In the last few days the Giants’ minor league affiliates have released their rosters. The most exciting place is San Jose where all the top prospects have landed, at least until the weather warms up back East. Today I’ll outline the top three levels. These are thumbnail sketches; feel free to add more names or details in the comments.

Fresno Grizzlies (AAA): We all know about the controversial Kevin Frandsen demotion, and he’ll try to prove he belongs back in S.F. while rotating among the infield positions. But the most intriguing story right now is Jesus Guzman, who posted the second best slugging percentage in spring training this year and is desperately trying to figure out what that leather contraption on his hand is for. Can he hit triple-A pitching? Can he be anything but a future DH? Kevin Pucetas got an aggressive promotion from High-A ball and will be in the starting rotation. There are several relievers with major-league experience, which could help as the inevitable injuries and ineffectiveness strike the big-league pen.

Connecticut Defenders (AA): The Defenders and their dreaded (for hitters) Dodd Stadium might soon have Tim Alderson, Madison Bumgarner, and Buster Posey, but until then it’ll be sleepy. Henry Sosa and Jesse English, both promising pitchers on the 40–man roster, are in the rotation, and 22–year-old Waldis Joaquin got an aggressive promotion and could be a viable bullpen power arm for the Giants next year.

San Jose Giants (High A): Get thee to the Muni, aka Municipal Stadium in San Jose. They open tomorrow and stay for seven games. This might be the best collection of minor-league talent in the country. Alderson, Bumgarner, and Posey will be there as mentioned, as well as teenage slugger Angel Villalona and Nick Noonan, Conor Gillaspie, Roger Kieschnick and Brandon Crawford, all high draft picks from the past two years. From all the hoopla some sleepers might emerge. Keep your eye on Scott Barnes, a lefty starter who moved quickly with impressive numbers after being drafted last year in the 8^th round out of St. John’s University. Another: Thomas Neal, a 21–year-old slugger who had a nice year at Low A Augusta in 2008. Neal has been relegated to 1B/DH because of a shoulder injury. If he can ever throw again, he’d be a lot more intriguing.

Fill in the gaps: Who deserves more ink or at least a mention? Any bets which minor leaguer is called up first?