McCovey Chronicles Community Prospect List #13

by marcello on Nov 26, 2008 9:13 AM PST Comment 117 comments

Feel free to make a write in as your vote. Just list who you want, don't vote in the poll, and then try and make a case to sway people. I'm not adding anyone right now just because we have enough clogging up the poll. This poll will last a bit longer, due to the holiday.

1. SP Madison Bumgarner
2. "C" Buster Posey
3. SP Tim Alderson
4. 1B Angel Villalona
5. 2B Nick Noonan
6. 3B Conor Gillaspie
7. SP Henry Sosa
8. OF Rafael Rodriguez
9. OF Roger Kieschnick
10. SP Kevin Pucetas
11. Travis Ishikawa
12. Wendell Fairley

Ehire Adrianza, SS, 19 - Hit .241/.351/.325 in 2007 over 249 AB in the DSL with 41 BB and 37 K. Hit .288/.382/.409 in 2008 over 66 AB, mostly in Rookie Ball with 9 BB and 6 K. He is an excellent defensive SS and scouts love him.

Scott Barnes, LHP, 21 - Pitched 90.1 innings at St. John's in 2008 with 90 K, 45 BB, 3 HR, 1.26 WHIP, and 3.69 ERA as a junior. Pitched 43.2 innings in the minors in 2008, mostly at A-Ball Augusta, with 63 K, 12 BB, 0 HR, 0.67 WHIP, 1.38 ERA, and ~40% groundball rate. He throws a high 80's, low 90's fastball, a slider, and a change.

Brandon Crawford, SS, 21 - Drafted 2008, #117 overall. Hit .335/.404/.504 over 248 AB with 25 BB and 58 K his sophmore year of college at UCLA in 2007. Hit .302/.394/.491 over 232 AB with 31 BB and 59 K his junior year. He is another toolsy player considered to have not broken out yet.

Jesse English, LHP, 24 - Drafted in 2002, #187 overall. Over 5 minor league seasons has pitched 265.1 innings with 208 H, 331 K, 117 BB, 20 HR, 1.23 WHIP, and a 3.26 ERA. In 2008, in High-A, he pitched 135.1 innigs, with 135 K, 51 BB, 12 HR, 1.27 WHIP, 3.19 ERA, and a 46% groundball rate. He career was derailed early on by injuries but is back on track now. He throws a good fastball, plus changeup, and probably something else that I couldn't find. Fun fact: MLB.com's fantasy comparison has K-Rod, Lincecum, Sabathia, and Rivera as his top 4. Things I'll never look at again for 400 Alex.

Aaron King, LHP, 19 - Drafted in 2008, #207 overall. In 2008, pitched 33.1 innings between Rookie Ball and Low-A with 45 K, 19 BB, 1 HR, 1.33 WHIP, 2.99 ERA, and a ~49% groundball rate. He throws a low 90's fastball that can touch mid 90's, a curve, and a rough change.

Joseph Martinez, SP, 25 - Drafted 2005, #372 overall. Has thrown 547.2 innings in his 4 years of pro ball with an ERA of 3.40 and 1.17 WHIP. Last season in AA he threw 148 innings with 131 H, 6 HR 37 BB 112 K for an ERA of 2.49 and 1.14 WHIP with a 57% groundball rate. More of a finesse pitcher than anything, but has continued to post good stats as he moves up in levels.

Ben Snyder, LHP, 23 - Drafted in 2006, #116 overall. Over 3 minor league seasons has pitched 364.1 innings with 319 K, 88 BB, 27 HR, 1.18 WHIP, and a 2.89 ERA. In 2008, split between High-A and AA, he pitched 147.1 innings with 117 K, 41 BB, and 11 HR. He throws a high 80's fastball and an excellent curve.

Clayton Tanner, LHP, 20 - Drafted 2006, #89 overall. Over three seasons has thrown 278.1 IP, 288 H, 213 K, 91 BB, 7 HR, 1.36 WHIP, 3.62 ERA, and ~56% groundball rate across the three levels of A-ball. In 2008 threw 117.0 IP, 124 H, 84 K, 39 BB, 1 HR, 1.39 WHIP, 3.69 ERA, and a 55% groundball rate in High-A. He throws a fastball, breaking ball, and change.

Testers: Justin Hedrick, Brian Anderson, Thomas Neal, EME, Matt Downs, Ben Copeland, Osiris Matos, Ryan Rohlinger, Eric Surkamp,

Poll

Who is the Giants #13 prospect?

