Another day, another victory for these baby Giants.
In a shocking twist, they did so at home.
For Matt Cain.
This ain't July's Giants, that's for sure.
One of my favorite developments: the double play combo of Ivan Ochoa and Manny Burriss, both of whom are putting on a defensive display as well as swinging nice bats.
The triumphant return of Steve Holm certainly ranks up there as well.
My least favorite development? The continued presence of Jose Castillo in my life in any meaningful capacity. Thus, understanding the so-shallow-you'll break-your-neck-if-you-dive depth of the position, it filled me with great hope and pleasure to hear KSN (Wichita) report that the Giants have come to terms with 2008 sandwich round pick (and third baseman) Conor Gillaspie, fomerly of the wonderfully named Wichita State Shockers:
The 37th pick overall will receive slot money for that pick, which is around $975,000 along with other un-disclosed incentives. That was the deal-maker enticing the Shocker All-American to sign.Gillaspie was perceived by many to be a first round pick and was mostly regarded as a great value pick where the Giants picked him up. We wrote this on draft day:
Gillaspie will begin his pro career in rookie ball for the first few weeks. The Giants plan to give him work at both second and third base before the season comes to an end.
Conor Gillaspie, 3B, Wichita St., at #37. MLB.com compares him to...Good news, indeed. But with deadline to sign draftees now just ten days out, snippets like these make me a bit queasy regarding the remaining three of our top four picks:
Bill Mueller.
That being said, he's the defending Thurman Munson Award winner in 2007 Cape League play, an honor that's gone to the likes of Berkman and Jeter (and [Justin] Smoak in 2006).
Buster Posey, the Giants' first pick and the fifth overall selection, is one of seven top-10 picks who've yet to sign. Of the 16 players in the supplemental round, though, Gillaspie, the 37th pick, is one of only two who haven't come to terms.Gulp. If this blog ceases to be updated August 15th, can one of you find a sub-letter for me and take care of Fido?
[Snip]
Among third-round selections, Roger Kieschnick, the Giants' third pick and the 82nd overall choice, is one of only three unsigned players. Brandon Crawford, the Giants' fourth pick, is one of just six unsigned players in the fourth round.
"I know [Director of Player Personnel] Bobby [Evans] has been having a lot of discussions with all of those guys," [Giants' Special Assistant John] Barr said. "We're working on finalizing all those guys."
In other news: remember Barry Lamar Bonds? It has seemed this year like maybe the Giants don't.
But in an interesting development, he has been invited to return to Pac Bell this Saturday as part of a tribute to the great outfielders of the Giants' fifty years in San Francisco. No word yet regarding his attendance.
Should shape up to be a fun week for a Bonds-starved media corps.
Posts
1 comments:
Nice to hear that Shocker Gillaspie signed. Let's get those other boys going.
Couldn't agree more with the Castillo assessment. Having been at the game last night, it seemed that every time he approached the plate, the entire stadium let out a collective fart in response to his continued presence in the starting lineup.
Also, where's the love for the Cainer? How 'bout Tasch? Great to see the staff firing even against a Braves lineup that featured Casey "Yes, my picture makes me look like a chi-mo" Crotch-man hitting in the five-hole.
Lastly, what the hell is Burriss doing over at 2B? The guy's maybe the best young fielder we have. 2B looks too easy. Make him play a hybrid SS/2B simultaneously and let the Giants trot out a fourth OF to prevent balls from going into Death Valley.
Post a Comment