Showing posts with label minor league baseball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label minor league baseball. Show all posts
Saturday, July 16, 2011
My interview with the San Francisco Giants' 2009 Number 1 Draft Pick Zack Wheeler
I had the pleasure of interviewing the San Francisco Giants' first draft pick of 2009, Zack Wheeler. He is a good, young pitcher and would be a great addition to the Giants' stellar rotation.
The interview will tell you all you need to know about Mr. Wheeler. Be sure to leave a comment and tell me what you think.
Follow me on twitter @vintalkingiants.
Questions or comments? E-mail my blog mailbag at vc4re@yahoo.com. Your questions may be answered on my blog.
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Saturday, June 11, 2011
Player Profile: Joe Panik/FeedCrossing.com
Hello everyone. This is Vince here (yes, it's me). I'm really sorry about all the guest blogging. I've been busy trying to make black and white photography, and I just about got the hang of it. I will be posting some of my articles and blog posts soon, along with a Giants trivia of the day.
For now, enjoy this piece on the Giants' 2011 No. 1 draft pick.
...
By Max Frankel
Joe Panik is currently the starting shortstop for the St. John’s Red Storm of the Big East Conference but that soon may change. Panik was selected in the first round yesterday, 29th overall, by the San Francisco Giants. Panik has had a distinguished collegiate career and a successful stint in the prestigious Cape Cod League last summer. I must admit, he was not a random selection for Off The Bench’s first Player Profile. When playing for John Jay East Fishkill High School, Panik hit a long home run off of yours truly. So I am proud to say that I feel at least a little responsible for his success.
Panik has played well in his three years at St. John’s. Here is what the St. John’s website lists as his accomplishments for just his sophomore year: “Named to the NCAA Charlottesville Regional All-Tournament Team … a member of the BIG EAST All-Tournament Team … a third team All-BIG EAST selection … a second team CoSIDA Academic All-District honoree … appeared in 61 games and made 60 starts … batted .374 with 18 doubles, four triples, 10 home runs and 53 RBI … slugged .621 and added a .477 on-base percentage … had 26 multi-hit games and 13 multi-RBI games … hit safely in 51 games … drew a team-best 38 walks … combined to bat .278 (5-for-18) with one double, two home runs, five RBI and four runs scored in five NCAA Tournament games … batted .375 (6-for-16) with two doubles, three RBI and three runs scored in four BIG EAST Tournament games … went 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBI against then-No. 22 Ole Miss (June 6) in the NCAA Tournament … had two doubles and two RBI as part of a 2-for-5 day at the plate against then-No. 18 Connecticut (May 30) in the BIG EAST Tournament championship game … homered and had two RBI at Rutgers (May21) … launched two home runs and had five RBI at Boston College (May 18) … combined to go 5-for-11 with one home run, two RBI and four runs scored in a three-game set at Notre Dame (April 30-May 2) … tripled and had five RBI as part of a 3-for-5 day against Georgetown (April 24) … went 2-for-2 with a home run, three RBI, three walks and five runs scored against Fordham (April 21) … combined to go 6-for-13 with one triple, one home run, three RBI and four runs scored in a three-game set at Cincinnati (April 16-18) … went 3-for-6 with an RBI and two runs scored against West Virginia (April 11) … had two doubles as part of a 3-for-4 game at Wagner (April 7) … combined to go 3-for-6 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored in a double-header against Seton Hall (April 1) … hit a pinch-hit, walk-off single against Columbia (March 24) … went 3-for-4 with a double, a home run, three RBI and three runs scored against Fairfield (March 17) … was 2-for-5 with two doubles, two RBI and two runs scored at Liberty (March 13) … finished a home run shy of the cycle as part of a 4-for-4 day that included two doubles, a triple and three runs scored at ETSU (March 7) … scored two runs and went 2-for-2 against Illinois (Feb. 28) … went 2-for-5 with a double, a home run, two RBI and two runs scored at New Orleans (Feb. 19).”
Also, Panik was an All-Star for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox of the Cape Cod League last season. He hit .276 in the pitching dominated league and hit .393 in the playoffs. He was the starrting shortstop and three hitter in the All-Star game held at Fenway Park.