Ehire Adrianza

54 votes

Scott Barnes

80 votes

Brandon Crawford

80 votes

Jesse English

18 votes

Aaron King

7 votes

Joseph Martinez

21 votes

Benjamin Snyder

5 votes

Clayton Tanner

53 votes

318 votes | Poll has closed

This FanPost is reader-generated, and it does not necessarily reflect the views of McCovey Chronicles. If the author uses filler to achieve the minimum word requirement, a moderator may edit the FanPost for his or her own amusement.

4 recs | Comment 117 comments

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Comments

Still driving the Scott Barnes bandwagon – I find him much more impressive than Crawford (I’d probably have Crawford somewhere around #20). He’s a lefty starter, he controls 3 pitches, he exceeds 90 mph. Not sure what there isn’t to like…..

Am I mad, in a coma, or back in time? Whatever's happened, it's like I've landed on a different planet. Now, maybe if I can work out the reason, I can get home.

by Lyle on Nov 26, 2008 9:22 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Yep. Barnes. Back in, like, 1997, he would have been our #1 prospect.

by Grant on Nov 26, 2008 9:30 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

definitely

he’s way ahead of Joe Fontenot.

Bonds stands alone.

Proud adopted parent of future big league slugger Thomas Neal

by nostocksjustbonds on Nov 26, 2008 10:23 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I think, of all the people on the bottom of this list, Barnes has the clearest path to being a top 5 organizational prospect. If he makes another dominant showing at a higher level, then we’ll know that his dominance of Augusta wasn’t just an older guy picking on the kids.

The Denker bus is now bound for San Diego. Those who were passengers on it are now angrily stranded at a gas station in Modesto, CA. Not much about baseball here .

by oldjacket on Nov 26, 2008 9:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

If Brandon Crawford or Ehire Adrianza were to show any sort of offensive skill — .300 average, high isolated OBP, surprising doubles power — they would rocket up just as fast as Barnes, if not faster. But I have more faith that Barnes will continue performing at a high level than I do that Crawford or Adrianza will start performing at a high level.

by Grant on Nov 26, 2008 9:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah. I was trying to stick with possible improvements that seem plausible with track record and skillset.

The Denker bus is now bound for San Diego. Those who were passengers on it are now angrily stranded at a gas station in Modesto, CA. Not much about baseball here .

by oldjacket on Nov 26, 2008 9:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

jumping on the barneswagon

I’m on it. Lucky no. 13 eh? Let’s hope he doesn’t go all “Andy D’Alessio” on us.

I kind of hate myself for even raising that possibility :(

Idolizing Robb Nen since 2002...

by Smoke on the Water on Nov 26, 2008 10:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Crawford hit 300/400 avg/obp in college last year.. that’s not bad

proud father of the newly acquired Brandon Crawford..

by Azmanz on Nov 26, 2008 11:12 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

For a guy expected to be an elite player, that’s bad.

by cornball on Nov 26, 2008 3:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think too many people are expecting him to be an elite player. I’d be happy with “pretty good.”

Less arm, more talk. Raisingcain is a GAMER.
Adopted Giant: Henry Sosa

by raisingcain on Nov 26, 2008 5:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

He was expected to be an All-American last year at UCLA. That sounds elite to me. In college, elite players don’t hit .300 with no power. That is utterly mediocre. A .400 OBP isn’t remarkable either. Now, since he’s been drafted, I’ve had zero expectations for him and will be surprised if he makes the majors. But my point was that he was expected to be an elite player in college and, frankly, he wasn’t.

by cornball on Nov 27, 2008 9:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Also on that second-team, one Mr. Roger Kieschnick. Monopolizing preseason All-Americans who weren’t postseason All-Americans: your San Francisco Giants.

by cornball on Nov 27, 2008 9:13 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I like the strategy after the third round. Jed Lowrie, Taylor Teagarden, and Travis Buck all dropped off the 2005 list. I’d go through other years if the NCAA didn’t make college baseball information really, really super-secret.

by Grant on Nov 27, 2008 9:28 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I like the strategy, too. Obviously, those guys were highly regarded for a reason, before a season of struggles. There’s just little about Crawford that gets me excited.

by cornball on Nov 27, 2008 10:48 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

You've yet to see him pitch

Seriously.

by wilriv21 on Nov 27, 2008 10:51 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I guess I’ll have to do that, then. Maybe we could move Posey to short and have Crawford start on the mound, then they switch once Crawford’s arm tires.

by cornball on Nov 27, 2008 11:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Perhaps, but it’s certainly not good if you want to convince people you can play in the majors.

by Dan from NM on Nov 26, 2008 5:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Barneswagon

on it

by Evan on Nov 26, 2008 9:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Barneswagon

TouTube Cape Cod vid.

