2010 Prospects Tracker

[McCovey]

Ok, the new baseball is upon us! I found this good article about a sleeper pitching prospect, Eric Surkamp. I have to admit I've never heard of him.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/318238-heres-a-thought-underrated-prospect-san-franciscos-eric-surkamp

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=paZ08002&position=P

[Bear]

Ok, the new baseball is upon us! I found this good article about a sleeper pitching prospect, Eric Surkamp. I have to admit I've never heard of him.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/318238-heres-a-thought-underrated-prospect-san-franciscos-eric-surkamp

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=paZ08002&position=P


Sounds like another Woody or Noah Lowry when he was healthy. He could be a solid #3 or #4. :beerbang:

By the way what is FIP?

[McCovey]

Sounds like another Woody or Noah Lowry when he was healthy.
Woody! One of my favorite Giants. I've never seen such a successful pitcher with such mediocre "stuff"! Yet he won many games for the Giants. :beerbang:


He could be a solid #3 or #4. :beerbang:

Sounds good to me.


By the way what is FIP?
FIP = Field Independent Pitching.

Here are some articles explaining what FIP measures.

http://www.truebluela.com/2010/1/22/1265011/better-know-a-stat-fielding

http://www.thedailysomething.com/2010-articles/january/the-metrics-system-fip.html

[McCovey]

This is from Keith Law talking about sleepers that may crack the top 100 in 2011.


Tommy Joseph is an offensive catcher with now-power but questions about his receiving; he has plenty of arm to catch, but he's a big kid for a teenager and has a lot of work to do with his feet and glovework to stay at catcher. I do like his chances.

[Bear]

I have heard of Tommy Joseph. Does anyone know where he will play this year? :shrug:

[McCovey]

I suspect he'll start out at Low-A Augusta in the South Altantic League. He was drafted out of high school in '09. He has plus power according to the scouts.

[Bear]

I suspect he'll start out at Low-A Augusta in the South Altantic League. He was drafted out of high school in '09. He has plus power according to the scouts.

Who knows he maybe the first baseman of the future?:beerbang:

[McCovey]

Who knows he maybe the first baseman of the future?:beerbang:
For sure! Physically he reminds me of a young Jim Thome, not that that means anything really.

[McCovey]

The minoe league season started tomorrow! The Giants top prospects have moved up one level! I'm really keeping my eye on Thomas Neal this season.

[WillTheThrill]

Andrew Baggarly had this brief comment the other day in the "notes" section of one of his articles:

The outfield trio of Thomas Neal, Roger Kieschnick and Darren Ford will be reunited at Double-A Richmond, to be joined by shortstop prospect Brandon Crawford.

Too bad I don't live in Richmond, VA. Wish I could see these guys play again! Can't believe they're called the "Flying Squirrels", though, that has got to be one of the worst team names I've ever heard! :D

.

[Bear]

Andrew Baggarly had this brief comment the other day in the "notes" section of one of his articles:



Too bad I don't live in Richmond, VA. Wish I could see these guys play again! Can't believe they're called the "Flying Squirrels", though, that has got to be one of the worst team names I've ever heard! :D

.

But they do fly, so to speak.:eek:

[jimm]

Richmond glad to have MiLB back, would love a team back up here. Flying squirrels an odd name choice, must be a southeastern thing! I do like the road jersey.

http://flyingsquirrels.milbstore.com/store/Vendor85/300/Road_Grey_500x500_300.jpg

[McCovey]

Posey ws 2 for 4 with 1 RBI in his second game. Bumgarner got lit up. He pitched just 3 innings allowing 11 hits, 4 ER, 2 K, 2 BB. Welcome to AAA kid! :o

[McCovey]

Tommy Joseph is off to a good start at Low-A Augusta. He's 4 for 7, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 2 R, in two games.

[McCovey]

Some Tommy Joseph video from 2008 and 2009. the kid's got some serious big time power.

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=4538417

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AOb2ISD3V8

http://vimeo.com/2888869

[Bear]

Some Tommy Joseph video from 2008 and 2009. the kid's got some serious big time power.

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=4538417

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AOb2ISD3V8

http://vimeo.com/2888869

How did the outfielder Neal do?:confused:

[McCovey]

Today Posey went 2 for 5, HR, RBI, 3 R, 1 BB. He's hitting .500/.591/.728 in four games.

[SF Kid]

WOW. This stint in the minors is probably going to do him good. He'll be back up sooner than we think.

[Bear]

WOW. This stint in the minors is probably going to do him good. He'll be back up sooner than we think.

And what do we think?:devil:

[McCovey]

So much for Tomy Joseph's hot start. He started the season 4 for 7. He is now 4 for 24! Doh! Welcome to professional baseball, kid. :o

[Bear]

So much for Tomy Joseph's hot start. He started the season 4 for 7. He is now 4 for 24! Doh! Welcome to professional baseball, kid. :o

How old is this kid? If he is younger than 23 give him a little time to get his shit together. If he is older it's time to move on.:oops:

[McCovey]

Oh, I'm not knocking Joseph. He is only 18 and just graduated high school in 2009. I was surprised the Giants put him in the South Atlantic League. He signed late last year so he didn't play any pro ball in '09. He's only played eight games so far in '10. Joseph went 0 for 4 tonight so now he's in a 0 for 21 streak.

[McCovey]

The Giants have this kid named Brandon Belt playiing at class-A San Jose. He was drafted by the Giants in the 5th round in 2009. He's playing his first professional season and is pounding Cal League pitching, .407/.492/.694. Obviously, it's early in the season but I'll keep an eye on him.

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t476&t=p_pbp&pid=474832

[Bear]

The Giants have this kid named Brandon Belt playiing at class-A San Jose. He was drafted by the Giants in the 5th rounf in 2009. He's playing his first professional season and is pounding Cal League pitching, .407/.492/.694. Obviously, it's early in the season but I'll keep an eye on him.

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=t476&t=p_pbp&pid=474832

Where did he come from? Did he play college ball?:confused:

[McCovey]

Where did he come from? Did he play college ball?:confused:
Yes, Belt played junior college ball for a year and then he went to University of Texas where he led the Longhorns to the 2009 College World Series. I found some scouting info on Belt.

http://baseballbeginnings.com/2009/08/31/mapson-qa/#more-2592

http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2009/07/18/draft-review-san-francisco-giants/

Belt was a pitcher then switched to first base. He continues to tear up the Cal League so far.

[Bear]

Yes, Belt played junior college ball for a year and then he went to University of Texas where he led the Longhorns to the 2009 College World Series. I found some scouting info on Belt.

http://baseballbeginnings.com/2009/08/31/mapson-qa/#more-2592

http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2009/07/18/draft-review-san-francisco-giants/

Belt was a pitcher then switched to first base. He continues to tear up the Cal League so far.

Thanks, Mc!:)

[McCovey]

Brandon Belt continues to destroy Cal League pitching. He's now at:

.408/.522/.622, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 20 R, 9 doubles, 17 BB, 8 K

Are you kidding me? Look at the batting average and walk/strikeout ratio. Belt should be promoted to AA soon IMO.

