Just When it Couldn't Get Any Better

Zito's implosion notwithstanding, yesterday was quite exciting, given the tenor of the season. Rohlinger started at third -- becoming the 13th rookie to make his debut this season and tying the 1996 team for the most in history -- and promptly airmailed a throw to Rich Aurilia. Rookie nerves. After walking back to the dugout twice after facing Randy Wolf, Rohlinger hit an 0-2 pitch for his first major league hit and RBI. All three rookies play this afternoon, so keep an eye on their performance.

If you thought yesterday was big news, today's gets even bigger. The Giants are on the cusp of signing Buster Posey to a major league contract worth $7.5 million. This is great news, as earlier reports had Posey's signing coming down to the last hour on Friday.

Additionally, third-rounder Roger Kieschnick signed for $525,000 and fourth-rounder Brandon Crawford signed for $375,000. There was some doubt shrouding Crawford's signing as he could have opted to return to UCLA to raise his stock. I wrote this bit about him after the first draft day:

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.

Good to see him decide to sign with the Giants.

Another notable signee is Juan Carlos Perez, a 13th round CF. Troubles with his visa caused him to drop to the 13th round, so he is more talented than his slot suggests. The Giants are taking a small risk by signing him, especially if he is not eligible to play, but they gave him a contract for 2009 in hopes that he sorts out his visa issues.

Remember all the hype surrounding whom the Giants picked that sunny June day? The Giants have lived up to it by signing most of their draft picks, and nearly all of the important ones.