I’m on board too. Maybe a bit late.

Castillo got the DFA. Guestimate for Castillo DFA to come before the 2009 season = 2.

by kennv on Nov 26, 2008 9:55 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t a K/B of 2 really mediocre for a Junior?

..so allow me to present Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain as two sweet, sweet bottles of warming hooch.

by Cookyman on Nov 26, 2008 10:35 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

EHIRE again!

You probably know it as MYANMAR, but it will always be BURMA to me!

by NuschlerFace on Nov 26, 2008 9:31 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I’m with NF on this. The eHire line forms here…and we’re handing
out balloons. Go away kid, you’re too young to be whipping cream.

They say some players get out of bed hitting; Pablo Sandoval doesn't wait that long

by bgunn on Nov 26, 2008 10:38 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m stubborn, therefore i am still voting for eHire. The barnes people make a convincing (and likely right) argument, but i’m am damn stubborn.

Todd Jennings: If he's on the DL, he can't suck as much, right?

by Speedforthewin on Nov 26, 2008 1:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I like Barnes and Martinez as well…right after aDrianza.

They say some players get out of bed hitting; Pablo Sandoval doesn't wait that long

by bgunn on Nov 26, 2008 1:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I am also big on Joe Martinez

Todd Jennings: If he's on the DL, he can't suck as much, right?

by Speedforthewin on Nov 26, 2008 1:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

mlb.com fantasy comparison

Doesn’t that just show the top 4 players at that position, followed by the player’s score? That would make the 4 players the same for everybody.

Less arm, more talk. Raisingcain is a GAMER.
Adopted Giant: Henry Sosa

by raisingcain on Nov 26, 2008 9:48 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Ahh, that makes more sense then. I was thinking, “You’re really comparing him to the two best starters in baseball, the greatest reliever ever, and one of the most dominant relievers (other than this year)?”

When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips

Neglectful father of David Quinowski

by marcello on Nov 26, 2008 10:17 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

My list (for what it’s worth) I’m going with Crawford then Ehire (though really that’s a pick ’em) then the Ortmeier cloud of AA pitchers sorted by age.

The Denker bus is now bound for San Diego. Those who were passengers on it are now angrily stranded at a gas station in Modesto, CA. Not much about baseball here .

by oldjacket on Nov 26, 2008 9:50 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

oh yeah, I’m going with Barnes for 13, for reasons stated above.

The Denker bus is now bound for San Diego. Those who were passengers on it are now angrily stranded at a gas station in Modesto, CA. Not much about baseball here .

by oldjacket on Nov 26, 2008 9:51 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Agree -

My adopted son Matt Downs. Lost in the wilderness of mediocrity.

by nvsfg on Nov 26, 2008 2:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I guess right now..

I’m going with Martinez since he’s closest to the majors. Sure some others have higher upside, but it’s tough to rationalize some of their chances of making the majors.

The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."

by WalrusMan on Nov 26, 2008 9:55 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I'm going with Martinez because I'm results oriented.

And the more Martinez keeps not winning, the more redundant, OCD, and basically autistic I’ll get.

"When Jackson Williams thinks of how many times Madison Bumgarner has tried to kill Tyler Walker..." Well, apparently he succeeded on that last go 'round.

by multiphasic on Nov 26, 2008 10:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Go Engligh!

There amass been plenty of articles written this spring about the stud shortstop Matt Cain and Tim Lincecum , as well as the fluid young outfielders and thirteen basemen Kevin Frandsen.
comics | art | Nattowear | McFAQ I & II

by Natto on Nov 26, 2008 10:27 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Whoops

When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips

Neglectful father of David Quinowski

by marcello on Nov 26, 2008 11:30 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

tester suggestion

Hector Sanchez

Bonds stands alone.

Proud adopted parent of future big league slugger Thomas Neal

by nostocksjustbonds on Nov 26, 2008 10:30 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Strongly agreed (note my use of BOLD)

Am I mad, in a coma, or back in time? Whatever's happened, it's like I've landed on a different planet. Now, maybe if I can work out the reason, I can get home.

by Lyle on Nov 26, 2008 1:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

STATS make him look like an interesting player.

