The San Francisco Giants officially kick off their 2014 Spring Training schedule on February 14th .
While getting a look at some new and familiar faces at the major league level is a key part of spring, this time of the year presents the perfect opportunity to take a look at the future of the organization – players who have generated buzz for their minor league performances since this time last year.
This series will profile 10 Giants prospects who should make an impact in San Francisco in the foreseeable future.
The list starts with two players who have shared similar beginnings to their careers thus far: pitcher Ty Blach and outfielder Mac Williamson. Drafted out of college just two rounds apart in 2012, Blach and Williamson spent their first year of professional baseball sharing the field in San Jose.
Ty Blach
Projected long-term position: Starter (left-handed)
2013 level: Class-A, San Jose Giants
Age: 23
Selected out of Creighton University in the 5th round of the 2012 MLB First-Year Player Draft, Blach posted a solid 12-4 record with a 2.90 ERA over 22 appearances in the California League. In his first full season of professional baseball, Blach was named a CAL League All-Star on both the mid-season and post-season teams.
With a three pitch mix of a fastball, change and breaking ball, Blach should only need a year or two in the minors to develop into a major league starter, as pitchers taken out of college have a generally quicker timetable of development.
Once up, Blach should fit nicely in the back-end of the rotation, potentially taking the spot currently filled by either Tim Hudson or Ryan Vogelsong.
[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEH0l42mO0w[/embed]
Mac Williamson
Projected long-term position: Outfield
2013 level: Class-A, San Jose Giants
Age: 23
Williamson was drafted out of Wake Forest in 2012, two rounds ahead of Blach. His 6'5, 240 frame rivals that of Giancarlo Stanton and his power is not far behind either.
With 25 home runs and 89 RBI last year, Williamson is the most fearsome offensive prospect in the system. If he can refine his swing a bit (most likely in Double-A Richmond) Williamson may be on the fast track to the pros.
San Francisco has been unable to produce their own power hitting outfielder for quite some time, but Williamson profiles as the next in line now that he has seemingly passed Gary Brown.
Though the organization has Hunter Pence locked up for the future in right field, Williamson has a spot in the outfield soon. With no long-term answer in left, Williamson may find himself sliding to the other corner and contributing in the next two or three years.
[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKDlNu0I2Sk[/embed]
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