[McCovey]

Baaseball America's Jim Callis is not too high on Belt. From today's ESPN Chat:


Sean (Los Angeles)
What can you tell me about Brandon Belt? He is raking in the Cal League.
Any chance he gets promoted to Richmond by mid season?


Jim Callis (2:42 PM)
Don't get seduced too easily by Cal League numbers. It's a great hitting environment. He's a decent prospect, but I don't think he's going to have the power to make much of an impact at first base. Promotion makes sense--challenge him at a higher level.

[McCovey]

Tonight at Colorado Buster Posey went crazy.

4 for 5, HR, 2 doubles, 3 RBI, 2 R

For the season Posey is hitting:

.343/.426/.525, 3 HR, 16 RBI, 19 R, 7 doubles, 15 BB, 16 K

[McCovey]

Posey goes yard again tonight with his 5th HR of the season. He's now hitting .345/.436/.558 in 113 AB's.

[jimm]

Posey goes yard again tonight with his 5th HR of the season. He's now hitting .345/.436/.558 in 113 AB'sHeck, it'll be June before you know it :D

[McCovey]

Sabean is yapping again. He now says Posey is still not ready to catch in the major leagues. :rolleyes:


Giants update: Buster Posey not yet ready for majors, San Francisco GM Brian Sabean insists

By Andrew Baggarly

Updated: 05/10/2010 04:18:39 PM PDT

NEW YORK — Hot-hitting prospect Buster Posey remains at Triple-A Fresno because Giants officials are not convinced he is ready to catch in the major leagues yet, GM Brian Sabean said.
The longtime GM also stressed that the decision to promote Posey has nothing to do with service-time concerns, nor will it.
"Let me dispel all that, all right?" Sabean said. "When we think Posey's ready, just like when we thought (Tim) Lincecum was ready, and this starts from ownership, he'll be in the big leagues."
Many smaller-revenue clubs have made a policy to delay promoting top prospects until mid-June, ensuring they will not accrue enough days to be a "super two" player down the road, making them eligible for a potential windfall in arbitration a year earlier.
Lincecum is making $8 million this year after qualifying as a "super two" by one week. If he'd stayed in Triple-A for two more starts in 2007, the Giants would be paying him much less.
"I'll speak to the Lincecum thing," Sabean said. "If we don't bring up Lincecum, how do you know he's on his way to winning the two Cy Youngs or more so helping us win 88 games last year?
"Now, in other places where you don't have a deeper or more consistent budget, I can buy the strict clock. But we can't be on a strict clock. Shoot, we're trying to get back to winning ways and get to the playoffs, and everybody understands it."
Many fans are clamoring for Posey to help in that regard. He hit his fourth home run Sunday, he has a .345 average and is crushing left-handed pitching.

But Sabean said the 23-year-old is "still learning how to catch. Some of that is game calling. Some of that is the consistency that he'll need as, we hope, an offensive catcher."
Besides, Sabean said he doesn't put much stock into Triple-A statistics.
"Triple-A baseball isn't very good," Sabean said. "I'm going to tell you that right now. Especially from a pitching standpoint. Anybody who can pitch is in the big leagues."


Catcher Bengie Molina (sore hamstring) said he could have played Sunday, but manager Bruce Bochy gave him a day off as a precaution.

— ANDREW BAGGARLY

[WillTheThrill]

Sabean is yapping again. He now says Psey is still not ready to catch in the major leagues. :rolleyes:

Yeah, this despite trying Posey out at first during Spring Training and EVERYONE saying that he was a natural athlete, could play almost any position, and looked great. He almost made the team!

Now Sabean is back-pedaling because of all the bloggers and fans screaming for his head because he hasn't brought up Posey yet.

And now Sabean is blasting all of AAA, saying that the pitching there is no good. Way to piss off half the people in baseball, Sabes!!! :beerbang:

.

[WillTheThrill]

Here's what former Giants farmhand Garrett Broshuis had to say about Sabean's comments. Sabean really is an idiot, isn't he??? :rolleyes:

http://bleacherreport.com/tb/b45qb

Former Giants farmhand Garrett Broshuis caught wind of Sabean's comments and offered his thoughts about how it would be received. He stipulates that, naturally, Triple-A ball isn't as good as the big leagues and even gives Sabean a possible out by pointing out that Fresno hitters tend to have inflated stats.

"But instead Sabean decided to say that Triple-A baseball is just not good period, and especially the pitchers," Broshuis writes. "He managed to not only belittle the performance of Posey, but to belittle the performance of all his minor league pitchers and catchers. He did this all in a couple of sentences. It's not easy to make that many people feel like crap in so short of a time span, but Sabean managed to do it. That takes real talent."

.

[jimm]

How'd Posey look in LF?

[McCovey]

Since MadBum's horrific first two starts he's been pitching much better. In four starts he's 1-0 W-L, 2.05 ERA, 13 K, 8 BB, 12 H in 22 IP. His strikeouts and walk totals are mediocre but he doesn't allow many hits. One thing I've noticed is that he hasn't gone deep into games. In those four starts he's gone just 5, 6, 5, and 6 innings. Do the Giants have MadBum on some silly pitch count?

[WillTheThrill]

Since MadBum's horrific first two starts he's been pitching much better. In four starts he's 1-0 W-L, 2.05 ERA, 13 K, 8 BB, 12 H in 22 IP. His strikeouts and walk totals are mediocre but he doesn't allow many hits. One thing I've noticed is that he hasn't gone deep into games. In those four starts he's gone just 5, 6, 5, and 6 innings. Do the Giants have MadBum on some silly pitch count?

That's a WHIP of, what, 0.90? I'll take that, in addition to his 2.05 ERA and the apparent recovery of his pitching speed, over Wellemayer. :D

And I'd bet money that they do have Bumgarner on a pitch limit for each outing. That Giants' group of scouts we were sitting between at the Grizzlies/Beavers game I went to when Bumgarner pitched were talking about his pitch count practically every inning.

.

[McCovey]

I wonder if the Giants have a time table for MadBum reaching the majors?

[WillTheThrill]

I wonder if the Giants have a time table for MadBum reaching the majors?

Probably it'll be whenever Bochy finally gives up on Wellemayer... which will hopefully be soon. :rolleyes: Have I mentioned that I don't like Wellemayer??? LOL.

.

[McCovey]

Probably it'll be whenever Bochy finally gives up on Wellemayer... which will hopefully be soon. :rolleyes: Have I mentioned that I don't like Wellemayer??? LOL.

.
I dunno. Have you? :)

[McCovey]

From Baseball Prospectus.

Sleeper Alert!