The maturity of the skills makes me wonder if that’s his real age…..especially as he hasn’t come to the US yet and gone through the visa process…

by aGIANTfan on Nov 26, 2008 2:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Note:

We’d like to expand the poll a lot soon, because in this area many people have so may different views. Make suggestions like this.

The Basil Fawlty Moderating Strategy:
"We could run a nice blog here if we didn't have all these members getting in the way."

by WalrusMan on Nov 26, 2008 11:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

TANNER

For me Tanner just beats out Scott Barnes.

Tanner’s increased sample size, and being three months younger than Barnes give him the nod.

by aGIANTfan on Nov 26, 2008 10:33 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

WORD…though I really like what Barnes did in his debut

by Keenlow on Nov 26, 2008 1:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

ROOGY

I noticed in his fine pitching that Scott Barnes had a strong reverse split. I guess as with several Giants prospects, 2009 will be a key year for him. Start at San Jose?

by sharksrog on Nov 27, 2008 9:33 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Kyle Nicholson

I voted for Clayton Tanner — after giving consideration to both the shortstops — but I’m wondering why Kyle Nicholson isn’t even on our tester list.

Kyle is four years and a day older than Madison Bumgarner and pitched one level lower at Salem-Keizer, but the former Texas A&M right-hander posted a 6-1 record with 1.15 ERA. Even more impressively, he struck out 54 in 62.2 innings while yielding only one homer, 34 hits and THREE walks. Yes, we would like to see more than 54 strikeouts in his 62.2 innings, but that 18/1 K/BB ratio is a bit catchy.

Even better, he had 3.92 ground outs per air out. A pitcher with even average strikeout ability who can throw lots of ground balls can quickly become an asset.

Nicholson was one of three Giants pitchers nominated for Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2008. (The others being winner Madison Bumgarner and the poised Tim Alderson.) He was voted Short-Season Pitcher of the Year and Most Spectacular Short-Season pitcher.

Nicholson posted a phenomenal 70.4% ground ball percentage while limiting hitters to an 11.1% line drive rate. He was equally effective against righties and lefties, limiting them to .156 and .158, respectively. His fly ball percentage was only 17.3%, and his WHIP was a miniscule 0.58.

He was overaged and will need to show he can continue to pitch well at higher levels. But given that the prospects chosen, the nominated or picked as testers now number 29, wouldn’t Kyle make a good 30th addition? If I were Kyle I would be asking the McCoven, what does it take to get noticed around here?

by sharksrog on Nov 26, 2008 10:50 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

17-ish on my list.

They say some players get out of bed hitting; Pablo Sandoval doesn't wait that long

by bgunn on Nov 26, 2008 10:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

He was in Arizona, not Salem-Keizer, and a college pitcher striking out less than a batter an inning in rookie league says nonprospect to me.

His season looks a lot like Adam Cowart’s rookie year, actually.

by Evan on Nov 26, 2008 11:16 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

We’re going to need a separate poll just to rank the lefties. I’d probably put them in this order:

Barnes
Tanner
English
Snyder
King

That’s not a bad group of LHP to take your chances with. Is it too greedy to hope for a decent big league starter, a useful bullpen arm, and a AAAA swingman.

by mxmob33 on Nov 26, 2008 11:18 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

I’d put King third on that list, but your point remains – we have a pleasant surplus of bargain-priced pitchers.

Am I mad, in a coma, or back in time? Whatever's happened, it's like I've landed on a different planet. Now, maybe if I can work out the reason, I can get home.

by Lyle on Nov 26, 2008 1:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I also thought King was a little low. On the overall prospect list, I would think no later than 20, probably?

Less arm, more talk. Raisingcain is a GAMER.
Adopted Giant: Henry Sosa

by raisingcain on Nov 26, 2008 1:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

For me, all 5 of those would probably fall somewhere between 12 and 20. As for King, I know very little about him so maybe you’re right. I just see a small sample size and high BB rate which makes it tough to put him ahead of any of the others right now.

by mxmob33 on Nov 26, 2008 2:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

King is the youngest and has the best stuff. I’d put him behind Barnes.

King and Barnes can probably be No. 3 starters if they reach their ceilings, perhaps even better for King. Tanner, English and Snyder are back-of-the-rotation guys.

by Dan from NM on Nov 26, 2008 5:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I’d wouldn’t put English in the same group as Snyder and Tanner ceiling-wise just because he’s always had the big strikeout numbers. Even with his K numbers down a little as a starter he still averaged a K per inning in High A, and that was really his first full healthy season in a while.

