Friday, February 13, 2009

PITCHERS AND CATCHERS REPORT



Hard to believe when the temps up here in Illinois are 32 degrees or less, but it's that time of year again. Everybody starts 0-0 and every fan starts the season with visions of playoff berths dancing in their heads.

Maybe even the Giants. It just won't be this year. Perhaps 2010.

So what do we have to look forward to this year Giant fans? More Dave Roberts, Randy Winn, Rich Aurilia and Bengie Molina? More of the struggles of Barry Zito? YES. But wait, there's more.

Waiting in the wings are the eventual replacements for the pile of wasted salary mentioned above.

THE GIANTS TOP TEN PROSPECTS FOR 2009:

1. Madison Bumgarner LHP 6-5, 225
2. Buster Posey C 6-1,190
3. Tim Alderson RHP 6-6, 220
4. Conor Gilaspie 3B 6-1, 200
5. Angel Villalona 1B 6-3, 240
6. Pablo Sandoval C-1B-3B
7. Nate Schierholz RF 6-2, 215
8. Henry Sosa RHP 6-2, 185
9. Kevin Pucetas RHP 6-4, 225
10. Nick Noonan 2B 6-0, 180

The list is more than half-filled with guys who could help this year and others who are 2010 prospects and beyond, but it is shaping up to be the beginnings of transforming the franchise into one that builds more from within.

Bumgarner, Alderson, Villalona and Noonan are futures.

Schierholtz has to be in his put-up or shut-up year. They have to make room for him or move him.

They need to figure out what is going on at the corners (1B and 3B) so they can decide where to slot Sandoval. Pablo seems like he can hit at any level. He is a defensive plus behind the dish and a minus at 1B or 3B. So why he is going into the season as the projected 3B, I don't know. I'm sure the entire pitching staff is hoping Gilaspie can hit enough to play at third.

If Gilaspie fits at third, Sandoval perhaps shares time with Ishakawa at first until Posey is ready to take the reins from Molina behind the plate.

Eventually Noonan takes over at 2B and Ehire Adianza, a defensive wizard, takes over for Renteria at SS. Adianza seems to have risen ahead of Charlie Culbertson and Brandon Crawford as heir-apparent at SS.

Among the pitchers, Sosa helps fill middle innings in the bullpen and Pucetas is rising as an insurance policy against Noah Lowry not returning at 100% from elbow surgery. Pucetas works fast, has a good mix of pitches and competes well. His size is a plus, but he may need more seasoning at AA or AAA before arriving later in the year.

Scott Barnes, a LHP from St. John's impressed enough that he will get a solid look in camp as well as LHP's Ben Snyder and Clayton Tanner. You can never have too many left-handers. From the right side Kyle Nicholson seems to be the most impressive RHP that could earn a spot.

The Giants 2009 season may be much like this nations economic woes, we're just looking for signs of a turnaround. EEEEEEKKKKKK!!!!!!!
Posted by at
Labels: , , , ,

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

Giants Top Minor League Prospects

  • 1. Joey Bart 6-2, 215 C Power arm and a power bat, playing a premium defensive position. Good catch and throw skills.
  • 2. Heliot Ramos 6-2, 185 OF Potential high-ceiling player the Giants have been looking for. Great bat speed, early returns were impressive.
  • 3. Chris Shaw 6-3. 230 1B Lefty power bat, limited defensively to 1B, Matt Adams comp?
  • 4. Tyler Beede 6-4, 215 RHP from Vanderbilt projects as top of the rotation starter when he works out his command/control issues. When he misses, he misses by a bunch.
  • 5. Stephen Duggar 6-1, 170 CF Another toolsy, under-achieving OF in the Gary Brown mold, hoping for better results.
  • 6. Sandro Fabian 6-0, 180 OF Dominican signee from 2014, shows some pop in his bat. Below average arm and lack of speed should push him towards LF.
  • 7. Aramis Garcia 6-2, 220 C from Florida INTL projects as a good bat behind the dish with enough defensive skill to play there long-term
  • 8. Heath Quinn 6-2, 190 OF Strong hitter, makes contact with improving approach at the plate. Returns from hamate bone injury.
  • 9. Garrett Williams 6-1, 205 LHP Former Oklahoma standout, Giants prototype, low-ceiling, high-floor prospect.
  • 10. Shaun Anderson 6-4, 225 RHP Large frame, 3.36 K/BB rate. Can start or relieve
  • 11. Jacob Gonzalez 6-3, 190 3B Good pedigree, impressive bat for HS prospect.
  • 12. Seth Corry 6-2 195 LHP Highly regard HS pick. Was mentioned as possible chip in high profile trades.
  • 13. C.J. Hinojosa 5-10, 175 SS Scrappy IF prospect in the mold of Kelby Tomlinson, just gets it done.
  • 14. Garett Cave 6-4, 200 RHP He misses a lot of bats and at times, the plate. 13 K/9 an 5 B/9. Wild thing.

2019 MLB Draft - Top HS Draft Prospects

  • 1. Bobby Witt, Jr. 6-1,185 SS Colleyville Heritage HS (TX) Oklahoma commit. Outstanding defensive SS who can hit. 6.4 speed in 60 yd. Touched 97 on mound. Son of former major leaguer. Five tool potential.
  • 2. Riley Greene 6-2, 190 OF Haggerty HS (FL) Florida commit.Best HS hitting prospect. LH bat with good eye, plate discipline and developing power.
  • 3. C.J. Abrams 6-2, 180 SS Blessed Trinity HS (GA) High-ceiling athlete. 70 speed with plus arm. Hitting needs to develop as he matures. Alabama commit.
  • 4. Reece Hinds 6-4, 210 SS Niceville HS (FL) Power bat, committed to LSU. Plus arm, solid enough bat to move to 3B down the road. 98MPH arm.
  • 5. Daniel Espino 6-3, 200 RHP Georgia Premier Academy (GA) LSU commit. Touches 98 on FB with wipe out SL.

2019 MLB Draft - Top College Draft Prospects

  • 1. Adley Rutschman C Oregon State Plus defender with great arm. Excellent receiver plus a switch hitter with some pop in the bat.
  • 2. Shea Langliers C Baylor Excelent throw and catch skills with good pop time. Quick bat, uses all fields approach with some pop.
  • 3. Zack Thompson 6-2 LHP Kentucky Missed time with an elbow issue. FB up to 95 with plenty of secondary stuff.
  • 4. Matt Wallner 6-5 OF Southern Miss Run producing bat plus mid to upper 90's FB closer. Power bat from the left side, athletic for size.
  • 5. Nick Lodolo LHP TCU Tall LHP, 95MPH FB and solid breaking stuff.