Other Giants' prospects

[McCovey]

We all know about the Giants top prospects:

Nate Shierholtz
Madison Bumgarner
Tim Alderson
Buster Posey
Angel Villalona

But there two other "diamonds in the rough" that intrigue me as well. They are:

Nick Noonan, 2B/SS
Wendell Fairley, CF

I cam across them in Baseball America's Prospects Handbook. Noonan was rated the #6 prospect and Fairley the #8 prospect. Both are quite young, Fairley is 20 years old and Noonan is 19. I'll post some scouting reports soon. Some stats.

http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/N/Nick-Noonan.shtml

http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/F/Wendell-Fairley.shtml

[Bear]

It is really hard to tell anything from these numbers. Nick Noonan looks like he may be some help down and even though I have heard of Wendell Fairley before I think it is too early to tell anything with him.

Thanks for the info. :)

[McCovey]

It is really hard to tell anything from these numbers. Nick Noonan looks like he may be some help down and even though I have heard of Wendell Fairley before I think it is too early to tell anything with him.

Thanks for the info. :)
Your right Bear. I just posted the stats for reference. Later tonight I'll post the scouting reports from the 2008 Baseball America Prospects Handbook. They give much more insight into their skills. Supposedly, Noonan's upside is Chase Utely with less power. That's high praise IMO.

I was intrigued by Fairley's scouting report. He was rated as the best all-around athlete in the 2007 draft. It said he has the most upside after Angel Villalona among Giant position players. Also, Fairly has a plus arm and well above average speed, and potentially great power. And he plays centerfield. Power hitting center fielders with great arms are hard to come by. Right now he's obviously very raw and inexperienced. His '08 season was his first professional season and it was nothing special. But, I think he's worth keeping an eye on.

[Bear]

Yes I agree with all that you say but as we all know potential and a $1.55 will only buy you a small (Tall) cup of coffee at Starbucks. :eek:

[McCovey]

Yes I agree with all that you say but as we all know potential and a $1.55 will only buy you a small (Tall) cup of coffee at Starbucks. :eek:
There is no guarantee of anything. I just think these two players are worth tracking.

[Bear]

There is no guarantee of anything. I just think these two players are worth tracking.

I am really interested in Wendell Fairley. Two to three years from now we may be in great need for a top flight Center Fielder, and oh yah any team can use a Chase Utely Jr. .:beerbang:

[McCovey]

I am really interested in Wendell Fairley. Two to three years from now we may be in great need for a top flight Center Fielder, and oh yah any team can use a Chase Utely Jr. .:beerbang:
What I find neat is that this!

Sandoval (08/11/1986)
Posey (03/27/1987)
Fairley (03/17/1988)
Alderson (11/03/1988)
Noonan (05/04/1989)
Bumgarner (08/01/1989)
Villalona (08/13/1990)

If things break right these young guys could all be together on the S.F. Giants by 2011! :yes:

[Bear]

What I find neat is that this!

Sandoval (08/11/1986)
Posey (03/27/1987)
Fairley (03/17/1988)
Alderson (11/03/1988)
Noonan (05/04/1989)
Bumgarner (08/01/1989)
Villalona (08/13/1990)

If things break right these young guys could all be together on the S.F. Giants by 2011! :yes:

Don't forget all the other really young position players and pitchers already with the team!!:beerbang:

[McCovey]

From Baseball America's 2008 Prospects Handbook...


#6 Nick Noonan, 2B/SS
The 32nd overall pick in June (2007), Noonan turned down a Clemson scholarship and signed quickly for $915,750. He earned Arizona League all-star honors and hit over .500 for most of instructional league. Noonan made a brilliant first impression with his sweet left-handed swing and polished baseball acumen. He quickly earned a reputation for having the best pure hitting skills and sounded strike zone judgment in the system. He makes steady line drive contact in the mold of Robin Ventura, and he’s also an excellent bunter. Despite a loopy stride, Noonan has above-average speed, and his fine instincts helped him steal 18 bases in 21 pro attempts. There’s a smooth quality to everything he does on the field. Though some scouts have compared him to Chase Utley, Noonan doesn’t have the same power potential. He prefers to play shortstop by fellow supplemental first-rounder Charlie Culberson has a stronger arm, so Noonan will move up the ladder at second base. He’s still working on his skills around the bag, especially turning the double play. Noonan could advance quickly thanks to his polished approach and instincts.

[McCovey]

Ok, now Fairley...