If English puts his health issues behind him, he’s the one out of that group I could reasonably see getting a callup at some point this season.

by mxmob33 on Nov 26, 2008 7:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Sounds reasonable

I might have Kyle a notch or two higher, but #17 sounds reasonable. In 2009 he could move well up the list, or flat-out fall off it. I think the former is more likley, however, with a top-10 ranking being quite possible a year from now.

The above poster is indeed right that Kyle pitched only in the Rookie League, which does take a little luster off his accomplishments. MiLB showed him with Salem-Keizer, so he must have been promoted at season’s end.

Still, being perhaps the most pronounced ground ball pitcher in the Giants’ organization should seemingly count for something. Particularly with an 0.46 walk rate per nine. That’s a lot of strikes, and likely a lot of LOW strikes.

When one’s pitches do the limbo, that’s usually a good thing.

by sharksrog on Nov 26, 2008 11:23 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

The Giants really seem to be picking up a lot of extreme control/ground-ball pitchers these days, don’t they? Martinez, Pucetas, Tanner, and now Nicholson. Maybe some others I’ve forgotten.

It’s the best combination to have if throwing really hard is out, but I’m skeptical that it’s enough to make them serious contributors at the major-league level.

by Evan on Nov 26, 2008 11:40 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

It won't make them competitors

if the Giants have a porous infield.

My adopted son Matt Downs. Lost in the wilderness of mediocrity.

by nvsfg on Nov 26, 2008 2:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Short answer: if you're 23 in short-season ball and want to be considered a prospect,

you’d better throw a no-hitter every time you’re out there.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Nov 27, 2008 10:25 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Nicholson

Agreed. There are a lot of college pitchers who are very successful in rookie ball and are just OK prospects. Cowart, Odle, TJ Brewer, Clark are just some recent examples. Nicholson was a fairly high draft pick (7th round) who had to have the Tommy John surgery. Does anyone have a scouting report on him in college? Did the Giants know about the injury before they drafted him or did the injury occur after the draft? The only way he gets into the top 30 or so on my list is if I hear some scouting reports that indicate he has a higher ceiling than it appears.

by nelson95 on Nov 30, 2008 9:01 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I read

I read an article that said his apartment definitely had cathedral ceilings.

by sharksrog on Nov 30, 2008 2:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Were they really cathedral ceilings or did they just appear to be cathedral ceilings?

by nelson95 on Nov 30, 2008 3:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I may need help

I may need to check with a higher power on that one.

by sharksrog on Nov 30, 2008 11:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Scott Munter with a longer career? thatd be a nice addition

adopter/sponsor of "Go, Antoan" Richardson

by foothillsfan on Nov 26, 2008 11:32 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Difference

The difference between Scott Munter and young Giants such as Tanner and Nicholson is that Scott couldn’t strike anyone out and had an horrendous K/BB ratio. Tanner, Nicholson and others haven’t exhibitted that same problem.

Maybe Munter would have turned out to be a good reliever had he not hurt his arm, but I doubt it.

by sharksrog on Nov 26, 2008 12:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

king

Does he really throw low to mid nineties? I guess I’d forgotten.

I suppose he was at a lower level than several other pitchers and had worse control, but it sounds like he could have more upside, and a repertoire with a greater chance of succeeding at higher levels (IIRC, wasn’t he projected to have some pretty nice offspeed stuff? Not sure)

Less arm, more talk. Raisingcain is a GAMER.
Adopted Giant: Henry Sosa

by raisingcain on Nov 26, 2008 12:26 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Kyle Nicolson

Though I know nothing about the guy, Kyle Nicholson sounded pretty interesting. Any reason why he is not up for consideration yet? I mean, if we have Rafael Rodriguez up there, why not Nicholson who at least has some stats to back him up.

“Nicholson, 23, went 6-1 with a 1.15 ERA for short-season Salem-Keizer. In 62 2/3 innings, he yielded just 34 hits and walked three while striking out 54. His 0.59 WHIP (walks and hits allowed per inning pitched) looked like a typographical error.”

by cwelgin on Nov 26, 2008 12:34 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

here

The Denker bus is now bound for San Diego. Those who were passengers on it are now angrily stranded at a gas station in Modesto, CA. Not much about baseball here .

by oldjacket on Nov 26, 2008 12:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

so to clarify, the main reasons not to like him are his age and K/9 ratio?

