2011 MLB Draft San Francisco Giants Review
This is a college-oriented class that some Giants fans seem disappointed in, but there are things to like here.
1) Joe Panik SS, St. John's: One of my favorite players in the draft, due to on-base skills and excellent plate discipline, gap power, outstanding work ethic, and a chance to stick at shortstop due to his polish. I know some fans are disappointed in this pick but I think he'll have a better career than some guys picked ahead of him.
1S) Kyle Crick, RHP, Texas HS: Here's your upside guy, can hit 96-97, curve has potential, should fit well into Giants pitching development system.
2) Andrew Susac, C, Oregon State: First-round ability. Needs some polish but I really like his upside on both offense and defense.
3) Ricky Oropesa, 1B, Southern Cal: I like his power, but long swing could limit batting average.
4) Bryce Bandilla, LHP, Arizona: Big lefty with plus fastball and good changeup, could use better breaking ball and sharper command.
5) Chris Marlowe, RHP, Oklahoma State: Mid-90s fastball, plus curve, and outstanding K/IP ratios. Has command issues but could be a bullpen force. 5.05 ERA, fanned 71 in 41 innings but walked 34.
6) Josh Osich, LHP, Oregon State: Expected to be a supplemental pick but fell to the sixth round due to last-second injury worries for this Tommy John survivor. Plus stuff when healthy, could be a steal here if his arm is OK.
7) Ray Black, RHP, Pittsburgh: Another hot fastball in the mid-90s, but with command problems and poor statistics. Intriguing if they can refine him.
8) Jean Delgado, SS, Puerto Rico HS: Raw middle infielder, will need development time.
9) Derek Law, RHP, Miami-Dade CC: Excellent statistics and he throws hard, but ugly mechanics turn scouts off. It will be interesting to see if the Giants leave him alone or try to make him more conventional.
10) Kentrell Hill, OF, Arkansas Baptist JC: Athletic, fast, has power potential, but raw.
OTHERS OF NOTE: SS Kelby Tomlinson (12th round, Texas Tech) has an excellent glove and draws walks. 3B Garrett Buechele (14th round, Oklahoma) has a good glove and power but scouts still seem to downplay him despite bloodlines. RHP Andrew Triggs (21st round, USC) gets incredible movement on his fastball and slider.
SUMMARY: Some people are giving the Giants flack for picking Panik, but that's misguided. If they had drafted them Susac/Crick/Panik, no one would be worrying. I like the top of the draft, and there is a lot of arm strength in the middle rounds for the Giants coaches to refine.
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