#8 Wendell Fairley, CF

The best all-around high school athlete in the 2007 draft, Fairley hit .538 with nine home runs, went 9-2 as a pitcher and drew interests from Division I football programs as a wide receiver. He remained something of a wild card because he didn’t participate in many showcases, and lasted until the Giants took him 29th overall and signed him for $1 million. Fairley generates tremendous bat speed, reminiscent of a young Fred Lewis, and has the tools to hit for average and power. He didn’t let many fastballs, get past him in instructional league. He has easily above average speed, the range to play center field and an above average arm . Fairley is still very raw at the plate and will need time to develop. He’ll have to learn to recognize and react to offspeed pitches. He couldn’t so much in instructional league because he was slowed by shoulder tendinitis. The Giants aren’t concerned about his past, which includes a misdemeanor conviction for contributing to the delinquency of a minor. His attorney is appealing the conviction. He also faced assault charges after a prank on a high school bus, but the case was dismissed. He has the highest ceiling among Giants hitters after Villalona, but Fairley likely will move slowly and probably won’t see the majors before 2011 at the earliest. He’ll make his pro debut in low class A.

[McCovey]

I stumbled on this article. Apparently, the Giants signed a highly touted 16 year old from the Domincan Republic.


Giants sign Dominican outfielder Rafael Rodriguez

07/13/2008
MLB.com

SANTO DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC -- The San Francisco Giants signed one of the premium position players on the international market, when they agreed to terms with 16-year-old outfielder Rafael Rodriguez, the club's Special Assistant to the General Manager John Barr announced at a press conference in the Dominican Republic today.

Per club policy, financial terms were not disclosed.

A 6-5, 198-pound right handed-hitting slugger, Rodriguez became eligible to sign as an undrafted free agent with a Major League club today on his 16th birthday. Tabbed by ESPNdeportes.com as the fourth-best Latino Prospect, the Bani, Dominican Republic native has drawn universal praise for his athleticism, power, bat speed and running ability.

"We are very excited to come to an agreement with such a fine young man and player as Rafael," said Barr. "He is one of the better position players on the international market this year. We scouted him extensively this season with many people on our staff evaluating him. To a man, we all agree that Rafael is the type of player that we want to bring into the Giants organization."

The Giants were one of the first organizations to tap into the talented player pool from Latin America and for many years used that pipeline to stock their big league roster. Today's signing coupled with securing Angel Villalona two years ago signals that the Giants are once again establishing themselves as one of the top players for talent on the international market.

"There was a time when the Giants dominated Latin America, especially the Dominican Republic," said Special Assistan to the General Manager Felipe Alou. "The Dominican is still the number one producer of players. There was a time when there wasn't much competition for the Giants in signing Latin players, but it is much more competitive now. With the signings of Rodriguez and Villalona, we are sending a message to both our fans and Latin America that we're back and we're increasing our efforts here."

[jandajuice]

who is the best prospect the giants have

[McCovey]

who is the best prospect the giants have
IMO the Giants best prospects, not including Pablo Sandoval, are:

Madison Bumgarner
Buster Posey
Tim Alderson
Angel Villalona

[Bear]

Nick Noonan might be on that list also.:beerbang:

[McCovey]

Nick Noonan might be on that list also.:beerbang:
Oh yes him, too!

[SF Kid]

Who is he (Noonan)? :confused:

[McCovey]

Who is he (Noonan)? :confused:
Read post #9 for a scouting report on Noonan.

[Bear]

Read post #9 for a scouting report on Noonan.

First the Kid has to learn how to read!:pound:

[McCovey]

Does anyone know where Rafael Rodriguez is playing this season? I can't find him any of the Giants minor league rosters. He signed last summer as a 16 year old out of the D.R. He may play in the Arizona League later this summer.

[SF Kid]

Sorry Mc..never heard of him. I'm out of the loop.

[TkleMstr52]

As is usually the case!! :eek:

[TkleMstr52]

Ill see if I can find something out Mc.

[Bear]

Does anyone know where Rafael Rodriguez is playing this season? I can't find him any of the Giants minor league rosters. He signed last summer as a 16 year old out of the D.R. He may play in the Arizona League later this summer.