Brandon Belt, 1B, San Francisco Giants (High-A San Jose)
Sunday's stats: 2-for-4, 2 RBIs

A fifth-round pick in June out of Texas, Belt presents a bit of a conundrum for scouts. When one sees Belt's 6-foot-5, 200-pound frame as a first baseman, you'd assume he's a masher -- but that's not really Belt's game. He's a line-drive hitter who focuses on contact and using all fields, though his long arms lead to a few balls carrying over the fence. He hasn't gone deep for 13 games and has just three over 86 at-bats in a power-friendly league, but his pure hitting ability has been the talk of the league so far. He's at .407/.514/.628 in 27 games. He needs to keep his batting average way up there to keep his prospect status as a first baseman without big-time power, but the early results are impressive.

[WillTheThrill]

I dunno. Have you? :)

Only like every other one of my posts lately. :D

.

[SF Kid]

Wellemayer. :thumbdown:

[Bear]

Probably it'll be whenever Bochy finally gives up on Wellemayer... which will hopefully be soon. :rolleyes: Have I mentioned that I don't like Wellemayer??? LOL.

.

The real question is who does?:(

[WillTheThrill]

The real question is who does?:(

Pure and simple: Bochy. :o

.

[McCovey]

I think this guy will be our future first baseman. :)

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=523261

[McCovey]

Ho hum...Posey had another outstanding night. He went 3 for 5 with 3 doubles, 3 RBI, 2 R. He's now hitting .355/.448/.579 in 32 games. MadBum pitched 6 strong innings to get the win.

[WillTheThrill]

Now that the Giants' offense has gone stagnant, their injuries are starting to mount, and they can't seem to beat the Padres to save their lives... maybe they should start thinking about bringing up some of their prospects???

At least Bumgarner to replace Wellemayer. :D Yeah, I know I'm beginning to :dead_horse:

.

[McCovey]

Now that the Giants' offense has gone stagnant, their injuries are starting to mount, and they can't seem to beat the Padres to save their lives... maybe they should start thinking about bringing up some of their prospects???

At least Bumgarner to replace Wellemayer. :D Yeah, I know I'm beginning to :dead_horse:

.
The Giants got have a certain date in mind as to when bring up Posey and MadBum. :rolleyes:

[Bear]

The Giants got have a certain date in mind as to when bring up Posey and MadBum. :rolleyes:

And what makes you think that?:confused:

[McCovey]

And what makes you think that?:confused:
Well I guess because I thought Sabean has a clue. Silly me for assuming that. Posey is tattooing AAA pitching but according to Sabean he's not ready for the majors yet. :rolleyes:

[McCovey]

Just an FYI. Posey has played 157 minor league games (685 plate appearences). In those 157 games Posey has hit:

.333/.426/.547, 24 HR, 110 RBI, 119 R, 193 H, 46 doubles, 89 BB, 91 K's

If we just look just at Posey's AAA stats (294 PA's, 67 games) he's at:

.337/.418/.544, 10 HR, 46 RBI, 46 R, 18 doubles, 36 BB, 42 K's

[WillTheThrill]

I'm going to have to agree with Bear on this one, McCovey. :cool: Why would the Giants have set a specific date to bring them up? It seems to me that IF and when the Giants feel they have a need for them, then they'll bring them up.

Personally, I think they need Bumgarner (or Kevin Pucetas or Eric Hacker or, hell, even Joe Martinez) now. And they'll need Posey soon.

And if you're referring to the "Super Two" eligibility clock thing, Sabean claims that he isn't going by that. Maybe the truth will come out some day, though. :shrug:

.

[McCovey]

I'm going to have to agree with Bear on this one, McCovey. :cool: Why would the Giants have set a specific date to bring them up? It seems to me that IF and when the Giants feel they have a need for them, then they'll bring them up.
Because teams today are well aware of the amount of service time a player has and how that affects his arbitration eligibility and eventually free agency. For example if the Giants had brought up Tim Lincecum to the majors in 2007 10 days later Lincecum would not have been eligible for arbitration until after the 2010 season. The only reason that super pitching prospect Stephen Strasburg is still in the minors today is because the Nationals want to delay his arbitration eligibility by a year. Strasburg is so good that in his first two AAA starts he's given up ONE HIT.


Personally, I think they need Bumgarner (or Kevin Pucetas or Eric Hacker or, hell, even Joe Martinez) now. And they'll need Posey soon.
I think Posey is more ready for the majors right now than MadBum. The Giants offense has tanked over the past 10 days. They need help before the Padres get too a lead on the rest of the NL West.


And if you're referring to the "Super Two" eligibility clock thing, Sabean claims that he isn't going by that. Maybe the truth will come out some day, though. :shrug:

.
Yes I am. Most smart teams do this. It makes good business sense. If Sabean isn't doing that then he's an idiot. The Nats are doing it with Stephen Strasburg.

[WillTheThrill]

McCovey... believe it or not, I think we're on more-or-less the same page when it comes to the "Super Two" eligibility thing. Any organization would be stupid not to be paying attention to it.

And yet, when has anyone on this board accused the Giants of intelligence??? :pound:

I really do think it's more likely that the Giants management's obsession with veterans and "professional hitters" that they truly don't think they need Posey right now. They are probably looking at Molina's and Whiteside's numbers and saying, "see??? we told you so".

What they don't seem to realize is that Molina is probably hitting as well right now as he ever will (or has!) in his entire career. It's pretty much all downhill from now on. And Whiteside, despite the fact that Giants' pitchers seem to like him, will always be a backup catcher.

The Giants' offense needs a spark, and Posey might be that spark. :beerbang:

As far as MadBum, I agree that he might not be as ready as Posey right now. However... they have need of him more, right now. Wellemayer sucks, they can't afford to keep throwing him out there every five games, and almost anyone would be better than him.

Like I said, MadBum, Pucetas, Hacker, Martinez. Anyone. At least these guys have upsides and can grow as pitchers. Wellemayer is like Molina, all downhill from here.

And based on the stats from Bumgarner's last three or four outings, plus what I saw personally when I saw him pitch, and the comments of the Giants scouting team that I overheard while he pitched, and his "regained" velocity... well, all of that has convinced me that Bumgarner is ready now.

.

[McCovey]

I agree if Wellemeyer tanks again it's time for another option. I'm not opposed to bringing MadBum up if he's the first pitcher in line. I'm not sure if he is, though. Though Posey doesn't have great speed I'd to see him hit leadoff. With his contact hitting and ability to draw walks he;s get on base quite often. But it's probably safer to have him bat 6th or 7th to allow him to get used to major league pitching with less pressure on him.

[SF Kid]

...because they need more hitting? That might be a good reason to bring him up.

[Bear]

We do need a 5th starter which means we don't need Joe Martinez. I hope to never see this guy again in a Giants uniform. :nono:

[McCovey]

Check out this minor league boxscore!!!! Good night! :eek:

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2010_05_13_sjgafa_visafa_1

[Bear]

Check out this minor league boxscore!!!! Good night! :eek:

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2010_05_13_sjgafa_visafa_1

Looks like tee ball!:eek::bugeye::eek:

[WillTheThrill]

Check out this minor league boxscore!!!! Good night! :eek:

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2010_05_13_sjgafa_visafa_1

Jeeeeeez... with that many runs scored, it's amazing that there were actually two ENTIRE innings (the 5th and 7th) where NEITHER team scored! :D

.