Todd Jennings: If he's on the DL, he can't suck as much, right?

by Speedforthewin on Nov 26, 2008 1:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

yup

The Denker bus is now bound for San Diego. Those who were passengers on it are now angrily stranded at a gas station in Modesto, CA. Not much about baseball here .

by oldjacket on Nov 26, 2008 1:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

or, really, his age. That performance from a younger prospect would be enticing.

The Denker bus is now bound for San Diego. Those who were passengers on it are now angrily stranded at a gas station in Modesto, CA. Not much about baseball here .

by oldjacket on Nov 26, 2008 1:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

does anyone know if the Giants plan to promote him aggressively?

Todd Jennings: If he's on the DL, he can't suck as much, right?

by Speedforthewin on Nov 26, 2008 1:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The overall minor league rosterbation is going to be very interesting. Where does the organization assign catchers WItter, Williams, Posey, Holm? How about the SS Burriss, Bocock, Adrianza, Crawford, Schoop and Culberson? And then there is the pitchers – Maday, Bumgarner, English, Snyder, Barnes, King, Surkamp, Sosa, Pucetas etc

by wilriv21 on Nov 26, 2008 1:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I was thinking about this very topic today. I believe that Pucetas and Martinez could be up in AAA, along with maybe a pitcher signed to a minor league deal (such as Mike Moroth) to go along with Hammond and Periera. I think English, Bumgarner and Alderson will be in AA. I’m very interested to see how the OF depth works itself out, what seemed like a stockpile of outfielders a few years ago now seems closer to being an area of organizational weakness.

Todd Jennings: If he's on the DL, he can't suck as much, right?

by Speedforthewin on Nov 26, 2008 1:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yet not able to understand the need for the organization to push Bumgarner to AA to begin the 2009 season.

by wilriv21 on Nov 26, 2008 2:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

there is not a need. There may be a want, if the organization’s long term goal is to get bumgarner and alderson into the ML rotation ASAP to allow them to trade another starter for a bat. That’s my best guess.

Todd Jennings: If he's on the DL, he can't suck as much, right?

by Speedforthewin on Nov 26, 2008 2:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Posey.

Posey is off to AA to work with Decker. I believe that the org wants Posey to get as much experience catching MadB and Alderson (Pucetas, too?) as possible.

by Gregjitsu on Nov 28, 2008 12:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

i've got no problem with most of your post

but there’s zero need to sign mike maroth, not even on a minor league contract. dude’s never going to be more than a four A player, and we’ve got enough young pitching that if we’re in dire need for a fifth starter we should fill that need from within the organization. Basically, if Dave Duncan can’t turn your career around, I’m pretty sure Dave Righetti won’t be able to pull it off.

Idolizing Robb Nen since 2002...

by Smoke on the Water on Nov 26, 2008 3:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

maroth was more of a flyer on my part. My point is that getting a low cost SP as depth in AAA this year would be a good idea. Maroth was just a general scenario of a pitcher with significant ML innings that would accept a minor league deal.

Todd Jennings: If he's on the DL, he can't suck as much, right?

by Speedforthewin on Nov 26, 2008 3:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

maybe you would prefer these names: Fogg, Prior, Rusch, Kip Wells, Elarton, Horacio Ramirez.

Todd Jennings: If he's on the DL, he can't suck as much, right?

by Speedforthewin on Nov 26, 2008 3:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

No on Prior. For the rest of eternity, no on Prior.

by cornball on Nov 26, 2008 3:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

“minor league rosterbation” is the most depressing phrase ever.

by Evan on Nov 26, 2008 3:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

what’s the over under on days until Grant uses it as a tag in a post?

Todd Jennings: If he's on the DL, he can't suck as much, right?

by Speedforthewin on Nov 26, 2008 3:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

worse than:

1985 SF Giants?

Game 6 2002 World Series?

by wilriv21 on Nov 26, 2008 3:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

126 million, 7 year contract for Barry Zito?

Todd Jennings: If he's on the DL, he can't suck as much, right?

by Speedforthewin on Nov 26, 2008 4:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

that final chapter has yet to be written

by wilriv21 on Nov 26, 2008 6:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I've seen an early draft.

SPOILER: It doesn’t end well.

Check out The Examined Life. Or don't. Whatever.
"I been waitin' a long time for this! I been waitin' since the f**kin' amateurs!" --WILL "THE THRILL" CLARK

by Josh from Hollywood on Nov 26, 2008 11:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

testers

I hope Downs gets on the poll soon. I know he’s old for his level, but he’s put up some nice numbers and is versatile in the field.