Panik projects more as a second basemen than a shortstop due to below average arm strength but he’s got a knack for getting on base and making something happen and that could help him get to the pros quickly. Here is what ESPN’s Keith Law says about Panik:
“Panik is one of a handful of overachieving college middle infielders in this draft along with Kolten Wong, Ryan Wright, and Brad Miller, and Panik’s track record of performance rivals them all. He controls the zone well with good hand-eye coordination but nearly bars his lead arm and his swing is long for a guy with a history of high contact rates. He’s an average runner whose feet work well enough for him to play anywhere in the infield, but a fringy arm limits him to second base, and he’ll have to hit for average to profile there with below-average power. I think Panik is ultimately a good utility player, but he might just get on base enough to make himself an everyday player at second.”
It remains to be seen whether or not Panik will leave school and join the Giants' system, but either way, I expect he’ll play well. I certainly know I’m rooting for him and looking forward to getting my Panik Giants T-Shirt when he makes the big club.
...
Be sure to visit his site, Off The Bench, for more great baseball articles.
For now, enjoy this piece on the Giants' 2011 No. 1 draft pick.
...
By Max Frankel
Joe Panik is currently the starting shortstop for the St. John’s Red Storm of the Big East Conference but that soon may change. Panik was selected in the first round yesterday, 29th overall, by the San Francisco Giants. Panik has had a distinguished collegiate career and a successful stint in the prestigious Cape Cod League last summer. I must admit, he was not a random selection for Off The Bench’s first Player Profile. When playing for John Jay East Fishkill High School, Panik hit a long home run off of yours truly. So I am proud to say that I feel at least a little responsible for his success.
Panik has played well in his three years at St. John’s. Here is what the St. John’s website lists as his accomplishments for just his sophomore year: “Named to the NCAA Charlottesville Regional All-Tournament Team … a member of the BIG EAST All-Tournament Team … a third team All-BIG EAST selection … a second team CoSIDA Academic All-District honoree … appeared in 61 games and made 60 starts … batted .374 with 18 doubles, four triples, 10 home runs and 53 RBI … slugged .621 and added a .477 on-base percentage … had 26 multi-hit games and 13 multi-RBI games … hit safely in 51 games … drew a team-best 38 walks … combined to bat .278 (5-for-18) with one double, two home runs, five RBI and four runs scored in five NCAA Tournament games … batted .375 (6-for-16) with two doubles, three RBI and three runs scored in four BIG EAST Tournament games … went 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBI against then-No. 22 Ole Miss (June 6) in the NCAA Tournament … had two doubles and two RBI as part of a 2-for-5 day at the plate against then-No. 18 Connecticut (May 30) in the BIG EAST Tournament championship game … homered and had two RBI at Rutgers (May21) … launched two home runs and had five RBI at Boston College (May 18) … combined to go 5-for-11 with one home run, two RBI and four runs scored in a three-game set at Notre Dame (April 30-May 2) … tripled and had five RBI as part of a 3-for-5 day against Georgetown (April 24) … went 2-for-2 with a home run, three RBI, three walks and five runs scored against Fordham (April 21) … combined to go 6-for-13 with one triple, one home run, three RBI and four runs scored in a three-game set at Cincinnati (April 16-18) … went 3-for-6 with an RBI and two runs scored against West Virginia (April 11) … had two doubles as part of a 3-for-4 game at Wagner (April 7) … combined to go 3-for-6 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored in a double-header against Seton Hall (April 1) … hit a pinch-hit, walk-off single against Columbia (March 24) … went 3-for-4 with a double, a home run, three RBI and three runs scored against Fairfield (March 17) … was 2-for-5 with two doubles, two RBI and two runs scored at Liberty (March 13) … finished a home run shy of the cycle as part of a 4-for-4 day that included two doubles, a triple and three runs scored at ETSU (March 7) … scored two runs and went 2-for-2 against Illinois (Feb. 28) … went 2-for-5 with a double, a home run, two RBI and two runs scored at New Orleans (Feb. 19).”
Also, Panik was an All-Star for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox of the Cape Cod League last season. He hit .276 in the pitching dominated league and hit .393 in the playoffs. He was the starrting shortstop and three hitter in the All-Star game held at Fenway Park.
Panik projects more as a second basemen than a shortstop due to below average arm strength but he’s got a knack for getting on base and making something happen and that could help him get to the pros quickly. Here is what ESPN’s Keith Law says about Panik:
“Panik is one of a handful of overachieving college middle infielders in this draft along with Kolten Wong, Ryan Wright, and Brad Miller, and Panik’s track record of performance rivals them all. He controls the zone well with good hand-eye coordination but nearly bars his lead arm and his swing is long for a guy with a history of high contact rates. He’s an average runner whose feet work well enough for him to play anywhere in the infield, but a fringy arm limits him to second base, and he’ll have to hit for average to profile there with below-average power. I think Panik is ultimately a good utility player, but he might just get on base enough to make himself an everyday player at second.”