[McCovey]

Jeeeeeez... with that many runs scored, it's amazing that there were actually two ENTIRE innings (the 5th and 7th) where NEITHER team scored! :D

.
And the San Jose Giants only hit one HR! Five of their starters had at least three hits. This Brandon Belt kid is starting to intrigue me. It's seems the Cal League is too easy for him. Hopefully, they'll move him up to AA Richmond soon.

[McCovey]

Keith Law's take on Buster Posey.


Like Strasburg, He's Not Really Learning Anything

Buster Posey (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=30112), C, San Francisco Giants (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sfo) (Triple-A Fresno)
Wednesday's stats: 3-for-5, 3 2B, 2 R, 3 RBI

Giants general manager Brian Sabean insists that Posey has work to do in the minors, but at least he doesn't pretend any of that work involves his hitting. With last night's outburst, he's batting .355/.448/.579 for the Grizzlies. Instead, Sabean insists that Posey's receiving skills still need work, despite the fact he's played errorless ball so far, been charged with just one passed ball and nailed half of all stolen base attempts. Just admit you are managing his service time clock, Mr. Sabean, we'll understand -- kind of.

[McCovey]

MadBum is back! He pitched a seven inning complete game shutout last night. He had 8 strikeouts and 3 hits allowed. Since MadBum's first two horrific starts of the season, he's made six subsequent starts.

6 GS, 35 IP, 3-0 W-L, 1.54 ERA, 0.943 WHIP, 26 K, 11 BB, 6 ER

Wow! :eek:

[McCovey]

FYI

MadBum's career minor league ERA is 1.96! :eek:

[McCovey]

Apparently, MadBum has added a cutter.

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100518&content_id=10141824&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp

[WillTheThrill]

MadBum is back! He pitched a seven inning complete game shutout last night. He had 8 strikeouts and 3 hits allowed. Since MadBum's first two horrific starts of the season, he's made six subsequent starts.

6 GS, 35 IP, 3-0 W-L, 1.54 ERA, 0.943 WHIP, 26 K, 11 BB, 6 ER

Wow! :eek:

I said Madison Bumgarner is ready five days ago. :D

.

[McCovey]

I said Madison Bumgarner is ready five days ago. :D

.
Yes you did! :beerbang:

[WillTheThrill]

And I also said that I was pretty sure the Giants have Bumgarner on a max pitch-count, based on what the Giants' scouting team we were sitting next to said... and a paragraph in that article you linked us to confirms it:

"I wasn't sure what my pitch count was," [Bumgarner] said. "They've limited me, which is a good thing. No reason to overexert yourself. I just keep going until they tell me I'm done."

.

[McCovey]

Ah the old pitch count...

[McCovey]

First baseman prospect Brandon Belt continues to destroy California League pitching. In 55 games Belt is hitting:

.384/.494/.600, 5 HR, 46 RBI, 21 doubles, 39 R, 40 BB, 32 K's, 11 SB, 7 CS

I suspect he'll be promoted to AA Richmond very soon. :beerbang:

[McCovey]

More Belt knowledge...


California League notebook
06/09/2010 10:00 AM ET
By Chris Martinez / Special to MLB.com

First baseman Brandon Belt (http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=1B&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=474832) stands tall at 6-foot-5, but he's also been huge at the plate for first-place San Jose. He's second in the California League in batting average (.378), leads in on-base percentage (.486) and doubles (22) and tops the Giants with 46 RBIs.

Belt isn't the best power hitter in the league, but he's showing impressive form at the plate for a guy who can hit home runs. He has 41 walks against 34 strikeouts, a rare batter in the league who has walked more than he has struck out.

That kind of patience defines Belt's every at-bat. He said he waits for the pitches he wants and lets the less desirable pitches go by.

"When I get in trouble hitting-wise is when I swing at bad pitches," he said.

Belt has thrived in his first pro season, even at the Class A Advanced level. San Francisco drafted him in the fifth round last year out of the University of Texas and he started hitting pro pitching right away.

"The hardest part was switching over to wood bats," he said. "[The] pitching is pretty much the same as it was in college."

The Giants made some adjustments to Belt's mechanics at the plate. While at Texas, he had an exaggerated bent leg kick. He's working through changes to his stance and swing in San Jose.

"My whole stance was different in college," he said. "I was a lot more closed off. As soon as I got to pro ball, they stood me up [straighter] and raised my hands up.

"[They] also opened me up a bit more. It helped me see the ball better and my hands are a lot freer now. I can stay loose up there. I didn't adjust [to it] at first, but I think I'm coming around now."

The first baseman is no stranger to hard work. Belt kept sharp during the layoff between his final college season and pro ball by turning to friends back in Texas.

"I have a few friends at home who play college ball," he said. "It was easy to get together with them in the batting cages and to get some work on the field.

"One of my friends is a pitcher. I got to face him a bit, too. When I was home I was able to face college pitching and still got to work on my batting. It was a good situation for me."

Earlier in the year, the Giants struggled, falling off their usual hot pace and a game below .500 at the low point. Now they're the hottest team in the league with a five-game lead over Modesto in the North Division.

Belt and the other Giants prospects looked up to San Francisco's Freddy Sanchez when the second baseman traveled south to rehab his knee. Sanchez played three games with San Jose in May and roped five doubles in nine at-bats.

That type of professional hitting spoke to Belt.

"As soon as [Sanchez] came down, we started hitting better," he said. "The whole team started swinging at better pitches and we all got more confident. From there, we started playing better."

[McCovey]

HO-hum, Belt goes 2 for 3 with a double and 2 BBs' in today's game. He's now hitting .380/.490/.600. :beerbang:

[McCovey]

Belt leads the Cal League in batting average, on-base percentage, walks, doubles, and hits. He's third in RBI, total bases, slugging percentage, and OPS.

[Bear]

Belt leads the Cal League in batting average, on-base percentage, walks, doubles, and hits. He's third in RBI, total bases, slugging percentage, and OPS.

Belt should be ready when Huff retires.:rolleyes:

[McCovey]

Belt could be another Will Clark! :beerbang:

[WillTheThrill]

Belt could be another Will Clark! :beerbang:

"Belt The Thrill" doesn't have quite the same ring, but I'm willing to give the kid a chance! We could use another Clark-type player, that's for sure. :)

.

[Bear]

Belt could be another Will Clark! :beerbang:


I don't think I would compare this guy to Clark just yet. My guess is he has much less power.:rolleyes:

[McCovey]

I don't think I would compare this guy to Clark just yet. My guess is he has much less power.:rolleyes:
Ok, how about John Olerud then? :D Belt actually physically resembles Olerud, being 6'5" 200 lbs.

[WillTheThrill]

I don't think I would compare this guy to Clark just yet. My guess is he has much less power.:rolleyes:

Well, sight unseen, his statistics seem to indicate a very, very disciplined hitter... lots of walks, high average, high on-base percentage. Assuming he continues to develop through the minors, if he's this big, I bet the power will come to him eventually.

