This quote demonstrates Brian Sabean's finely-honed personal skills:
"[Posey]'s on the fast track and Bengie's clock's winding down," Sabean said. "It's really up to him how soon he wants to get going and how soon he can get here."
It's true that the best case scenario has Posey taking over for Molina in 2010, but there are better ways of saying it when the guy "winding down" is your cleanup hitter and team leader.
The next hurdle: signing Posey, who reportedly let it be known he wanted a $12 M signing bonus. Uh, yeah. Tim Lincecum got a $2 M bonus. Some draftniks thought the demand was just a way to keep the Tampas and Royals and Giants of the world from drafting him. The Giants will certainly call his bluff. Let the poker games commence.
So what does this mean for Pablo Sandoval, the Giants' best catching prospect? He's currently tearing up high-A ball with San Jose, and he's only 21. After an insane April he's come back to Earth somewhat, but unless he has a major setback he'll be promoted to Fresno this year, Sabean reportedly said today. If Sandoval continues to hit well and make progress defensively, the Giants might have a logjam. Which is a good thing. Sandoval plays first base, sometimes, and Posey was an All-American shortstop his freshman year in college. So the team has options.
The sandwich pick was Wichita State 3B Conor Gillaspie, and the report on him is a Bill-Mueller type bat and mediocre glove. The Giants could do worse than finding the next Bill Mueller, especially the 2003 version. For those with short memories, however, please note that Mueller' never OPS'ed higher than .800 with the Giants. I hope Gillaspie is a better hitter than S.F.-era Mueller, especially if he's not going to help much with the glove.
Other picks today. Let us know if you have any thoughts on them, too:
* Texas Tech OF Roger Kieschnick
* UCLA SS Brandon Crawford
* Cal State Northridge RHP Edwin Quirarte
* N Carolina St. LHP Eric Surcamp
Hmm, all college players so far. Looks like the Giants are pressing the fast-track button.
