The Giants minor league system has seen some impressive starts to the season so far, especially in the high minors.
Fresno (Triple-A) is currently on a nine game win streak and Richmond (Double-A) holds a 17-12 record to date.
Here are a few individual starts to take note of:
Mac Williamson (Single-A): The top hitting prospect in the farm system, Williamson will undergo Tommy John Surgery this week.
Before the injury, the 23-year-old posted a .318 average with three home runs, 11 RBI and six steals in 23 games.
His 2014 season is over, but the shorter recovery time for non-pitchers increases his odds of being fully healed by the start of 2015.
It's a tough break for Williamson, if only because he had started the year so strongly and will now lose a year of development time.
Still, TJ surgery for position players is not as concerning as it is for pitchers, so his power shouldn't be effected at all in the long-term.
He is still on track to make it to San Francisco sometime in 2016.
Ty Blach (Double-A): Blach is finding success in his first month of Double-A ball, posting a 2-1 record and 1.84 ERA through six starts.
The 23-year-old lefty has recorded just 10 strikeouts in 29.1 innings so far, but his penchant for command has been on display, as he has walked just six batters.
His early success is something to keep an eye on, as Blach has a chance to move quickly up the organizational ladder.
He may not have the upside of fellow prospects Kyle Crick or Edwin Escobar, but Blach's experience at the college level gives him an edge in terms of development and his pinpoint control may get him up sooner than other pitchers.
The Giants rotation has stabilized during the last two weeks, so it's not as if Blach's debut is imminent, but he could get a look later in the season if there's a pressing need for an arm.
Derek Law (Double-A): After falling short of winning a spot on the Opening Day roster, Law has thrived in his first taste of Double-A.
Working as the closer for Richmond, Law has recorded eight saves, along with a stellar 0.73 ERA in 12.1 innings pitched.
He's also compiled 14 strikeouts thus far, showing his ability to miss bats.
Although the Giants bullpen has performed extremely well, if Law keeps this up, he will force the front office to give him a look at some point this year.
It remains to be seen if Law will have what it takes to close at the major league level, but he's showing promise as a dominant setup option in the future.
However, the fact that he's being groomed as a closer does show that the organization will at least give him a shot to claim the 9th inning role when the time comes.
Joe Panik (Triple-A): Panik has been on fire to start the 2014 season, posting a .344 average and .401 OBP in 122 at bats.
He hasn't hit for much power – only seven hits have gone for extra-bases – but Panik has shown a solid eye at the plate, striking out just 14 times while drawing 12 walks.
At 23 years old, Panik has made the necessary adjustments and progression at each level of competition and looks major league ready.
With the emergence of Brandon Hicks in San Francisco, the team doesn't have a need for help at the keystone spot right now, but Panik is a solid option to have tucked away.
Panik looks like a September call-up for this season, unless injuries force him up sooner.
For more content by Chris Kersevan, check out his writer’s page and on Twitter @cker7
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