2009 MLB Preview: #17 San Francisco Giants
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Offseason Movement: The G-Men added a solid piece to their starting rotation in former Cy Young-winner Randy Johnson. The club also signed free agent Edgar Renteria to play shortstop, and added Jeremy Affeldt and Bob Howry in hopes to strengthen their bullpen. Rich Aurilia and Josh Phelps were given minor league contracts, although Phelps was already reassigned to minor league camp.
Top Prospect: Madison Bumgarner, LHP
Who would have thought that the farm system that produced Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Brian Wilson and Jonathan Sanchez would have a pitcher as its top prospect? While catcher Buster Posey, corner infielder Angel Villalona and starter Tim Alderson deserve mention here, Bumgarner earns the Giants’ top prospect tag for his “ace” potential. While he isn’t expected to take Lincecum’s No. 1 spot any time soon, Bumgarner could turn out to be a San Fran’s No. 2 in the next couple seasons. He dominated his first full year in the minors after being selected in the first round out of high school, posting a 1.46 ERA in A-ball. He has a fastball that reaches 97 mph and once he develops his secondary pitches, Bumgarner should make his first big league appearance in no time.
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Tags: 2009 MLB Preview, 2009 MLB Projections, 2009 MLB Team Previews, Aaron Rowand, Alex Hinshaw, Barry Zito, Bengie Molina, Bob Howry, Brian Wilson, Edgar Renteria, Fred Lewis, Jeremy Affeldt, Madison Bumgarner, Matt Cain, MLB Preview 2009, Pablo Sandoval, Randy Johnson, Randy Winn, Sergio Romo, Tim Lincecum, Travis Ishikawa