But I do think it is probably premature to compare him to Will Clark, or any other established career major leaguers. The guy hasn't even made it past single-A yet, let's not forget! :nono: But it is exciting when the Giants have a guy hitting the cover off the ball like this at ANY level! :D

.

[Bear]

I agree with both of you. Lets hope he continues to develop and move up the ranks.

[McCovey]

I'm hoping Belt gets promoted SOON! He's not going to learn much pounding the ball in the Cal League hitting .380. He needs to be challenged at the next level. I hope he goes to AA Richmond soon. Plus, a promotion means one step closer to San Francisco. :) I'm hoping to go to AA does well and perhaps gets a September call up.

[Bear]

I'm hoping Belt gets promoted SOON! He's not going to learn much pounding the ball in the Cal League hitting .380. He needs to be challenged at the next level. I hope he goes to AA Richmond soon. Plus, a promotion means one step closer to San Francisco. :) I'm hoping to go to AA does well and perhaps gets a September call up.

To play where? I see no need to rush this guy.:shrug::flush:

[McCovey]

To play where? I see no need to rush this guy.:shrug::flush:
That's why I said if Belt does well. The pitching that the Giants have now will not be together forever. This staff needs to be complimented with a solid offensive attack. Belt could be one of the long term pieces that help the Giants become a legit World Series caliber team. But Belt shouldn't be rush by any means. He should be in SF only if he an earned it.

[McCovey]

Well, sight unseen, his statistics seem to indicate a very, very disciplined hitter... lots of walks, high average, high on-base percentage. Assuming he continues to develop through the minors, if he's this big, I bet the power will come to him eventually.

But I do think it is probably premature to compare him to Will Clark, or any other established career major leaguers. The guy hasn't even made it past single-A yet, let's not forget! :nono: But it is exciting when the Giants have a guy hitting the cover off the ball like this at ANY level! :D

.
That's true. Last year Thomas Neal and Roger Kieschnick had great seasons at San Jose. This season both are struggling mightily at AA. But I do think Belt has the advantage that he walks more than he strikes out. Both Neal and Kieschnick struck out far more than they walked last season.

[SF Kid]

Seattle down Mc. :p

Nothing can fix the Giants with this front office calling the shots.

[McCovey]

Seattle down Mc. :p

Nothing can fix the Giants with this front office calling the shots.
Party pooper! :banghead:









:p

[SF Kid]

:sneak:

[Bear]

Party pooper! :banghead:









:p

I think we should just induct Belt into the Hall.:pound:

[WillTheThrill]

This is what Andrew Baggarly had to say today about a few Giants' prospects, including Brandon Belt, Nick Noonan, Roger Kieshnick and a few others. (Actually, he just reports what Giants' coordinator of minor league instruction Shane Turner had to say about them.)

I spent most of batting practice catching up with Shane Turner, former Triple-A Fresno manager and current coordinator of minor league instruction. Shane is a great source for information about the farm system because he’s already made multiple visits to see each club. He’s heading to the Dominican next to see the kids in camp who are about to begin summer league play.

Here are a few rapid-fire notes:

–Nick Noonan (quad) and Roger Kieschnick (back) both missed some time but are in the lineup for Double-A Richmond again.

–Brandon Belt is having a huge season for Single-A San Jose. He already ranks as the best defensive first baseman in the system, which is saying something because Brett Pill is pretty good around the bag. Belt has terrific strike-zone awareness, too, and Turner applauded his ability to take walks while staying aggressive when he gets a good pitch to hit.

–Tommy Joseph’s numbers don’t look great at Low-A Augusta, but he’s been banged up behind the plate. “The ball’s found him,” Turner said. Joseph has the kind of bat that could move quickly once he starts hitting his groove. There’s been an underlying assumption that Joseph will become a first baseman. It’s no coincidence that he’s often compared to a young Paul Konerko. But Turner said Joseph’s game-calling skills are really impressive and he thinks Joseph stands an excellent chance of staying a catcher. Of course, with Buster Posey ahead of him, that might change.

–Chris Dominguez overhauled his swing and is having much better at-bats for Augusta. He arrived with an uppercut swing that suited him in college but led to a lot of strikeouts and didn’t put him in position to handle breaking balls. He’s doing a much better job of competing against them now. He’s got 10 homers, which is impressive in Augusta’s big park. He’s also a plus runner for a big kid and has a plus, plus arm at third base.

–I wish I had an update to pass along on Angel Villalona, but nothing new is coming out of the Dominican about his trial. I can only guess there’s been a continuance. The Giants continue to offer no help or insight.

.

[McCovey]

I'm not too surprised about Joseph struggles. It's common for high school picks to struggle in their first pro season. Joseph is only 18 years old, one of the youngest players in his league, and is adjusting to the wood bat and playing catcher. I'm not worried about it.

[Bear]

I'm not too surprised about Joseph struggles. It's common for high school picks to struggle in their first pro season. Joseph is only 18 years old, one of the youngest players in his league, and is adjusting to the wood bat and playing catcher. I'm not worried about it.

I am with you Mc on this one. I think this Kid could be great unlike are own SF Kid.:eek:

[McCovey]

I am with you Mc on this one. I think this Kid could be great unlike are own SF Kid.:eek:
:pound:

[SF Kid]

I am with you Mc on this one. I think this Kid could be great unlike are own SF Kid.:eek:Dumbass. :excuseme:

[McCovey]

Holy Cow! Brandon Belt went 4 for 5, 2 HR, 6 RBI last night. He's now hitting .394/.509/.633 for the season. In the past 10 games Belt is hitting .444/.583/.806! :eek:

[Bear]

Holy Cow! Brandon Belt went 4 for 5, 2 HR, 6 RBI last night. He's now hitting .394/.509/.633 for the season. In the past 10 games Belt is hitting .444/.583/.806! :eek:

Have they moved him up or is he still in San Jose?:confused:

[McCovey]

Have they moved him up or is he still in San Jose?:confused:
He's still at San Jose. I guess he'll get promoted after the class A All-Star game in about two weeks? :confused:

[McCovey]

Brandon Belt went 2 for 4 with a HR last night. He's now hitting .392/.503/.641. Over the last 10 games he's hitting .486/.609/.914! :eek:

[McCovey]

Brandon Belt starts at first base in tonight's California-Carolina Class A All-Star games. :beerbang:

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100621&content_id=11431576&vkey=news_milb&fext=.jsp

[WillTheThrill]

Brandon Belt starts at first base in tonight's California-Carolina Class A All-Star games. :beerbang:

That's awesome. :D Obviously, the Giants have noticed this guy by now. I wonder how long it'll be before he is promoted to AA or even AAA?

.

[McCovey]

That's awesome. :D Obviously, the Giants have noticed this guy by now. I wonder how long it'll be before he is promoted to AA or even AAA?

.
I'm hoping Belt gets promoted right after the All-Star game. :beerbang:

[McCovey]

The Northwest League started on June 18th. We finally get to see Rafael Rodriguez play his first short season.

