Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Giants 2010 Question Marks and Outlook



Are the Giants a legitimate, 90 win contender for first place in the Western Division?

Will the revamped line-up be able to improve on the pedestrian run total put up by the Giants offense in the last two seasons? Maybe something more in the 700-725 runs scored neighborhood?

(640 runs scored in 2008 and 657 runs scored in 2009)

Will a middle of the order consisting of some combination of DeRosa, Huff and Sandoval strike fear into the hearts of opposition pitching staffs?

Is this the breakout year for Nate Schierholtz or a visit to the "Last Chance Saloon"?

Can Hensely Meulens make a bigger difference in the team batting average, and more importantly the much coveted OPS, than Carney Lansford was able to?

Will Freddie Sanchez and Edgar Renteria shake off injury woes and return to elite form or continue to spend more quality time on the D.L. than on the field?

Will a slimmed down Pablo Sandoval produce 25 or more HR's or succumb to a sophomore slump?

Will Tim Lincecum compete for an unprecedented third Cy Young Award in his third season?

Can Matt Cain and Barry Zito build on last years improvement?

Will Johnathan Sanchez be able to hold runners on better and build on his no-hit stuff potential to become an elite, plus-.500 pitcher?

Does Madison Bumgarner enter the rotation from the bottom this year, or gain an additional year of seasoning and enter it more towards the top next season?

The answers to these questions will go a long way towards determining whether the Giants are contenders or, once again, pretenders. The Western Division is one where a key injury or contribution from one player can move a team from first to worst and back again.

Other than praying for Timmy's elbow (please, no sliders!!) I would think that Schierholtz could be the key. If he can come in and produce power numbers similar to those Sandoval threw up there last year, this team could rock and roll.

Play 50/50 with Sanchez and Renteria returning to form--and I would prefer a revitalized Sanchez BTW--and   the Giants could indeed return to the playoff picture in 2010.
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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.