As we head into the hottest trade-rumor week of the year, it's worth noting Thomas Neal hasn't merited a single mention on the mighty MLBTraderumors.com (mentions in the comments don't count). He's not one of the Giants' "Big Four" of Bumgarner, Alderson, Posey and Villalona, so his name isn't among the bits of trade spaghetti being flung against walls across the nation. He only recently got a little hat tip from the national press here.
Don't be surprised if that changes soon. He's having a monster year in High-A San Jose, and he's only 21, turning 22 next month. Not a total youngster, but fairly age-appropriate.
He had a pretty good 2008 in low-A Augusta, and jumping up a level he has improved on all fronts -- power, patience, more contact. We shouldn't overlook that the California League is a hitter's paradise, but from all accounts the Little Giants home park in the 'Hose is the least hitter-friendly in the league.
He's a long way from the majors, and who knows, maybe opposing scouts see something live that his boffo statistics can't tell us. He hurt his arm or shoulder a couple years ago, so perhaps he profiles as a future DH. I have no idea. Whatever the case, for those of you who don't keep close tabs on lower-profile prospects, keep his name in mind. I wouldn't want you to read about a trade, scratch your head and say, "Who's this Neal guy?"