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=573574

Thrill, when I come visit Portand we should definitely make a trip to Salem-Keizer to check out a Salem-Keizer Volcano game. :)

[WillTheThrill]

The Northwest League started on June 18th. We finally get to see Rafael Rodriguez play his first short season.

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=573574

Thrill, when I come visit Portand we should definitely make a trip to Salem-Keizer to check out a Salem-Keizer Volcano game. :)

Sounds like a plan, McCovey! :beerbang: When you coming up???

It's funny that you mention the Volcano's. I could have gone to a game on Sunday with my Dad and sister (both Giants fans, also). They went to the game for Father's Day, but I was sick and it was kind of cold and rainy so I begged off.

I do want to see them soon, though. With the Portland Beavers being forced out by professional soccer, the Volcano's will be the only professional baseball closer than Seattle around here. :mad::(

.

[McCovey]

Will,

I definitely want to check out the Volcanos and especially see Rafael Rodriguez. The Giants gave him a fat signing bonus last year. He played pretty good in the Arizona Summer League as a 16 year old in 2009.

[WillTheThrill]

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100623&content_id=11498998&notebook_id=11500868&vkey=notebook_sf&fext=.jsp&c_id=sf

Prospect Perez named showcase's 'Top Star'

HOUSTON -- Outfielder Juan Perez of the Giants' San Jose affiliate hit a two-run homer and was named Major League Baseball Advanced Media's Top Star for the California League All-Star squad Tuesday night in its 4-3 victory over its Carolina League counterparts.

Perez, who also doubled, is batting .327 with seven home runs and 34 RBIs and an .895 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) in 64 games for San Francisco's high-Class A club.

Perez, 23, helped San Jose win the first-half North Division title and clinch a spot in the California League playoffs.

.

[McCovey]

Hey Brandon Belt has cooled off. He's only hitting .380 now. :pound: Though he did got 3 for 5 with 3 RBI, a double, a triple, and stolen base last night.

[McCovey]

Thomas has decided to show up this season after all. :) He had a torrid June.

.347/.407/.582, 5 HR, 19 RBI, 8 doubles, 7 BB, 15 K.

Neal has hit four HRs in the last 10 games. He had three home runs in April and May combined. I hope his June is a start of something big for the rest of the season. Go Thomas! We need you in San Francisco ASAP!

[McCovey]

This caught my eye in Keith Laws ESPN chat today.


Dan (Stockton, CA)
Have you seen Brandon Belt play at all this year? Having a great year...granted, it's in the CAL league. Does he project to be at least a solid regular?

Klaw (2:03 PM)
Haven't seen him, and since I've read he really altered his swing I'm not offering an opinion yet.

[McCovey]

Tonight, Belt went 2 for 3, double, 1 run, 2 BB, 2 SB. On top of Belt's bat he's can run a little. He has 18 SB's with just 7 CS. A first baseman that steals bases? What in the Jeff Bagwell do we have here?

[WillTheThrill]

Andrew Baggarly had the word in yesterdays postgame notes:

One big note from down on the farm: First baseman Brandon Belt, who has been putting a, ahem, whipping on Cal League pitchers, has been promoted to Double-A Richmond.

Belt was leading the Cal League with a .383 average. He had 10 home runs and 62 RBI.

.

[Bear]

Andrew Baggarly had the word in yesterdays postgame notes:



.

This is a guy I don't want to hurry. If he is ready to take over in 2012 I will be a happy camper.:cool:

[McCovey]

Belt's been promoted! :toast:

[WillTheThrill]

This is a guy I don't want to hurry. If he is ready to take over in 2012 I will be a happy camper.:cool:

I totally agree! :goodpost:

Even though I want the Giants to win, I'd rather they didn't rush their prospects through the system. On the average, I believe 2-4 years is how long it takes a guy to make it through the minors and make it the pros.

I realize that super prospects, like, say, Will Clark or Buster Posey or Tim Lincecum, often will make it much more quickly... but I'd rather see our guys get properly developed so that they have the skills, age and maturity to be successful by the time they are here!

.

[McCovey]

I totally agree! :goodpost:

Even though I want the Giants to win, I'd rather they didn't rush their prospects through the system. On the average, I believe 2-4 years is how long it takes a guy to make it through the minors and make it the pros.

I realize that super prospects, like, say, Will Clark or Buster Posey or Tim Lincecum, often will make it much more quickly... but I'd rather see our guys get properly developed so that they have the skills, age and maturity to be successful by the time they are here!

.
At least so far Belt has given a strong indication that he is on the fast track to the majors. He just dominated the Cal League showing great plate discipline. From what I've read he a great defensive first baseman and even can steal bases. I am very curious to see how he does in the Eastern League, a league known for being a strong pitcher's league. If Belt does well in AA perhaps he gets a September call up this season?

[McCovey]

So Belt goes 0 for 3 in his first AA game at Richmond. Then I guess he makes some quick "adjustments" and goes 4 for 5 with a 1 HR, RBI, 2 runs scored in his second AA game! :D

[McCovey]

Belt goes 1 for 3 with another HR tonight against Harrisburg.

1 for 3, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 R, 1 B, 1 K

[McCovey]

Wow, how good is Brandon Belt? Tonight Richmond was shutout 4-0 on two hits. Belt got both hits and also drew a walk. :beerbang:

[McCovey]

Baseball America's Jim Callis isn't as impressed with Brandon Belt. From his Q&A yesterday.




Joe (San Francisco): Is it too early to get excited about Brandon Belt? Because I am starting to think the Giants might have their 1st baseman of the future. Whom after a monsterous 1st half in the california league, is off to great start in the Double A Eastern league.


Jim Callis: I think what we saw was more a product of the Cal League than the true Brandon Belt. I don't think he's the impact hitter his stats may lead some people to believe.

[McCovey]

Belt was 2 for 5 tonight with a double, 2 RBI, 1 R. So far in six games at AA Belt is hitting: .455/.522/.773 :)

So what if Belt has an outstanding two months at AA? Should the Giants bring him up in September?

[WillTheThrill]

Belt was 2 for 5 tonight with a double, 2 RBI, 1 R. So far in six games at AA Belt is hitting: .455/.522/.773 :)

So what if Belt has an outstanding two months at AA? Should the Giants bring him up in September?

I definitely think it would be cool for the Giants to "reward" his successful season... but if they did I would be concerned that they might be rushing him. The Clark/Lincecum/Posey type guys who make it to the major leagues in barely a year are the exception to the rule.

I'd prefer the Giants take their time with Belt and let him mature rather than rush him and risk hurting his confidence if they promote him too fast and he were to do poorly.

.

[McCovey]

Will, I was more thinking about Belt coming to SF after his AA season ends in mid September. There would be only about two weeks left in the major league season. Call him up give him like 20 ABs just to get his feet wet. I wouldn't expect Belt to be a mjaor contributor this season. But he could put himself in a position to compete for a job next spring training. And this is important because the Giants only signed Aubrey Huff for one season. Do the Giants try to resign knowing Belt might be ready in 2011?