It remains to be seen whether or not Panik will leave school and join the Giants' system, but either way, I expect he’ll play well. I certainly know I’m rooting for him and looking forward to getting my Panik Giants T-Shirt when he makes the big club.
...
Be sure to visit his site, Off The Bench, for more great baseball articles.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Gary Brown: Is He the San Francisco Giants' Next Great Superstar?
Then, like a 10-year major league veteran, the leadoff hitter Brown takes an outside fastball and laces it up the middle for what appears to be a routine single to center field.. As fans appear content with a leadoff runner at first, Brown suddenly dashes towards second base, as the JetHawks' center fielder fields the ball and fires to second.
Brown slides in safely, and it was not even close.
Brown started with the San Jose Giants, the Class A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, in April 2011. He was selected in the first round (24th overall) of the 2010 Major League Baseball draft.
The fleet-footed center fielder is rated third among all prospects in the Giants' organization according to Baseball America. The publication also designated Brown as the "fastest baserunner" and "best defensive outfielder" in the Giants' system.
Brown tasted the major leagues briefly in 2011 when he was a non-roster invitee in spring training for the Giants. One of his big accomplishments there was an extra-inning, walk-off single against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Although Brown has much to prove before he is penciled in as the every day center fielder at AT&T Park, here are five reasons as to why he will be the next great Giants' superstar.
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Brown was drafted by the Giants for his speed, and he looks forward to using it successfully during his professional baseball career.
"The most obvious key to my success is my legs, running," Brown said. "I just got to learn how to use that to the best of my ability."
Brown has been impressive on the basepaths in 2011 for the A Giants. In 36 games, he leads the California League with 22 stolen bases.
The speedy center fielder has been thrown out 10 times in 2011 but has lots of time to tune up his baserunning ability. He is confident that he could live up to his potential and develop into a great base stealer.
"I believe I have an opportunity to disrupt guys on the bases," Brown said. "I'm just trying to get better every day...staying calm and not getting ahead of myself."
Brown would add another dimension to the major league Giants' offense. The Giants currently have another excellent runner in the organization, Darren Ford, who already has demonstrated how speed could help a big league team win.
Baseball America considered Brown the fastest man in the Giants' organization, but he said Ford may have the slight edge if they were to race.
"We joked about that in spring training," Brown said. "It would be close, but I think he's got me."
Brown compliments his speed with a solid bat. He is tearing up the California League and will continue to get better with experience.
In his 150 at bats, Brown has been an on-base machine. Since starting with the A Giants in 2011, he is hitting .367 with three home runs, 30 RBIs, and an impressive .445 on-base percentage.
Brown is also slugging .513 with a .958 OPS. Giants fans will be impressed with the 22-year-old's professional, disciplined plate approach at such a young age.
Brown's philosophy is to be patiently aggressive at the plate. Although he is not one to take a bunch of walks, he already has shown enough plate discipline to wait for his pitch or hit a knee-high outside fastball hard up the middle.
"When you go up to the plate, you can ask any hitter," Brown said. "They're not going to say they're trying to walk. Just see pitches, and if they don't give them to you, you try to lay off them."
Brown has the right mentality to be a great hitter in the major leagues. As he gets wiser and stronger, he just may evolve into one of the greatest hitters in baseball.
Baseball America rated Brown as "the best defensive outfielder" in the Giants' organization, and so far, with the A Giants, he has shown why.
With his cannon arm, excellent range, and blazing speed, Brown has the potential to be a perennial gold glover in the major leagues.
Brown has not had impressive defensive numbers yet, but he has shown he has the tools. In 33 games played in center field, Brown has a .970 fielding percentage and has made two errors along with three assists.
Brown is not worried about his defense, and he is confident he will improve.
"I'm just trying to do my best in...taking good routes and just staying calm and not getting ahead of myself," Brown said.
Still, Brown has shown great range, an excellent arm, and the ability to track down balls that would normally get down for hits.
"I believe I have an opportunity...in the outfield to steal some hits and make good throws...just all around finding a way to use my legs," Brown said.
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
With his cannon arm, excellent range, and blazing speed, Brown has the potential to be a perennial gold glover in the major leagues.
Brown has not had impressive defensive numbers yet, but he has shown he has the tools. In 33 games played in center field, Brown has a .970 fielding percentage and has made two errors along with three assists.
