Giants News

Brian Wilson:

It was reported that Charlie Sheen sent his private jet last week to the Giants Spring Training site to pick up Brian Wilson and bring him back to the actors house in Los Angeles. After going to Sheen's house, Brain Wilson was flown back in the jet in enough time to make the Saturday practice. Rumors spread the Sheen threw a party during Wilson's visit, yet Wilson cleared everything up with reporters almost immediately after. Brian Wilson was asked to come to Sheen's house to talk about his nutrition, workouts, and baseball memories in hopes of capturing his character for the movie Major League III( Sheen play's "the wild thing" relief pitcher).

Buster Posey:

Posey has become quite the celebrity among baseball fans since reaching the Majors last year. It became really apparent when he tried to exit Scottsdale Stadium after one spring training day. A mob of fan frantically tried to get his autograph while a few succeeded. However, one man kept trying to get the autograph even after Posey had made it inside his truck. The man didn't get it but succeeded in damaging Buster's truck. On the baseball side of things, Giants manager told media recently that Posey will not play first base off his days away from catching this season. Although he did mention that he could catch over 135 games for the Giants through out the year.

Tim Lincecum:

Lincecum reported to Spring training on a mission. He came to Arizona in what appears to be the best shape he has ever been. He went on a strict off season program after the world series title, and wants to silence all the doubters once and for all. Giants manager said he looked great off the mound and is planning on having him pitch on opening day against their long time rivals, the LA Dodgers. In other news, he was recently voted on by GQ to be the number one coolest professional athlete in 2010.

Google Charity Shootout:

Four Giants and four 49's squared off at Pebble Beach in a Charity golf match. The winning team would get to donate $10,000  to the charity of their choice. Of course, the Giants won the match behind the heroics of Cody Ross and Matt Cain. The money was donated to the Sunrise House which is an organized based out of California that helps troubled teens.

Just a little reminder for all you Giants fans out there: 3 more days until Spring Training games start. Get Excited!

Coming up Next: More News and Spring Training Updates

Top Prospects

It's not hard to see why many baseball experts see the San Francisco Giants in the World Series again next season. The Giants return their dominant pitching staff from last year's title team, and haven't changed too many names for the 2011 season roster (refer to previous post). To add to the overall strength of the already elite team, the Giants also boast a strong minor league system. This minor system has produced recent stars such as Buster Posey and Madison Bumgarner, and look to continue this trend in the next few seasons. The rest of this post will be dedicated to breaking down the top five prospects currently coming up in the Giants organization.

1. Brandon Belt- 1B

Belt was drafted in the fifth round out of the University of Texas by the Giants in 2009. His minor league career batting average of .352 was just one of his jaw dropping stats in 2010. He received several awards while going up the minor league ladder in 2010, and is rumored to be the next first basemen in line for the Giants. If he doesn't join the Giants out of Spring Training, then he is scheduled to break in around the middle of the 2011 season.

2. Zack Wheeler- RHP

Wheeler was the 6th overall pick by the Giants in the 2009 MLB Draft. This big righty showed promise for a quick climb to the bigs with his 94-97 mph fastball. However, his first year in the minors was limited due to a cracked fingernail. He is currently in Class A, but is predicted to move up quickly when completely healthy again.

3. Francisco Peguero- OF

Peguero has been in the minor league system for the Giants since 2006. This Dominican outfielder was initially a free agent, but in the last two years has played his way into the Giants spotlight. His numbers have only gotten better since beginning his minor league career and now looks to bring his talents to the big league club as soon as possible.

4. Ehire Adrianza- SS

The Venezuelan player originally signed signed with the Giants as a free agent in 2002. He made it up to the 40 man roster in 2006, however was brought back down to the minors in 2007 due to an injury. Since then, he has been creating solid numbers for whatever level he has played for. His recent production just might bring him back on the 40 man roster before too long.

5. Brandon Crawford- SS

Brandon was selected in the fourth round by the Giants in 2008. He put together some pretty impressive power numbers last season for the AA team as well as having above average speed. His strike out to walk ratio could use some work, but has displayed quality hitting in every level he has played in so far. Giants look to keep moving him up through the system fairly quickly.

The top five prospects could be argued for other players in the Giants organization, but that is just evidence of how strong San Francisco's minor league system is in comparison to other MLB teams. That being said, the Giants have a lot to look forward to for 2011 and many more years to come.

For more information about other Giants prospects visit here

Coming up Next: Team News Before and During Spring Training

San Francisco Giants

Brief Background:

The San Francisco Giants are a Major League Baseball team based out of San Francisco, California. The Giants compete in the National League West Division and are the current MLB World Series Champs. With 18 World Series appearances and winning 21 National League Pennants, the Giants boast having the most victories out of any other professional American sports team. 

Off Season Moves:

Since the Championship run, the Giants have kept fairly under the radar. They have renewed some short termed contracts, picked up one player, and recently acquired a new consultant.

Renewed Contracts:

Jan 22 2011- Andres Torres avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one year, seven-figure deal. Torres served as the Giants outfielder and lead off hitter during the 2010 season.

Dec 02 2010- Pat Burrell agreed to a one-year contract. He was released by Tampa Bay late last May and signed a minor league contract soon after with the Giants. 

Nov 23 2010- Aubrey Huff officially renewed a two-year contract rumored to be worth $22 million with the Giants. This deal includes a club option for the 2013 season. 

Acquisitions:

Dec 01 2010- Giants reportedly signed Miguel Tejada to a one-year, $6.5 million deal. This newly acquired third baseman would be put in the place of Juan Uribe who recently signed a substantial contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

New Consultant:

Feb 02 2011- Lou Piniella joined the Giants staff. Lou stepped down as the Cubs Manager last season for family reasons. He will cover a wide array of categories across the board for the Giants leading up to and during the 2011 season.

Giants Spring Training Schedule

Coming Up Next: Top Giants Prospects and News leading up to Giants Spring Training.