Check out this link:

http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/prospects/rankings/organization-top-10-prospects/2009/267492.html

It is the only thing I could find.:)

[Bear]

By Joe Ritzo
1/29/2009

Baseball America announced their top 10 San Francisco Giants prospects today and potentially several from the group could be headed to San Jose this season. Madison Bumgarner and Buster Posey headline the list while #3 prospect Angel Villalona will almost certainly be on his way to the California League. The 2009 San Jose Giants roster is still officially far from finalized, but there is plenty of excitement over the possibilities for the upcoming campaign.

To no surprise, pitcher Madison Bumgarner and catcher Buster Posey garnered the #1 and #2 spots respectively. Bumgarner, who won’t turn 20 until August, is coming off a fantastic season with the Augusta GreenJackets that saw the left-hander post a 15-3 record and a 1.46 ERA. Baseball America notes that Bumgarner “has all the gifts to be a No.1 starter” at the major league level. A native of North Carolina, Bumgarner features a mid 90’s fastball that he can control to both sides of the plate. In addition to receiving the top prospect billing, Bumgarner was credited with having the best fastball and best control of any pitcher in the farm system. San Francisco Giants fans certainly have to be excited about the possibility of Tim Lincecum and Bumgarner forming a devastating 1-2 punch in the big league rotation for many years to come.

Posey led all of NCAA Division I in batting average (.463), RBI’s (93), slugging percentage (.879) and on-base percentage (.566) en route to winning the Golden Spikes Award with Florida State last spring. The catcher then received the largest bonus in draft history ($6.2 million) after he was selected with the fifth overall pick in last year’s draft. Posey still has very limited professional experience, but his athleticism is among the best in the organization (he had significant college experience as a pitcher and shortstop, in addition to catching). Baseball America noted Posey as the best hitter for average in the system, but he’s still relatively new to catching and “will need time to develop behind the plate, especially his game-calling skills.”

BA projects that both Bumgarner and Posey will begin the season with the Double-A Connecticut Defenders. For Bumgarner, it would mean skipping a level as the southpaw has yet to appear in a game above the South Atlantic League. For Posey, a stint in Double-A would allow him to work exclusively with former major league catcher and successful minor league manager Steve Decker on a daily basis.

However, the possibility certainly exists that one, or even both, could start the year in San Jose. For Bumgarner especially, a jump to Double-A while still a teenager and with no California League experience, is significant. Furthermore, the San Francisco front office can be hesitant about sending their top level prospects to the cold climate of Norwich, Connecticut, at least until the weather begins to warm in the late spring and early summer.

While it’s still very much a question mark as to whether San Jose fans may catch a glimpse of Bumgarner and/or Posey this April, the expectation is that the #3 prospect on Baseball America’s list, Angel Villalona, will be starting at first base at Municipal Stadium on opening night.

Villalona was BA’s top San Francisco Giants prospect entering the 2008 season and did nothing to diminish his status, but fell to #3 due to Bumgarner’s emergence and Posey’s signing. The 18-year old native of the Dominican Republic hit .263 with Augusta last season as the youngest player in the South Atlantic League. He belted a team-high 17 home runs to go with 29 doubles and 64 RBI’s while showing nice improvement as the year progressed.

Baseball America describes Villalona as “the best Giants power-hitting prospect to come along in more than a decade.” The budding star still needs work on his patience at the plate and making more consistent contact, primarily on breaking balls, but there is no denying his unlimited potential. Villalona signed with the Giants back in 2006 for a then-club-record $2.1 million and could be the youngest player in the California League this season.

San Jose fans are very familiar with the pitcher at #4 on the top 10 list as former first round pick Tim Alderson should be headed to Double-A this season. Alderson led the Cal League in ERA last year (2.79) to go with a 13-4 record. He’s credited with having the best curveball in the system and is undoubtedly on the “fast-track” as he should make his Double-A debut at the young age of 20.

#5 and #6 on the list are a pair of 19-year old middle infielders who could find their way to San Jose at some point in 2009. Second baseman Nick Noonan garnered the #5 ranking after an excellent season with the GreenJackets a year ago. A supplemental first round draft pick out of the high school ranks in 2007, Noonan was regarded as the most consistent offensive player on Augusta’s championship team. A prototypical #2 hitter, Noonan is regarded as having “outstanding situational hitting skills,” “above-average speed” while his “game awareness is off the charts.”

Noonan hit .279 with 27 doubles, nine home runs, 68 RBI’s and 29 stolen bases in the South Atlantic League last season. The starting second baseman job in San Jose is the next logical step for Noonan although Baseball America notes that San Francisco club officials are debating as to whether he may already be ready for a promotion to Double-A.

