John Bowker Is...

John Bowker homered for the second time in two major league games today, as the Giants salvaged a split with the Cardinals. As the previous post would suggest, not many Giants' fans are all that familiar with the team's newest outfielder. So here are a few things to know:

- Bowker was a third-round draft pick in 2004 out of Long Beach State, where he played with a more heralded prospect, Tampa Bay's Evan Longoria.
- Last year at Double-A Connecticut he hit .307 with an .886 OPS and 22 homers.
- Baseball America ranked him as the ninth best prospect in the Giants organization. According to BA, "He combines the ability to hit for average—he's a career .296 hitter—with pull power. The Giants love his aggressive approach and work ethic."