System overview
The Giants farm system is a study in contrasts. They have one of the most impressive groups of young pitchers in the minor leagues, with two potential ace starters and numerous other live arms. On the other hand, the system is very thin in hitters, with no obvious impact talents on the horizon.

This dichotomy is understandable and perhaps intentional. The Giants under the Sabean Administration have pushed hard for pitching in the draft, both high school and college guys. Power arms are the focus, though they'll slot in the occasional polished finesse guy. Hitting draws less emphasis, and as a result the Giants lack any certain hitting regulars for the future. Those hitters they do possess tend to lack strike zone judgment, and the system needs more power.

San Francisco has upgraded their Latin American program over the last five years, with decent results. Overall, the split between strong pitching and weak hitting means the Giants system rates out as average.

2001 Minor League W-L Percentage: .528, (ranked 9th)

2001 amateur draft
Armed with two extra draft picks due to the loss of Ellis Burks to free agency, the Giants made good headway in adding more arms to the system, recharging the organization after the loss of several prospects through trades.

First-rounder Brad Hennessey, from Youngstown State, has a good fastball and a plus slider. Some people think he was an overdraft, picked because he would be relatively cheap to sign, but the Giants are happy with him. Fellow first-rounder Noah Lowry, a lefty from Pepperdine, doesn't have blazing stuff, but is quite polished, knows how to pitch, and should advance quickly.

Looking for power, the Giants drafted LSU slugger Todd Linden with a supplemental choice. A switch-hitter with outstanding power, he signed late so he won't debut until this year. Some people think he has holes in his swing, but he may be the most advanced hitter in the system already.

Two other guys who look quite promising are second-rounder Jesse Foppert (RHP, University of San Francisco) and third-rounder Julian Benavidez (3B, Diablo Valley CC). Foppert throws hard, throws strikes, and could get to the Show before either Hennessey or Lowry. Benavidez hit .319 in rookie ball and is highly-regarded by the Giants.

This draft was heavy in college pitching talent, a typical Giants approach. Linden must develop for it to be a complete success, but at the least the system has boosted its lower level pitching.

Top prospects
Players in the "Will Help Soon" section could see major-league action in 2002. Players in the "Will Help Someday" section shouldn't reach the majors until '03 or later, though of course that can change. Players are listed alphabetically. No 2001 draftees are listed.

WILL HELP SOON
Kurt Ainsworth, RHP: Will have a chance for a rotation spot. 5.07 ERA at Triple-A Fresno wasn't impressive, but lively arm, 157/54 K/BB ratio, and strong second half are in his favor.

Ryan Jensen, RHP: Will compete with Ainsworth. Works with a solid slider/fastball combo. Posted 3.48 ERA in Triple-A, but doesn't have Ainsworth's long-term ceiling.

Cody Ransom, SS: Strong defensively, hit 23 homers in Triple-A. But swings at anything in this plane of material existence (137 strikeouts, 44 walks) and won't hit for average.

Tony Torcato, OF-3B: Smooth line-drive stroke, with proven ability to hit .300+. Lacks home run power and doesn't draw enough walks.

Jerome Williams, RHP: Held his own in Double-A at age 20, no small feat. Can hit 95, has a strong curve and throws strikes. Could be up in September or sooner if Ainsworth and Jensen falter.

WILL HELP SOMEDAY
Boof Bonser, RHP: Went 16-4 with 2.49 ERA and 178 strikeouts in 134 innings at Class A Hagerstown. Made huge progress refining his mechanics, throwing his 95 mph fastball and nasty curve for strikes.

Felix Diaz, RHP: Already hits 95 mph, and is just 20. Fanned 56 in 52 innings for Hagerstown. Needs work with his slider, but already has a good change.

Francisco Liriano, LHP: Tall, live-armed southpaw, mirror image of Diaz in some ways but a year behind him in the system.

Erick Threets, LHP: Clocked at 101 mph in instructional league. Needs a breaking pitch, and walked 40 in 59 innings for Class A San Jose, but you have to love the velocity.

KEY SLEEPER
Carlos Valderrama, OF: Limited to just 41 games in Double-A by a shoulder injury, but hit .308 with 12 doubles, 11 steals, and 18 walks when he did play. Venezuelan, fast, has a good glove, proven record of hitting for average and getting on base.

Other names to know
Leonel Cabrera, 2B; Jeff Clark, OF; Felix Escalona, 2B; Ryan Hannaman, LHP; Sean McGowan, OF; Jeff Verplancke, RHP; Doug Clark, OF; Joe Jester, 2B; Arturo McDowell; OF; Yorvit Torrealba, C; Lance Niekro, 3B.

John Sickels is the author of the 2002 STATS Minor League Scouting Notebook. He is currently writing a biography of Bob Feller. He lives in Lawrence, Kansas, with his wife, son, and two cats. You can send John questions or comments at JASickels@aol.com, or you can visit his homepage at hometown.aol.com/jasickels/page1.html.