Less arm, more talk. Raisingcain is a GAMER.
Adopted Giant: Henry Sosa

by raisingcain on Nov 26, 2008 1:46 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Kelly Downs?

< /flashback>

They say some players get out of bed hitting; Pablo Sandoval doesn't wait that long

by bgunn on Nov 26, 2008 1:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓

My adopted son Matt Downs. Lost in the wilderness of mediocrity.

by nvsfg on Nov 26, 2008 2:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Barnes

Matt Cain: He'll save children, but not the Dodger children.
PABLO SANDOVAL AM STEAL DEATH, DESTROYER OF WORLDS.

by jponry on Nov 26, 2008 6:09 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Where is the love for EME?

McCoven mentioned he only hits singles. Well EME . is finally powering up in winter ball where he now has 6 doubles and 2 HRs

by wilriv21 on Nov 26, 2008 6:31 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

We’ll try to get him on the next poll.

When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips

Neglectful father of David Quinowski

by marcello on Nov 26, 2008 6:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

there are a lot of good pitching prospects that will be gobbling up the remaining top 20 spots. with a couple of project torpedoes (Crawford and Adrianza) for a garnish.

Castillo got the DFA. Guestimate for Castillo DFA to come before the 2009 season = 2.

by kennv on Nov 26, 2008 9:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I’d like to see Thomas Neal in the top 20 too, but you’re right that we’re probably looking at mostly pitchers coming up in the next six to eight spots.

by mxmob33 on Nov 26, 2008 9:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Neal

Did anyone else notice that Neal was reportedly playing primarily Left Field in the Fall Instructional Camp? I think this can only help his value and if he gets a good start in San Jose, we definitely could see him in the majors by September similar to Sandoval and Rohlinger last year.

by nelson95 on Nov 27, 2008 10:44 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

my boy was originally an outfielder but had some shoulder injury that limited his ability to throw so he was shifted to 1b/DH. It’s good to see him getting another shot in the OF.

Bonds stands alone.

Proud adopted parent of future big league slugger Thomas Neal

by nostocksjustbonds on Nov 27, 2008 11:45 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Where can we get Fall Insturctional Camp news? Always looking for news on the kids and what they are working on. Was hoping the organization would close the San Jose to majors pipeline in 2009. Instead preferring to detour the kids development to Connecticut and Fresno.

by wilriv21 on Nov 27, 2008 11:55 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Arizona League News

I got it off this web site by a guy named Phil Ramirez. He has Neal listed as a left fielder on the roster. I thought I also read an entry somewhere else, but can’t remember where.

http://azlgiantsbaseball.blogspot.com/

by nelson95 on Nov 28, 2008 7:13 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Also powering up in winter ball

Eliezer Alfonzo

by Natto on Nov 27, 2008 12:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

POWER SURGE!

/deer head
Bay City Ball

by xanthan on Nov 27, 2008 6:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Comparing Bananas to Platanos

that is in the VWL . The PRWL has played about half the games as VWL. The PRWL also does not produce the same prower numbers that the VWL produces. EME is performing very well in the PRWL and is no longer a singles hitter as many have claimed.

by wilriv21 on Nov 27, 2008 9:14 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

How is 8 XBH “powering up”? Pablito has 10 HRs already down there (and I’m really not counting on a 40 HR season out of him back in the bigs).

Get the hell out the way Bengie, Pablito's hit the show!

by Roger on Nov 27, 2008 8:25 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

EME drank a Redbull.

/deer head
Bay City Ball

by xanthan on Nov 27, 2008 8:29 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

It is “powering up” because he has a very high slugging percentage. He is among the league leaders in a league that does not manufacture outrageous power numbers. Is it too difficult to believe his health is returning?

by wilriv21 on Nov 27, 2008 9:17 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

It is pretty difficult to believe he’s ever going to make up for the lost development time. And it is pretty difficult to believe he’s ever going to be healthy. His college career was affected by shoulder health issues that moved him off 3B, and he had surgery in each of his first four minor league seasons, that’s a pretty good history of health issues that don’t suggest a happy ending.

Get the hell out the way Bengie, Pablito's hit the show!

by Roger on Nov 27, 2008 9:26 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

After a fine 2008 season and his continued success at PRWL would not be surprised at all if EME has a breakout 2009 season at AAA. Hopefully EME flies under the Rule 5 draft radar on December 7th and remains with the organization.

