed up with an excellent junior campaign. He's a terrific hitter and has been over .400 for most of the year. His lack of power makes it hard to profile him anywhere other than as a Bill Mueller-type third baseman. There are worse things to be, of course, and a team that values what Gillaspie can do will surely take him.

Roger Kieschnick, OF Texas Tech University

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/events/draft_report/y2008/index.jsp?mc=kieschnick

Kieschnick is a potential five-tool corner outfielder who could hit for power and steal a few bases. He plays a fearless outfield, getting to plenty of balls and showing off a good arm at times. The one knock is an issue with his mechanics at the plate that concerns some about his hitting ability at the next level. Still, an aggressive college outfielder -- in a weak class of outfielders -- who has those tools should get plenty of interest.

Brandon Crawford, SS UCLA

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/events/draft_report/y2008/index.jsp?mc=crawford

After his first two seasons at UCLA, Crawford seemed poised to be one of the top collegiate middle infielders in the class. But a rough Cape season appears to have carried over and he's lost some confidence in his game, both at the plate and in the field. Some added thickness to his lower half has taken away a little of his quickness, though he's still a solid shortstop. If he can right himself, he's the kind of player who usually sees himself go off the board within the first couple of rounds.