Sports Illustrated has some nice things to say about Brandon Belt

In the latest issue of Sports Illustrated, which has the Spring Training previews for each teamm they also have a list of rookies to watch in 2011 and the Giants own Brandon Belt gets a nice shout out.

The Giants may have another Buster Posey, last year's NL Rookie of the Year. Belt, a fifth-round draft pick in 2009, is a 6'5", 210-pound, sweet-swinging lefty whom scouts liken to Will Clark. He was drafted in the 11th round by the Braves four years ago as a pitcher (he opted to go to Texas), but he has bloomed at the plate after revamping his stance and swing with the Giants. A slick fielder, he led the minor leagues in OPS (1.075) in 2010, and if he doesn't begin this year launching balls into McCovey Cove, he should force an early-season promotion and make an instant impact the way Posey did after his May call-up last year.

I hope that the guys at SI are right and that he does have an immediate impact on the scale of Posey. His numbers last year were simply off the charts and I think Giants fans would simply be spoiled with the rich talent that has come up through the minors the last few years after so many years of neglect and busted prospects.

While you are here, check out some of the other stuff that I have written about Mr. Top Prospect Brandon Belt; the scouting report and why he may stay in AAA for financial reasons.

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