Volcanoes News Release |
SEVEN FORMER VOLCANOES RATED AMONG GIANTS’ TOP 10 PROSPECTS
After posting the second-best overall winning percentage in the minor leagues last season (.555), the San Francisco Giants are very enthusiastic about the potential of a talented group of young players led by a host of Salem-Keizer alumni. Seven former Volcanoes have been ranked among the Giants Top 10 prospects in Baseball America’s annual repeat, released December 19. The seven players are Eddy Martinez-Esteve (#3), Travis Ishikawa (#4), Jonathan Sanchez (#6), Nate Schierholtz (#7), Fred Lewis (#8), Kevin Frandsen (#9) and Craig Whitaker (#10). All but Sanchez and Frandsen were on the same list a year ago.
Pitcher Matt Cain was rated the Giants top prospect for the second consecutive year while speedy shortstop Marcus Sanders was ranked second and pitcher Merkin Valdez, number two a year ago, was slotted fifth.
About Martinez-Esteve, BA said: “Martinez-Esteve stands out as the Giants’ most polished hitter with a fluid, efficient swing and a discerning eye at the plate. His bat is quick enough to hit good fastballs and he’s an excellent breaking-ball hitter. He has power to all fields. He has lost life in his lower body after a college hamstring injury and has lost arm strength because of his shoulder problems. (Note: He had shoulder surgery prior to last season.) The Giants will try him at first base and give him a chance in left field at Double-A Connecticut in 2006.”
Travis Ishikawa: “Since the Giants bought Ishikawa out of his Oregon State commitment…in 2002, they have waited for him to break out. He finally did so in 2005, setting highs across the board to earn a spot on the 40-man roster. The Giants have always believed in Ishikawa’s bat and makeup. He’s athletic and repeats a balanced, fluid stroke and his swing has natural leverage that produces power. He’s patient and unafraid to work deep into counts. He hit better against lefties (.317) than righties (.273) in 2005. He’s an excellent defender at first with good footwork and fine hands.”
Jonathan Sanchez: “Sanchez starred at NAIA power Ohio Dominican despite a delivery that left him pushing the ball. Since joining the Giants, he has made dramatic progress incorporating his lower half into his delivery. This change has pushed the velocity of his fastball consistently to the 93-94 mph range with excellent life and sink. He has good arm speed on his changeup, which can be a plus pitch. He still needs to be more consistent with his delivery in order to improve his command. He’ll return to high Class A (San Jose) to start 2006.”
Nate Schierholtz: “Since being a surprise second-round pick, he has made steady progress while switching from third base to right field. Schierholtz has above-average raw power from the left side, and should hit more homers as he learns the strike zone and his own swing. His bat speed allows him to wait on his pitch and use the whole field. He runs well for his size. His hand-eye coordination and bat speed make him too aggressive at the plate at times, and his strikeout-walk ratio needs improvement. He took well to the outfield and will also be worked at first base.”
Fred Lewis: “Instead of building on a breakthrough 2004 season, Lewis got off to a miserable start in his first stint in Double-A…he recovered to hit .339 in his final 58 games. Lewis’ bat speed and level swing could make him a .300 hitter and he could steal 30-40 bases with his plus speed. He has the raw power to hit 20 homers, and he took better routes and showed a more accurate arm when he moved from center field to left. Despite three full seasons in the minors, Lewis remains very raw, but the Giants’ organizational strength is outfield depth so they can be patient.”
Kevin Frandsen: “Frandsen bounced back from a broken collarbone to reach Triple-A Fresno and play in the Futures Game during his first full pro season. Frandsen is an organizational favorite for his solid tools and off-the-charts makeup. He is fundamentally sound in the field and at the plate, where he has a simple swing and uses the whole field. His arm and range are excellent at second base…he has the hands to fill in at third base as well. Frandsen is getting the most from his ability so there’s not much projection left. At worst, he fits the profile of a useful utility player.”
Craig Whitaker: “In his first year in full-season ball, Whitaker went on the disabled list with a middle back strain and when he returned in June it was as a reliever. The Giants like to say Whitaker has ‘power equipment.’ It starts with a mid-90’s fastball…he has a feel for spinning a breaking ball and can throw a changeup with the same arm speed he uses on his fastball. He was tipping his curve to hitters…and has switched to a slider which he threw for strikes more consistently. He needs to improve his focus and mechanics. His upside remains significant and with an arm this good, the Giants don’t mind being patient.”
Last updated
02/06/06 ©
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