[Bear]

Will, I was more thinking about Belt coming to SF after his AA season ends in mid September. There would be only about two weeks left in the major league season. Call him up give him like 20 ABs just to get his feet wet. I wouldn't expect Belt to be a major contributor this season. But he could put himself in a position to compete for a job next spring training. And this is important because the Giants only signed Aubrey Huff for one season. Do the Giants try to resign knowing Belt might be ready in 2011?

First off if Huff wants to come back and he has a second half like the first I say give him a a two tear deal. Belt is young and will only benefit from another season or two on the farm. Why is everyone in such a rush with this Kid?

Now do you bring him up this year? I don't think so. He is moving up within the system and that should be good enough. Don't get me wrong, I like this Kid a lot. But is he ready. I don't think so. :nono:

[WillTheThrill]

First off if Huff wants to come back and he has a second half like the first I say give him a a two tear deal. Belt is young and will only benefit from another season or two on the farm. Why is everyone in such a rush with this Kid?

Now do you bring him up this year? I don't think so. He is moving up within the system and that should be good enough. Don't get me wrong, I like this Kid a lot. But is he ready. I don't think so. :nono:

Great post, Bear. I agree with every word. Huff is awesome (at least compared to other Giants!) and I want his bat to stick around. If he wants to say, I say resign him.

Guys, generally speaking, should NOT be rushed through the minors in barely a year or so. Like I said, guys like Will Clark, Tim Lincecum and Buster Posey are RARE. I say let Belt stay down in the minors and develop. In a couple of years when Huff is ready to retire or move on, then we can bring Belt up.

.

[McCovey]

First off if Huff wants to come back and he has a second half like the first I say give him a a two tear deal.
Giving Huff a two-year or longer deal would be a mistake IMO. He'll be 34 next year. Huff is having a solid season this year but I am worried about whether he can repeat it again next season. Plus, if he has a great season he's going to want more than a two year contract for sure. Also, if the Giants sign Huff for 2+ years that effectively blocks Belt for 2+ years. Belt will be ready for the majors in far less time than that.


Belt is young and will only benefit from another season or two on the farm. Why is everyone in such a rush with this Kid?Who is rushing the kid? He's in AA and if off to a great start. If he has a fantastic second half in AA he would be very close to major league ready. Some young players need relatively little minor league seasoning. IT will hinge on how Belt performs at AA from here until the ned of the season. It depends on the player. Next spring training will be interesting for sure.


Now do you bring him up this year? I don't think so. He is moving up within the system and that should be good enough. Don't get me wrong, I like this Kid a lot. But is he ready. I don't think so.

:nono: You would be against Belt being called up after the AA season ends in mid-September to get a few ABs in the majors. If Belt has a huge season at AA I think he will get a late season call up.

[Bear]

[COLOR=Black][FONT=Verdana]Giving Huff a two-year or longer deal would be a mistake IMO. He'll be 34 next year. Huff is having a solid season this year but I am worried about whether he can repeat it again next season. Plus, if he has a great season he's going to want more than a two year contract for sure. Also, if the Giants sign Huff for 2+ years that effectively blocks Belt for 2+ years. Belt will be ready for the majors in far less time than that.

Who is rushing the kid? He's in AA and if off to a great start. If he has a fantastic second half in AA he would be very close to major league ready. Some young players need relatively little minor league seasoning. IT will hinge on how Belt performs at AA from here until the ned of the season. It depends on the player. Next spring training will be interesting for sure.

You would be against Belt being called up after the AA season ends in mid-September to get a few ABs in the majors. If Belt has a huge season at AA I think he will get a late season call up.

[SIZE="2"][B]On all counts we will have to agree to disagree. It's that simple.:eek:

[McCovey]

Great post, Bear. I agree with every word. Huff is awesome (at least compared to other Giants!) and I want his bat to stick around. If he wants to say, I say resign him.
I would offer Huff at most two years. But I'd prefer one year.


Guys, generally speaking, should NOT be rushed through the minors in barely a year or so. It depends on what you mean by "rushed". To me "rushing a player" means promoting him when he may not be ready for a promotion. Perhaps he has poor plate discipline, or bad defense, or he had a great season at a lower minor league level and is very old for his league (ex: a 24-year old in the Cal League). We need to look closely to see inf a player's skills are ready to be promoting. To me a player that only plays one minor league season and then reaches the majors is not "rushed" if he has earned the promotion. Some players are just so good that they don't need four years in the minors. I've mentioned before that Belt reminds me of John Olerud physically. Olerud did not play any minor league ball at all. He went directly from college to the majors.


Like I said, guys like Will Clark, Tim Lincecum and Buster Posey are RARE. I say let Belt stay down in the minors and develop. In a couple of years when Huff is ready to retire or move on, then we can bring Belt up.

.They are not THAT rare. It has been true throughout baseball history that talented players have had relatively little minor league experience. Think it about this way. There is generally an inverse relationship between a players talent and minor league experience needed. The better a young player the faster he'll go through the minor leagues. Belt's progress should dictate how fast he goes through the minor leagues. Nothing else should be a consideration. The fact that it's supposedly rare that players goes through the minor fast shouldn't be used as a reason to not promote Belt. Only poor performance from Belt should be a reason to keep him in the minors. If Belt tanks it in AA then that means he needs more time in the minor leagues. If he goes on to hit .350-.360 with power in AA then that highly suggests that Belt is close to be being or is ready for the majors. Or at least ready for AAA.

[McCovey]

On all counts we will have to agree to disagree. It's that simple.:eek:
Sure, no problem. We can at least both :toast: when Belt has his first major league at bat this September. :D

[McCovey]

Some neat insight into Belt's hitting. When Freddy Sanhez was rehabbing at San Jose he had a positive influence on Belt.


California League notebook

06/09/2010 10:00 AM ET
By Chris Martinez / Special to MLB.com

First baseman Brandon Belt (http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?pos=1B&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=474832) stands tall at 6-foot-5, but he's also been huge at the plate for first-place San Jose. He's second in the California League in batting average (.378), leads in on-base percentage (.486) and doubles (22) and tops the Giants with 46 RBIs.

Belt isn't the best power hitter in the league, but he's showing impressive form at the plate for a guy who can hit home runs. He has 41 walks against 34 strikeouts, a rare batter in the league who has walked more than he has struck out.

That kind of patience defines Belt's every at-bat. He said he waits for the pitches he wants and lets the less desirable pitches go by.

"When I get in trouble hitting-wise is when I swing at bad pitches," he said.
Belt has thrived in his first pro season, even at the Class A Advanced level. San Francisco drafted him in the fifth round last year out of the University of Texas and he started hitting pro pitching right away.

"The hardest part was switching over to wood bats," he said. "[The] pitching is pretty much the same as it was in college."

The Giants made some adjustments to Belt's mechanics at the plate. While at Texas, he had an exaggerated bent leg kick. He's working through changes to his stance and swing in San Jose.

"My whole stance was different in college," he said. "I was a lot more closed off. As soon as I got to pro ball, they stood me up [straighter] and raised my hands up.

