10. Aeverson Arteaga SS. DOB: 3/16/2003. B-R, T-R. 6'1", 170 lbs.
2021(R AZ): .294/.357/.503, 9 HR, 8 SB, 10.2 BB%, 30.5 K%, 226 PA.
The Giants gave Arteaga a 7 figure bonus during the 2019 international signing period. His pro debut was delayed due to COVID restrictions but he turned heads with homers in 4 consecutive games in July in Arizona. Fangraphs scouting report cautions that the Giants complex is a bit of a wind tunnel, but raves about his defense and speed. He should get a chance to prove the doubters wrong with San Jose in 2022. He has plus defensive tools across the board making all the plays and throws. Marco Luciano may be a better all-around prospect, but Arteaga appears to have a significantly better chance to be the Giants SS of the future, especially if he can hit at all.
9. Hunter Bishop OF. DOB: 6/25/1998. B-L, T-R. 6'5", 210 lbs.
2021(R AZ): .160/.313/.200, 15.6 BB%, 31.3 K%, 32 PA.
2021(A): .000/.111/.000, 11.1 BB%, 77.6 K%, 9 PA.
2021(A+): .167/.333/.250, 13.3 BB%, 26.7 K%, 15 PA.
2021(AFL): .262/.373/.381, 6 BB, 20 K, 51 PA.
#10 overall pick in FZ's first Giants draft in 2019. Put up some extreme 3 true outcomes numbers in his pro debut. 2021 data very limited by injuries but a major disappointment to say the least. Bishop's stock rebounded a bit in the AFL capped off by a HR in the Fall Stars game, but he remains a low contact hitter whose value will likely be completely dependent on power. He gets ranked this high mainly on draft pedigree and what Fangraphs scouting report calls "exceptionally loud tools." He desperately needs a full healthy season at no lower than A+ level in 2022.
8. Patrick Bailey C. DOB: 5/29/1999. B-S, T-R. 6'1", 210 lbs.
2021(A+): .185/.290/.296, 2 HR, 11.6 BB%, 27.7 K%, 155 PA.
2021(R AZ): .400/.571/.400, 28.6 BB%, 14.3 K%, 7 PA.
2021(R A): .322/.415/.531, 7 HR, 13.5 BB%, 22.7 K%, 207 PA.
2021(AFL): .292/.375/.417, HR, 12.5 BB%, 30.4 K%, 56 PA.
#13 overall pick in the 2020 draft. Pro debut was a faceplant in A+ ball, but Bailey got his feet under him in San Jose and dominated the Cal League after a short tune up in the complex in AZ. That success carried over into the Arizona Fall League raising hopes for a more successful 2022 season at higher levels. Fangraphs is enthusiastic enough to rank him as the Giants #3 prospect. A successful switch-hitting catcher is incredibly valuable. He just needs to keep hitting.
7. Jairo Pomares OF. DOB: 8/4/2000. B-L, T-R. 6'1", 185 lbs.
2021(A): .372/.429/.693, 14 HR, 6.7 BB%, 24.1 K%, 224 PA.
2021(A+): .262/.269/.505, 6 HR, 1.0 BB%, 31.7 K%, 104 PA.
Jairo Pomares has a sweet swing and toonder in his bat. As you can see, he got extremely swing happy after his promotion to A+. That's something to watch going forward. His walk rate plunged after a midseason promotion in 2019 too and that corrected after he became more comfortable at the level. The power appears to be legit, though. He's still young enough to take his time adjusting to levels as he moves up.
6. Will Bednar RHP. DOB: 6/13/2000. 6'2", 229 lbs.
2021(R AZ): 0-0, 0.00, 2 IP, 13.5 K/9, 4.50 BB/9.
2021(A): 0-0, 1.80, 5 IP, 5.40 K/9, 0.00 BB/9.
Bednar's stock rose dramatically through the 2021 college season culminating in domination of the College World Series. The Giants made him the 13'th overall pick in the draft. Bednar has a strong, sturdy frame. His fastball velocity ranges from 92-97 MPH. He commands it to both sides of the strike zone and can effectively elevate it in two strike counts. His best pitch is a sharp slider which he can throw in and out of the zone. Per Fangraphs scouting report he rarely used his changeup in college but it's not a bad pitch and should quickly contribute to his pro repertoire. Beyond potential injuries, I see no reason for him to not move quickly with a possible mid-late season MLB debut. Fun Facts: 1. Will Bednar's brother, David, is a reliever for the Pittsburgh Pirates. 2. The Giants have taken Mississippi State alums in the first round of three drafts: Will Clark 1B 1985, Chris Stratton RHP 2012 and Bednar.
"Fangraphs scouting report cautions that the Giants complex is a bit of a wind tunnel, but raves about his defense and speed. He should get a chance to prove the doubters wrong with San Jose in 2022. He has plus defensive tools across the board making all the plays and throws."
ReplyDeleteThought your writeup on Artega was really exceptional Doc, great info and so meticulously put. We had Omar Vizquel for so long, and then the era of Brandon Crawford has been so good - I think we've just come to need and expect a SS whose defense turns heads and makes Defense Fun!....
Thanks for this great work. I notice very few of us are commenting these days, but I haven a feeling a good bunch of us have read everything you've published since the end of the season. Keep up the great work, thanks.
Thank you for the kind words, Denver G's.
DeleteJairo Pomarez gives me flashbacks of Pablo Sandoval's swing - he can golf them out from a few inches across the ground, and he's able to whip the bat through the zone with power. WOW I did not know we had that interesting of a hitting prospect in the minors right now. To me, having watched a good bit of Luciano, L has incredible athleticism and a way above average package, but Pomarez in a lower league looks to have a higher level of "feel for" or love of hitting.
ReplyDeleteI'm really happy with the Giant's farm. It's strong with players that I can absolutely see really coming onto the scene with a bang.