Baseball America's Giants 2012 Top 10 Prospects

The Baseball America digital edition landed in my inbox this afternoon and I was quite happy that this issue was the NL West Prospect preview.

The Giants top 10 list is a bit different than the one that I was putting together but the Baseball America scouts did have some nice things to say about the Giants prospects.

Here is the top 10 list and a bit of the future blurb for each:



1. Gary Brown - CF

By 2013, Brown should push  Cabrera to an outfield corner and become a fixture in center field and the leadoff spot for San Francisco for years to come.

2. Tommy Joesph - C/1B

If San Francisco decides to move Buster Posey to a less grueling position, Joesph has the tools to take over behind the plate. If not, he can fit in the lineup at first base. He'll begin 2012 in Double-A

3. Heath Hembree - RP

Hembree's stuff and confidence have prompted the Giants to compare him to Brian Wilson... He's likely to be pitching in meaningfull, late-inning situations in the near future. Hembree could be setting up for Wilson by the all-star break.

4. Joe Panik - SS/2B

San Francisco would love for Panik to take over second base in 2013 after Freddy Sanchez's contract expires. Panik will stay at shortstop in his first full pro season, likely jumping to high Class-A to begin the year.

5. Francisco Peguero - CF/RF

If (Peguero) continues to file away the rough edges, he could be an asset in AT&T Park, where right field is extra tricky. He made up some at bats in the Dominican Winter League and will head to Triple-A in April.

6. Andrew Susac - C

Susac likely firmed up an assignment to high Class-A with an impressive stint in instructional league. With plenty of catching in the system ahead of him, there is no need to put him on the fast track. His performance may force the issues anyway.

7. Eric Surkamp - SP

GM Brian Sabean said that he wasn't ready for the majors. A solid back-of-the rotation starter for the future, he'll hone his craft in Triple-A to begin 2012.

8. Kyle Crick - SP

Crick is the best power arm in the system that usually knows what to do with them. His ceiling is a No. 2 starter. 

9. Ehire Adrianza - SS

With another plus defender, Brandon Crawford ahead of him in organization, Adrianza will need to progress quickly at Double-A in 2012 to carve out a place as an everyday player. Otherwise, he will end up as a defense-first utilityman.

10. Hector Sanchez - C

He may not be another Posey and he may lack the high ceiling of a Joesph or Susac but Sanchez profiles well as a big league backup who can contribute offensively and defensively, and he could fill that role in 2012. 

It will be interesting what other information comes out when they hold the chat on December 14. I am interested in what they have to say about some of the guys that are just off the top 10 list here.

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