If SF needs a RHH outfield bat in 2009 would not be surprised to see EME get promoted – similar to what happened to Horwitz in 2008. If so, EME then needs to take advantage of his cup of coffee opportunity.

by wilriv21 on Nov 27, 2008 9:49 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

EME

EME is a Giants prospect:
-If he doesn’t get drafted in the rule 5
-If he makes the Fresno team
-If he starts hitting for power
-If he doesn’t get passed up for promotion by someone like Neal
-If there is an opening in the majors
-If he gets playing time in the majors
-If he takes advantage of that playing time

Sounds like a lot of things are going to have to go right for EME. Remember Bochy likes good defense, flexible position players and he doesn’t fit that mold. I predict he gets one chance at the majors this year and I am hoping he comes through.

by nelson95 on Nov 27, 2008 10:52 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I voted Martinez for this one, but you can really go any direction with our pitching prospects. I like Barnes a lot, but I think I need to see more than just 40 innings.

/deer head
Bay City Ball

by xanthan on Nov 27, 2008 6:29 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Is the 40 innings thing just on principle. don’t put anyone high who had a SSS in their pro career? if so I can see why you wouldn’t vote for barnes or eHire yet

Todd Jennings: If he's on the DL, he can't suck as much, right?

by Speedforthewin on Nov 27, 2008 10:23 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I dunno if it’s a principle or not but he did amazingly well in those 40 innings. His K/9 was above and beyond anything he ever did in college. I guess it’s more of a gut feeling, or something, I just want to see more. He’s definititely in the top-20, just not at #13 for me.

/deer head
Bay City Ball

by xanthan on Nov 27, 2008 11:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you, I was just wondering if it applied to other prospects as well

Todd Jennings: If he's on the DL, he can't suck as much, right?

by Speedforthewin on Nov 27, 2008 1:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

The Lurkers Choice!

64 votes for Crawford and nary a supporter post.

They say some players get out of bed hitting; Pablo Sandoval doesn't wait that long

by bgunn on Nov 28, 2008 10:28 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Pucetas and Crawford: Lurkers’ favs.

The Denker bus is now bound for San Diego. Those who were passengers on it are now angrily stranded at a gas station in Modesto, CA. Not much about baseball here .

by oldjacket on Nov 28, 2008 11:05 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

wow

Crawford and barnes are now tied. Crawford supporters, make your argument!

Less arm, more talk. Raisingcain is a GAMER.
Adopted Giant: Henry Sosa

by raisingcain on Nov 28, 2008 6:12 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

They can’t, they are lurking…

The bases were drunk, and I painted the black with my best yakker. But blue squeezed me, and I went full. I came back with my heater, but the stick flares one the other way and the chalk flies for two bases. Three earnies! Next thing I know, skipper hooks me and I'm sipping suds with the clubby.

by Mike Hawk on Nov 29, 2008 12:49 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Where did you vote Noonan?

When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips

Neglectful father of David Quinowski

by marcello on Nov 29, 2008 2:13 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

when do the polls close?

by wilriv21 on Nov 29, 2008 6:24 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

5 on Sunday.

When I was a kid I used to pray every night for a new bicycle. Then I realized God doesn’t work that way, so I stole one and prayed for forgiveness. - Emo Philips

Neglectful father of David Quinowski

by marcello on Nov 29, 2008 7:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

smoke filled room at the convention

OK, I heard Crawford couldn’t hit with a wooden bat, so I had voted for Barmes but am ready to switch to Crawford, after putting those wooden bat figures into perspective.

Am having trouble getting overall stats but— according to the UCLA site, while his Crawford’s BA was only 189 up on the cape, he was above league average for OPS with OBP just over 300 and SLG around 417. Drew praise for athleticism and defense too.

Has hit about the same each of his 3 years at UCLA, so some people are annoyed that there was no improvement. Still, OBP over 390 and SLG over 490 this year is pretty good.

adopter/sponsor of "Go, Antoan" Richardson

by foothillsfan on Dec 1, 2008 9:50 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Not for a junior.

..so allow me to present Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain as two sweet, sweet bottles of warming hooch.

by Cookyman on Dec 1, 2008 10:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Crawford v. Barnes

I voted for Barnes, but a pretty simple argument can be made for Crawford. The Giants did select him four rounds higher in this years draft, and neither of them have enough of a professional sample size to override those rankings yet.

by mxmob33 on Dec 1, 2008 10:15 AM PST reply actions 0 recs