Giants Sign Gillaspie and Posey

As the August 15^th signing deadline approached the Giants still had two of its biggest draft picks unsigned, but it got the deals done just in the nick of time. Buster Posey was the Giants number one pick in the 2008 MLB draft and Conor Gillaspie was a supplemental round pick (one in between the first and second rounds), both of whom were signed by the Giants two weeks ago.

            Gillaspie is a third baseman from Wichita State University and inked his name with the Giants on Wednesday August 13th. The deal included a signing bonus just under one million dollars among other incentives. The Giants are hoping the 37^th overall pick in the draft will be well worth the wait and the cash, as he showed his skills last season by receiving All-American honors and leading the Shockers to the NCAA Super Regionals.

            Posey official joined the Giants organization late on August 15th, just minutes before the signing deadline expired. The deal includes a signing bonus for over six million dollars. Posey is a catcher from Florida State University and last season’s accolades include the Golden Spikes award, which is given to the best amateur player in the country. That honor certainly helped Posey graduate from amateur status.

            Gillaspie joined the Volcanoes last week in its five game set with the Spokane Indians and hit for a .171 average in his first 35 at-bats. His rough start at the plate is something that is not expected to last for long for the man who hit .419 in 60 games for the Shockers in 2008.

            Posey is expected to join the Volcanoes as well at some point around the end of the season, so Volcanoes fans should get at least a couple of good looks at Posey whose value closely resembles that of former Volcano and current MLB 2008 All-Star selection, Tim Lincecum at the beginning of his career.

By Dan Johnson