Brown is not worried about his defense, and he is confident he will improve.
"I'm just trying to do my best in...taking good routes and just staying calm and not getting ahead of myself," Brown said.
Still, Brown has shown great range, an excellent arm, and the ability to track down balls that would normally get down for hits.
"I believe I have an opportunity...in the outfield to steal some hits and make good throws...just all around finding a way to use my legs," Brown said.
His Focus
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Although Brown is a young, rising superstar prospect, he knows that he cannot get ahead of himself. His focus must remain on the field in which he can control -- where he is playing right now.
Even though Brown hopes to someday patrol the wide-open spaces of AT&T Park's outfield, he will take his game one step at a time.
"Right now, my home is here at Municipal Stadium, so when I get the opportunity to play there,
I'll worry about it," Brown said. "For right now, it's the 390 in center."
At just 22, Brown displays the swagger and confidence of a 10-year veteran.
The young, well-spoken center fielder does not hold anything back. He is an all-out baseball player who is sure of himself and will use everything he has in the gas tank.
"I hope for an opportunity to show what I can do," Brown said. "I'll do my best to play hard every day."
When the major league Giants' manager, Bruce Bochy, and the general manager, Brian Sabean, mull over whether or not Brown should patrol AT&T Park's big center field, he is ready to demonstrate his game to them. Still, he understands the decision will ultimately be the Giants'.
"If they say I'm ready, I'm ready," Brown said. "I don't need to pitch it to them."
With Brown's confident attitude, he could very well be the next big league Giants' captain.
"Right now, my home is here at Municipal Stadium, so when I get the opportunity to play there,
I'll worry about it," Brown said. "For right now, it's the 390 in center."
The young, well-spoken center fielder does not hold anything back. He is an all-out baseball player who is sure of himself and will use everything he has in the gas tank.
"I hope for an opportunity to show what I can do," Brown said. "I'll do my best to play hard every day."
When the major league Giants' manager, Bruce Bochy, and the general manager, Brian Sabean, mull over whether or not Brown should patrol AT&T Park's big center field, he is ready to demonstrate his game to them. Still, he understands the decision will ultimately be the Giants'.
"If they say I'm ready, I'm ready," Brown said. "I don't need to pitch it to them."
With Brown's confident attitude, he could very well be the next big league Giants' captain.
This article was featured on The Bleacher Report.
Follow me on twitter @vintalkingiants.
Questions or comments? E-mail my blog mailbag at vc4re@yahoo.com. Your questions may be answered on my blog.
Be sure to use the #talkinggiants tag when referring to my article on twitter.
Don't forget to take my poll on the left of my blog.
Follow me on twitter @vintalkingiants.
Questions or comments? E-mail my blog mailbag at vc4re@yahoo.com. Your questions may be answered on my blog.
Be sure to use the #talkinggiants tag when referring to my article on twitter.
Don't forget to take my poll on the left of my blog.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
My Interview With the San Francisco Giants' No. 1 Draft Pick Gary Brown
Here is my first ever interview with a professional sports player. I had the privilege to interview the San Francisco Giants' No. 1 draft pick -- the speedy center-fielder Gary Brown.
Brown is currently playing for the Class A San Jose Giants, and he is doing very well. He is hitting .341 with one home run and a .429 on-base percentage.
Brown is a very confident baseball player who is ready to play. I think you will all like what he has to say. He's young, fast, and ready to contribute.
He is another character that will be good inside the Giants' clubhouse. Enjoy the interview.
What do you guys think about this future sports star?
Follow me on twitter @vintalkingiants
Be sure to use the #talkinggiants tag when referring to my blog on twitter.
Questions or comments? E-mail my blog mailbag at vc4re@yahoo.com. Your questions may be answered on my blog.
Be sure to take my poll on the left.
Add me on Facebook. Click here
Brown is currently playing for the Class A San Jose Giants, and he is doing very well. He is hitting .341 with one home run and a .429 on-base percentage.
Brown is a very confident baseball player who is ready to play. I think you will all like what he has to say. He's young, fast, and ready to contribute.
He is another character that will be good inside the Giants' clubhouse. Enjoy the interview.
What do you guys think about this future sports star?
Follow me on twitter @vintalkingiants
Be sure to use the #talkinggiants tag when referring to my blog on twitter.
Questions or comments? E-mail my blog mailbag at vc4re@yahoo.com. Your questions may be answered on my blog.
Be sure to take my poll on the left.
Add me on Facebook. Click here
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