To those who thought Tim Lincecum's rise to the majors was quick, meet third baseman Conor Gillaspie.
After getting an honorable mention on my San Francisco Giants Propect Rankings less than a week ago, Gillaspie got the call to the bigs on Friday.
"We consider him to be a fast-track player," Giants General Manager Brian Sabean said in a press release. "He plays a position of need for us, and we feel it is extremely important to go into this offseason knowing as much about him and the position as possible."
- B/R Ticket Guide
Gillaspie, 21, who was the 37th overall pick in June's First-Year Player Draft, is the first draftee from the 2008 class to appear on a big-league roster after spending just 91 days in the minors.
In 39 games this season, Gillaspie batted .269 with seven doubles and 15 RBI, while splitting time between the Arizona Rookie League and Short-Season Class-A Salem-Keizer.
"I think with the bat, every staff person who has seen him come through Arizona and Salem has been very impressed," Giants director of player personnel Bobby Evans told MLB.com. "And he plays a key position for us right now. He's in the right place at the right time."
Giants manager Bruce Bochy said that Gillaspie, who was an All-American selection this past season at Wichita State, will not initially start at third, serving more as a pinch hitter to start his career.
"We want him to get settled in and give our staff a chance to work with him," Bochy said.
And Evans certainly agrees with how Bochy will utilize his new player.
"We know it's a big adjustment," Evans said. "Just getting his feet wet is a big help for us, especially as we see him as a guy who needs to be on the fast track."
With Gillaspie getting the call, rumors may surface that Giants first-round pick Buster Posey would also be brought up before the season ends. However, Evans said that the uncertainty at third base is a more important matter to address than the catching situation, with Bengie Molina signed through next season.
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2 months ago
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Connor is up to get his feet wet and observe, get familar with coaches and see how Major leaguers get ready to play and work out to stay in shape.
Its not to open eyes and be given a shot to be the opening day 3rd basemen next year. If he bats it will be because Lansford and Bochy believe he is ready to step in there and take an at bat. If he gets more then 2 at bats I will be surprised. He is up to view the speed of the game and what he will need to work on to improve.
He is an ivestment the Giants have made along with Posey that are going to be given the red carpet treatment. In noway are ether ready to jump in there next year and be an everyday player.
Do I like this move yes, Get the kid in here and let him see how much work is needed to be done. and what areas he can imrpove his game and how. I think If the could bring up 10 or 15 more guys they all could benifit.
He is not up to be a future pinch hiter. LOL
from 2 months ago
Bochy said he will be a pinch hitter this season, thus the reference saying he will be one to begin his career. He will be challenging for the third base spot in spring training.
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