I’ve been a little lax this year in keeping you up to date on Giants’ prospects appearances in the various features of the national publications. I usually try to be pretty rigorous about that, because, while our focus here is to deep dive on our beloved Giants’ guys, it’s important to keep in mind the greater context of the prospect world. Are the guys in the Giants’ system excelling within the context of their contemporaries? Or are they just doing well within the cloistered world of the Giants’ affiliate system? Sometimes you need to look closely at the trees, and sometimes you need to step back and take in the forest.
One of my favorite “snapshots in time” for this kind of thing, is Baseball America’s weekly Hot Sheet — basically a look at the 20 best performances from the previous weeks of players who are considered to be top prospect types. It’s not just about the best stats, but rather an attempt to combine stats with scouting buzz to get a sense of who is surging in the prospect world. The Giants haven’t exactly dominated the Hot Sheet this year — in fact, in the month of April, they were almost completely absent. Things have gotten better in May. Last week both Carson Whisenhunt and Kyle Harrison made appearances on the Hot Sheet, and this week, young Hayden Birdsong popped up at #15, in honor of his two start week in which he allowed no runs and just three hits over 8.0 Innings, while striking out 13. Birdsong is definitely starting to turn into a Guy who is generating scouting buzz in the prospect world. He also popped up in a reason Baseball Prospectus’ Monday morning Ten Pack scouting report. Wherever you see Birdsong mentioned, you can be assured of seeing his fastball described as “electric.” Early leader in the “mid-round draft pick exploding” category!
I suppose I should also pause to note that the #5 guy on this week’s Hot Sheet, Rockies’ outfielder Jordan Beck, made his mark by going 11 for 25 with four home runs last week — against the Eugene Emeralds. I probably should have done a better job of noting that in last week’s posts.
And, as long as we’re talking Baseball America, Ben Badler produced a huge article yesterday with up to date reports on the top of this year’s international class, including what he’s hearing from scouts this spring. The Giants only had three of the top 100 bonuses in this year’s class, but all three players had fairly strong reports. Badler noted that the Giants have Rayner Arias playing CF in extended games, but most scouts believe his average speed and strong arm are eventually headed to RF, a position where he should have plenty of power to profile. Badler also noted that the Giants’ 2nd highest bonus kid, Yosneiker Rivas, is taking part in extended games in Scottsdale and appears to be headed for an ACL assignment, which would be aggressive, based on advanced instincts for the game. Rivas’ scouting report reminds me a little of a left-handed hitting Jose Ramos. He’s similarly tiny at about 5’10” and 160 lbs (both of which might be generous based on my looks at Rivas in the spring), but plays with great energy and a baseball IQ that is beyond his young age. The report was particularly bullish on his defensive instincts, noting that Rivas reads balls well, takes good angles, and puts himself in the best position to field balls. Finally, a little less optimistic report on Taiwanese pitcher Chen-Hsun Lee, who has been shut down with some arm soreness this spring. Lee had Tommy John surgery after high school, but had been pitching well in college, with a fastball that has been up to 95.
And with that little bit of housework tidied up, let’s take a spin around yesterday’s action for a somewhat muted day (and night) on the farm.
HITTER of the NIGHT: Thomas Gavello (SJ), 3 for 4, 2 2b (6), R, RBI, BB, K
PITCHER of the NIGHT: Mason Black (Rich), 4.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
“Somewhat muted” that is, except in Sacramento…. where there was all kinds of drama and big action! And that’s where we head first…. (although, if it’s the most dramatic, shouldn’t I be saving it for last?)
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