Back on February 22, Baseball America listed their top 10 list for the San Francisco Giants, and Andy Baggarly followed up with a chat (subscriber only).
No Valley League alums made the top 10, but three were covered in the chat. Here are the questions:
"Q: John from Harrisonburg, VA asks: Does Nick Pereira have the stuff to be a #4 or #5 starter? Do you
see him having a chance to help the Giants in 2007?
A: Andy Baggarly: Pereira graded high on the list more because of his polish than his stuff. Brad Hennessey is a good comp. Like everyone else, it comes down to executing pitches. The Giants like his makeup and durability, though. Plus it's easy to root for a Don. Jesse Foppert didn't live up to the billing in SF, but maybe Pereira will make a bigger big league contribution. One thing in Pereira's favor is there aren't too many upper-level starting pitcher prospects. Pat Misch is another guy with a chance to help by eating innings... he was a very tough omission from the top 30."
Pereira (Harrisonburg 2004) jumped from high-A San Jose to AAA Fresno in 2006; the Giants challenged him after he went 7-1, 2.06, with a 1.03 WHIP. He was named to the California League all-star team, but he didn't attend the game, as he was already promoted at that time. Pereira struggled a bit in AAA, going 4-3, 5.92, with a 1.71 WHIP. It's not uncommon to struggle after a huge jump, though, so we'll see how he pitches this year.
Next question:
"Q: John from Harrisonburg, VA asks: What is Clay Timpner's ceiling? Is he someone who may have a major league career?
A: Andy Baggarly: It really depends on the bat. Timpner is a joy to watch in center field. He really plays the heck out of the position-- takes good routes to balls, has a nice arm, has great instincts and speed. It's telling that he's back in big league camp despite having an awful year at the plate. He'll have to make strides offensively, though, and quick. Ben Copeland and Mike McBryde are below him in the system, and he'll need to stay in front of them to avoid becoming an afterthought."
Timpner's (Staunton 2002) "awful year at the plate?" .286/.318/.382 at AAA Fresno in the second half; .222/.260/.314 at AA Connecticut. Interesting turn of phrase- "Plays the heck out of the position." Brings all sorts of strange images to mind.
The third question (edited to show Valley League connection only):
"Q: Brett from Chicago asks: What are your thoughts on Bocock? Thanks!
A: Andy Baggarly: It was crazy how often Bocock's name came up when I talked to Giants minor league coaches and officials. He wasn't on my original top-30 radar, but it's clear he has plenty of support within the organization. Most rate him a much better playmaker at SS than Emmanuel Burriss or Sharlon Schoop. He'll be a big leaguer if he can hit .260. That's a long way off, though."
Brian Bocock played for Luray in 2004; his head coach was his uncle, Mike Bocock. The younger Bocock hit .223/.305/.282 for low-A Salem-Keizer in 2006. He also played in two games after he was promoted to Augusta.
Overall, Baseball America ranks Nick Pereira at #15 and Brian Bocock at #26 in the Giants' system.
Recent Comments