#5: C Buster Posey
After initially slamming Buster Posey in a fit of "why didn't the Giants take Smoak" fury, I'm warming up to to him. He fills one of the gaping holes in the infield, throws in potential for 10-15 home runs, and is inarguably the best catcher in the draft.What he brings to the table:
- Named to the All-ACC first team in 2007, became the first sophomore finalist for the Johnny Bench Award, first team All American by Collegiate Baseball, named to the President's List for a 4.0 GPA.
- Currently, he leads the NCAA with .467/.567/.864. There's something to be said about aluminum bats and small parks, but a .467 average is nothing to sneeze at.
- Posey originally played shortstop as a freshman, but he is a fast learner and already displays great defensive potential behind the plate, nailing 40.9% of base stealers in 2007.
- Throwing a low-90's fastball up to second would explain that percentage. In addition to catching, he's expected to be FSU's closer.
- Just in case the Giants find themselves in this type of game again, Posey plays all nine positions.
- This article by Heather Dinich of ESPN closed the deal for me:
Baseball and school, that's about all I do. That's about it, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I enjoy it, I really do.
If you're not sold on Buster Posey yet, take a looksee for yourself today 11 AM on ESPN2 when FSU faces Wichita State (home of Conor Gillaspie, how convenient) in the Super Regionals. Game 2 is on Saturday at 9 AM, Game 3 on Sunday at 10 AM.
- 2007 MVP of Cape Cod League, winner of Thurmon Munson Batting Champion Trophy in Cape Cod League (won by Smoak, Derek Jeter, and Lance Berkman previously), named to first team All-Valley and Wichita All-Regional team
- I love this pick. Love it. BA ranked Gillaspie as the 13th pro prospect in the the Cape Cod League and the Giants pick him at 37. Steal!
- Like Bill Mueller, lack of power is the only real knock on Gillaspie, but I think that he has more power than people give him credit for. He hit .345 in Cape Cod with a wooden bat and amassed .673 slugging and 21 XBH, 7 of those home runs.
- Power or no power, this guy flat out hits. He batted over .400 for most of his junior year and has plate discipline. Credit to the Giants for drafting guys with power and patience this year.
#82: RF Roger Kieschnick
- Named to Second Team All-Big 12
- He has raw power, finishing 2007 with a .302 batting average with 25 doubles, 5 triples, and 13 home runs. His swing causes him to pull at times, which could be a problem but at the same time generate XBH.
- As a pull hitter, he has power, but he's lost confidence this year because of a rough Cape Cod season. When he's on though, he regularly drives balls and has a solid arm in the hole.
- Quirarte currently serves as the Matadors' closer. Other than that I don't know too much about him. His stats aren't stellar for a closer, 4.50 ERA in 2006 and 6.57 in 2007.
- His sophomore season sounds a bit like Matt Cain's season last year:
Had an outstanding, consistent season despite winning just four games ... Had seven no-decisions for the second consecutive season ... Left three of his no-decisions with the lead, three with the score tied, and one trailing by one run ... Allowed two earned runs or less in 11 of 16 appearances
- He throws a fastball in the mid to high-80's but he gets guys out, as shown by his 2.71 ERA.
(Posey) is on the fast track and Bengie’s clock is winding down,” Sabean said. “It’s really up to him how soon he wants to get going and how soon he can get here.As I'm typing, the Giants have drafted several new players, including 6 pitchers. I'm totally in favor of this new philosophy, and let's hope the Giants get these guys signed.
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