Posey, Bumgarner Rated As Top-10 Prospects
Posey, 22, was selected by the Giants with the fifth overall pick of the 2008 First Year Player Draft out of Florida State. A former All-American, Posey won the Johnny Bench Award for best college catcher and Golden Spikes Award for best overall college player in 2008. After starting the 2009 campaign at Single-A San Jose, he was promoted to Fresno for 35 games before being called up to San Francisco to finish the season. In 125 games over his first two minor league seasons, Posey has batted .327 (150-for-459) with 36 doubles, 19 home runs, 86 RBI, a .421 on-base percentage and a .538 slugging percentage. Baseball America ranks the backstop as the top prospect in the Giants farm system heading into the 2010 season.
Still just 20 years of age, Bumgarner has compiled an impressive 27-5 minor league record in 49 appearances (48 starts) through his first two professional seasons. The 10th overall pick in the 2007 First Year Player Draft, he has allowed just 211 hits and 55 walks while striking out 256 in 273.0 innings pitched, posting a 1.65 ERA. In four Major League appearances last season with the Giants, Bumgarner allowed two earned runs in 10.0 innings pitched (1.80 ERA), walking three while striking out 10.
Both players have risen quickly through the minor league ranks and each received limited exposure at the Major League level late in the 2009 season. They are two key components of the Giants' future, but it is yet to be determined where either will begin his respective 2010 campaign. Bumgarner has not started a season higher than Double-A, while Posey's highest Opening Day assignment last season was to Single-A San Jose.
Posey will also be speaking at The 49th Annual Hot Stove Banquet, presented by Tecate, taking place Thursday, February 4th at the Holiday Inn Downtown. Additional guests will include former Giants' pitchers Dave Dravecky and Mark Gardner, as well as 2010 Grizzlies manager Steve Decker. Doors will open to the general public at 6:15pm. Tickets are $60 for adults, $30 for children, and $550 to reserve a table of ten, with all proceeds benefiting the Grizzlies Community Fund and its efforts within the community. For ticket information, please call Danielle Witt at 559.320.2547.