"[They] also opened me up a bit more. It helped me see the ball better and my hands are a lot freer now. I can stay loose up there. I didn't adjust [to it] at first, but I think I'm coming around now."

The first baseman is no stranger to hard work. Belt kept sharp during the layoff between his final college season and pro ball by turning to friends back in Texas.

"I have a few friends at home who play college ball," he said. "It was easy to get together with them in the batting cages and to get some work on the field.

"One of my friends is a pitcher. I got to face him a bit, too. When I was home I was able to face college pitching and still got to work on my batting. It was a good situation for me."

Earlier in the year, the Giants struggled, falling off their usual hot pace and a game below .500 at the low point. Now they're the hottest team in the league with a five-game lead over Modesto in the North Division.

Belt and the other Giants prospects looked up to San Francisco's Freddy Sanchez when the second baseman traveled south to rehab his knee.

Sanchez played three games with San Jose in May and roped five doubles in nine at-bats.

That type of professional hitting spoke to Belt.

"As soon as [Sanchez] came down, we started hitting better," he said. "The whole team started swinging at better pitches and we all got more confident. From there, we started playing better."

[Bear]

Just because a guy plays well in AA or AAA does not mean he is ready for the majors. Look at John Bowker. He has done well in AAA but fallen flat on his face every time he comes up. It's more that physical. It's the mental game also.

[WillTheThrill]

McCovey, you make some good points about Belt and how quickly some guys move up through the minors. I don't have the time to answer you point by point... :D ... but I agree in general that the Giants should look at their individual players on a case-by-case basis.

It is probably correct that moving one guy through the minors might not be rushing him, if he has the talent, whereas some other guy (maybe Bowker is an example, Bear???) is being rushed if he is promoted before he is ready.

As far as Huff, based on his age I would definitely agree not to sign him to a contract more than two years. (We don't need another Rowand/Renteria/Zito stuck on the team far beyond his useful years due to a bad contract.) And maybe even just one year at a time.

Hopefully the Giants learned their lesson signing Molina to (in his case, only) a one year contract, which ended up being a problem and blocking a young talent from being able to play his primary position when he was ready.

I hope that IF AND WHEN Belt is ready that Huff won't be "blocking" him... but on the other hand there is no guarantee that Belt will EVER be ready and Huff is here and playing well right now. :beerbang:

.

[McCovey]

McCovey, you make some good points about Belt and how quickly some guys move up through the minors. I don't have the time to answer you point by point... :D ... but I agree in general that the Giants should look at their individual players on a case-by-case basis.
It all comes down to how Belt does the rest of the season. If he's just ok or struggles at AA then he should start the '11 season in the minors.


It is probably correct that moving one guy through the minors might not be rushing him, if he has the talent, whereas some other guy (maybe Bowker is an example, Bear???) is being rushed if he is promoted before he is ready.
Belt is simply a superior prospect than Bowker ever was. Bowker also played at San Jose at age 22 (Belt's current age). Bowker hit .284/.337/.424. Belt hit .383/.492/.628. Bowker is not remotely comparable to Belt at age 22.


As far as Huff, based on his age I would definitely agree not to sign him to a contract more than two years. (We don't need another Rowand/Renteria/Zito stuck on the team far beyond his useful years due to a bad contract.) And maybe even just one year at a time.
Two years sounds about right.


Hopefully the Giants learned their lesson signing Molina to (in his case, only) a one year contract, which ended up being a problem and blocking a young talent from being able to play his primary position when he was ready.

Does Sabean learn lessons well? :p


I hope that IF AND WHEN Belt is ready that Huff won't be "blocking" him... but on the other hand there is no guarantee that Belt will EVER be ready and Huff is here and playing well right now. :beerbang:
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That's my main concern that Huff will be blocking Belt. And yes there is no guarantee Belt will be a good major leaguer. But so far all the indicators are positive. :awesomework.gif

[Jackie-Moon]

Is there a site where I can track the prospects?

[McCovey]

Is there a site where I can track the prospects?

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp

[Jackie-Moon]

Thank you sir :)

[McCovey]

From Keith Law's ESPN Chat today. :)


Corey (Stockton CA)
Could you please give a report and ETA for Brandon Belt?

Klaw (1:49 PM)
Haven't seen the new swing yet, but talked to a scout last week who had - got him a lot more upright and stable and it's (obviously) made a huge difference. Could be just a year away, maybe a year and a half. Potential impact bat ... or excellent trade bait this month.

[McCovey]

Holy cow! Belt is 3 for 3 so far tonight with a double, triple, and a home run, 3 RBI's, 2 runs! :yourock:

[EIM86]

From Keith Law's ESPN Chat today. :)

It takes 10,000 swings to break in a new swing. Hurry up Belt, we need you!

[McCovey]

I think Belt needs a nickname. How about "Hobbs" as in Roy Hobbs? :D

[McCovey]

Ok, in Belt's first 10 games at AA Richmond he's only hitting .410/.465/.872, 5 HR, 9 RBI, 8 R, 3 BB, 7 K :)

[WillTheThrill]

Interesting news here, though not about a current Giants prospect... but a former prospect...

Remember when everyone was pissed off that the Giants traded Tim Alderson for Freddy Sanchez? (And how they were even more pissed off when Sanchez continued having injury problems?) Well, for the Giants it seems that the trade has finally worked out. Sanchez has turned out to be a pretty solid second baseman and hitter.

But what about the other side of the trade???

Well, it turns out that the Pirates just DEMOTED Alderson from Class AA Altoona to Class A Bradenton. In AA Altoona, Alderson was 7-5 with a 5.62 ERA with 105 hits and 26 walks in 86.2 innings pitched.

And then the poor guy was PASTED in his first single-A game. (He probably doesn't have his head on straight and is depressed from being demoted.) In his first game he gave up 6 hits and 3 walks and 7 earned runs in... are you ready for this... 1.2 innings. That's a 37.80 ERA to save you the math. Ouch. Poor guy. :(

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[McCovey]

Lately, Giants second base prospect Charlie Culberson has been getting some positive press. Both Keith Law and Jason Grey have said recently that they really like him and has a potential to an above ofensive second basemen. Lets keep an eye on him.

From Jason Grey.


I've been asked a couple of times about San Francisco Giants (http://javascript<b></b>:newWin('http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/_/name/sf/san-francisco-giants')) second baseman Charlie Culberson. I'm planning on doing a full report on him next week, but in the meantime, it's worth noting that he has been tearing the cover off the ball at the AFL, hitting .403 and slugging .694 in 62 at-bats.

I freely admit that entering the AFL, I had projected Culberson as a kind of "tweener" prospect. I wasn't taking the solid numbers he put up in the Class A Cal League in 2010 too seriously, but having gotten a more extended look at him, I was short-changing him. I think he has the stick to potentially be a solid offensive player in the major leagues. The biggest thing for fantasy owners who play in dynasty leagues to consider is the depth of minor league prospects at second base; is in, it's not very deep relative to other positions. Given that context, he needs to be firmly on fantasy radar screens. He's at least in the top 10 right now among prospects at the position.