They Might Be Giants: June 8

Position Player: Buster Posey, C
Age: 22
Level: High-A, San Jose
BA Ranking: 2 (14 in MLB)
Week Stats: .381/.581/.619, 3 R, 2 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 8 BB, 1 SB
Season Stats: .307/.403/.512, 36 R, 15 2B, 9 HR, 41 RBI, 27 BB, 5 SB

On the day before the 2009 draft, it's appropriate that we look back at last year's first round selection, who has done nothing but impress. The highlight of Posey's week was a walk-off home run against Bakersfield on June 5. But what has impressed me most about Posey so far is that he possesses something that is sorely lacking in the Giants' system: plate discipline. He seems to have a very good idea of the strike zone, as his .403 OBP is tenth in the California League. I haven't been able to judge what kind of catcher he is, but the bat is for real. The speculation is that he will skip Double-A and head straight to Fresno.

Pitcher: Henry Sosa
Age: 23
Level: Double-A, Connecticut
BA Ranking: 13
Week Stats: 6.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 4 BB, 7 SO, 0 HR
Season Stats: 4-0, 51.0 IP, 41 H, 17 BB, 34 SO, 4 HR, 2.12 ERA, 1.14 WHIP

Sosa, once ranked as highly as fifth overall in the Giants' system by Baseball America, has had trouble putting together a full, healthy season, despite flashes of dominance. So far, so good in 2009, and despite getting a no-decision, the right-hander had possibly his best start of the year against New Britain this week. He allowed a season-high four walks, but made up for it by allowing just one hit and striking out seven, both season-bests. Sosa, who is on the 40-man roster, could be due for a September callup, and is a dark horse for a roster spot in 2010.