San Francisco sports franchises have had their fair share of troubles the past few years - we won’t extrapolate on the cities FOOTBALL woes – since we are a Fantasy Baseball site – but when a coach gets the axe seven games into a season – chances are – things are not going quite as well as hoped!
Seriously, no team who rosters Patrick Willis should be this bad – right!?
We wouldn’t even want to play two hand touch with this BEAST!
Hmmm…it just goes to show you that ONE player does not make a TEAM!
Not in any sport…
OKAY – NOW, Back to baseball talk…
Each and EVERY Fantasy manager is very much aware of the diminutive, but dominant 2008 NL Cy Young award candidate Tim Lincecum.
And many fantasy owners also have likely weathered the up and down young career of the Giants hard throwing number two starter - Matt Cain.
Lastly - perhaps a few also enjoyed employing the dirty saves “lying in bed just like” Brian Wilson provided last year.
After this – things start getting a little dicey.
Randy Winn is the consummate waiver wire Add when a 4th outfielder is needed.
But, outside of these players - thanks to the “Zito meltdown” and the Aaron Rowand back to reality check – fantasy manager’s have not rostered a plethora of San Francisco Giants the past few seasons.
In the not too distant future, we are positive – that WILL change!
Here are some “Baby Giants” – All aged 25 and younger – who could have serious fantasy relevance as early as 2009 - while others are perhaps tracking towards a 2010 arrival.
Pablo Sandoval
The arrival of Pablo Sandoval wasn’t exactly expected during the 2008 season – but the young multi-position talent made quite the impression on fantasy owners down the stretch. Depending on how many games the league you play in requires to qualify for Catcher eligibility will dictate how high most will draft the free swinging Sandoval.
WaiverSharks feels that even if he does not qualify as a catcher at the start of the 2009 season – it will only be a matter of time before he gains the Holy Grail of eligibility (catcher) anyways – since he should spell Bengie Molina behind the plate enough to acquire the C status fairly early in the year.
So we’re recommending you draft him higher than many “experts” may suggest – Worse case scenario for your gamble is you end up with a solid 1B/3B back-up to perhaps a more seasoned Fantasy corner infielder.
Nate Shierholtz
Nate Shierholtz may never become an elite first baseman in the mode of a Prince Fielder or Lance Berkman, however he does remain an intriguing left-handed prospect who could produce some above average numbers if given the every day first base gig for the Giants.
It’s still up in the air as to where Pablo Sandoval will net most of his at bats in 2009, and Travis Ishikawa and John Bowker also fuel the 1B logjam that could hurt Shierholtz Fantasy value come draft day. ***Editor’s Note: Due to the sudden emergence of the Pittsburgh Pirates Nate McLouth in 2008 – we’ll never underestimate another “Nate” again!***
Emmanual Burriss/Eugenio Velez
The Giants have been leaning towards speed when trying to assemble their future incarnate.
Emmanual Burriss and Eugenio Velez could provide the fastest double play combo in baseball – not that they turn the DP quicker then anyone – but these gazelles can both flat out ‘book’ on the base paths and could become cheap sources of steals next year.
Conor Gillaspie
Another lefty on the fast track – Third Base prospect Conor Gillaspie saw some Major League action last September – and managed to stroke his first hit off of the Arizona Diamondbacks ace Dan Haran. Not too shabby!
He doesn’t have the power that most top three baggers possess – but he could hit for a very high average – especially if he can learn to take advantage of AT&T Parks gap hitter’s dream dimensions.
Keep an eye on his 2009 Spring Training progress – as he’ll be a long shot to break the clubs pro roster since he just turned 21 years old last July.
Join us tomorrow as we discuss the Giants three brightest stars of the not too distant future –
Buster Posey, Madison Bumgarner, and Tim Alderson!
