More from the handbook...

Giants' 2007 projected lineup

Ishikawa, Durham, Alfonzo, Ransom, Pierzynski, Linden, Lewis, Ortmeier

Rotation: Schmidt, Foppert, Williams, Valdez, Cain

Closer: Aardsma

I always look at this section (a staple of BA since the 80's) for amusement purposes only. We have no way of knowing if some of these players will be around after their current contracts expire (Schmidt, Durham, Alfonzo -- A.J.???) or if any of these prospects will pan out. What I use it for is to gauge the perceived talent level of the rotation. It's interesting that Foppert is still ranked ahead of the prospects and that Jerome is rated ahead of Valdez. It gives you a tiny bit of a frame of reference -- at least for me.

Best Tools (another telling part):

Best Hitter for Average: Dan Ortmeier
Best Power Hitter: Nate Schierholtz
Fastest Baserunner: Fred Lewis
Best Athlete: Fred Lewis
Best Fastball: Merkin Valdez
Best Curve: Matt Cain
Best Slider: Brad Hennessey
Best Changeup: Josh Habel
Best Control: Merkin Valdez (best fastball AND control -- great sign!)
Best Defensive Catcher: Justin Knoedler
Best Defensive Infielder: Jake Wald (this says a lot with Ransom around)
Best Infield Arm: Cody Ransom
Best Defensive Outfielder: Jon Coutlangus
Best Outfield Arm: Jon Coutlangus

In BA's notes, they commented that the recent trades depleted the farm system, but the Giants addressed an organizational weakness by adding several polished college bats in the draft. They list the system's impact player as Merkin Valdez with the sleeper being Todd Jennings.

More in the next post.

-Dave