At #6 on the list, Ehire Adrianza will be looking to make a splash while starting somewhere at shortstop this year. Adrianza is noted for his “defensive wizardry” and “Gold Glove caliber defense” up the middle. Adrianiza only played in 15 games for the ARL-Giants (Rookie level) last summer, so he’s light on experience. However, his emerging hitting skills and fantastic defensive abilities could allow him to move quickly through the organization. Adrianiza may start the year in Augusta, but San Jose fans could get a look at this young shortstop before the season is complete.

Third baseman Conor Gillaspie was tabbed the #7 prospect on the top 10 list. Gillaspie, a potential hot corner candidate for the San Jose Giants this season, was a supplemental first round draft pick last June before hitting .268 in 18 games with Salem-Keizer (Short-Season). Gillaspie had it negotiated in his contract that he was to receive a September call-up to the major leagues where he recorded one hit in five at-bats.

Gillaspie is on the 40-man roster, but is not a candidate for the Opening Day nod as San Francisco’s third baseman. And while it may not take him long to return to the major leagues, a spot in the California League this April could very well be in the cards.

Gillaspie is noted for having “a rare blend of supreme hitting skills and patience at the plate,” and has a confident approach to hitting. Gillaspie is considered more of a doubles hitter as opposed to a top home run threat and projects to hit for a high average at the professional level. Defensively, he needs a lot of work at third base and that will certainly be a point of emphasis for the 21-year in the minor leagues this season.

16-year outfielder Rafael Rodriguez is #8 on the list, but it’ll be several years before this youngster is ready for the California League. Rodriguez, who has drawn comparisons to a young Vladimir Guerrero, is expected to play in the Dominican Republic this season before advancing to play for a U.S. affiliate, likely in 2010.

Left-handed pitcher Scott Barnes checks in at #9. Barnes was selected in the eighth round last June by the organization and made an immediate impact in Augusta as he compiled a 1.38 ERA in six regular season starts before winning both of his post-season appearances. Barnes, along with Bumgarner, formed a dominant top of the rotation in Augusta to lead the squad to the championship.

Barnes features a high 80’s-to-low 90’s fastball with above-average control and “changes speeds like a major league veteran.” He owns the best changeup in the farm system according to Baseball America and could become one of San Jose’s top pitchers in 2009.

Finally, major league reliever Sergio Romo was placed at #10 on the list. Romo, San Jose’s Relief Pitcher of the Year during the 2007 championship season, thrived late last year in San Francisco as a set-up man to Brian Wilson. Romo will likely continue to hold down a key spot in the Giants bullpen this year.

Baseball America’s Top 10 San Francisco Giants Prospects
1. Madison Bumgarner, LHP
2. Buster Posey, C
3. Angel Villalona, 1B
4. Tim Alderson, RHP
5. Nick Noonan, 2B
6. Ehire Adrianza, SS
7. Conor Gillaspie, 3B
8. Rafael Rodriguez, OF
9. Scott Barnes, LHP
10. Sergio Romo, RHP

Notes:
• Former San Jose Giant shortstop Brian Bocock received the “best defensive infielder” and “best infield arm” titles. Bocock, who was San Francisco’s opening day starter at shortstop last year, will look to bounce back in 2009 after missing most of last season due to injury.
• Speedster Darren Ford was named “fastest baserunner” and “best defensive outfielder” in the farm system. Ford hit .219 in 38 games last summer with San Jose after the organization acquired him via trade from the Milwaukee Brewers.
• Other 2008 San Jose Giants in the “Best Tools” section included: Jackson Williams (Best Defensive Catcher), Mike McBryde (Best Outfield Arm) and Waldis Joaquin (Best Slider).


I think this will answer your question!:D

[McCovey]

Thanks Bear! I guess we won't be seeing Rodriguez in SF until about 2013 at the earliest I guess.

[TkleMstr52]

Hopefully he will be worth the wait.

[McCovey]

Hopefully he will be worth the wait.
Another Vlad Guerrero?! For sure!

[TkleMstr52]

There is no guarentees of that type of success.

[McCovey]

There is no guarentees of that type of success.
Of course. The kid is just 16-17 years old. I don't understand why major league teams are allowed to sign the Latin players at such a young age? No one would ever think of signing a 16 year old American kid. I think that puts too much pressure on a 16 year old kid. They've played baseball for fun all their lives and now they are a professional ballplayer with all the pressure that comes with that.