Original Published Date: April 19, 2014 |
Updated: June 10, 2014 |
The San Francisco Giants sit atop the National League West Division in the early going and look to be a playoff contender once again. Brandon Belt has been a key contributor, finally showing the power that he had in the minor leagues; and then of course he breaks his thumb. The baseball Gods can be very trying to fans and fantasy owners.
While there isn’t any elite impact talent in the upper-minors, Adam Duvall is an intriguing option at third base and Edwin Escobar could play a role in the second half if Tim Lincecum continues to struggle.
1. Next in Line Infield Prospects
- Joe Panik (SS/2B, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low – PROMOTED: 6/21/14
- Adam Duvall (3B, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Medium
Notes: The Giants reached for Joe Panik in the first round of the 2011 draft and have a player that profiles as a utility player to show for it. He makes good contact and has plate discipline but doesn’t have any above-average secondary tools. In other words, he’s a utility player. Adam Duvall is an intriguing fantasy option as he has plus power that could translate into 20-25 home run power at the major league level. The problem he’s a below average defender and might eventually need to move to first. However, if he can improve at the hot-corner, he could see time at third base if Sandoval has an injury or continues to under-perform.
2. Next in Line Outfield Prospects
- Gary Brown (OF, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low
- Tyler Colvin (OF, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low – Promoted: 5/10/14
Notes: Gary Brown was drafted in the first round of the 2010 draft in hopes that he would be the future center fielder in San Francisco. He’s a plus defender with plus-plus speed but the speed hasn’t translated into plus speed on the base path and he’s struggled to make hard contact. Unless he’s a late bloomer, he likely profiles as fourth outfielder. Tyler Colvin is…well, Tyler Colvin.
3. Next in Line Pitching Prospects
- Edwin Escobar (LHP, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Medium
- Mike Kickham (RHP, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low
- Kyle Crick (RHP, Double-A) – Fantasy relevance: Medium
Notes: Edwin Escobar is a very good pitcher with a fastball that sits 91-93 MPH and a plus slider that will get a ton of swing and misses. He’s been pretty hittable in the early going of the PCL but also has a very good strikeout-to-walk ratio of 17K/4BB. It’s likely that Escobar will get the call sometime during 2014 and he could be a contributor to your fantasy team. Kyle Crick has the highest upside in the system but it could ultimately be in the bullpen. While a long-short to make it to San Francisco in 2014, he has a live fastball and has gotten off to a strong start, despite giving up too many walks.
4. Next in Line Relief Prospects
- Heath Hembree (RHP, Triple-A) – Fantasy relevance: Low
You must log in to post a comment.