Re-Ranking the S.F. Giants' Top 10 Hitting Prospects Post-Draft

After the San Francisco Giants drafted seven pitchers in the first 10 rounds of the MLB draft, you would think the Giants are trying to continue their pitching excellence.

Considering their former top prospect Zack Wheeler now pitches for the New York Mets, and Heath Hembree and Eric Surkamp may be the only minor-league pitchers to make significant contributions this year, it was a wise choice.

No, the Giants' farm system isn't laden wunderkinds like Mike Trout or Bryce Harper, but much of the Giants' current roster is homegrown talent including Buster Posey, Hector Sanchez and Brandon Belt.

With all the injuries the Giants have had this year, call-ups such as Conor Gillaspie and Charlie Culberson have seen big-league at-bats, and despite their struggles, have shown promise.

Here are the Giants' top hitting prospects right now.  

Gary Brown, Outfield

As great a surprise as Gregor Blanco has been for the Giants this year, Gary Brown is their future leadoff hitter. 

After being drafted in the first round out of Cal State Fullerton, Brown dominated in his first full minor-league season in Single-A San Jose.

Brown hit .336 with 14 HRs and 80 RBI. As if that wasn't enough, the fleet-footed outfielder stole 53 bases and had 13 triples.

This year he has struggled to find his form, hitting only .257 with just three home runs. Although the power numbers aren't there, Brown has continued to be a menace on the base paths, grabbing 21 bases.

Although some think Brown could be a 2012 September call-up, look for him to make his debut in 2013.  

Francisco Peguero, Outfield

Although Francisco Peguero missed time with a knee injury last year, he managed to hit .312 with seven home runs, in only 82 games split between Single-A and Double-A. 

Despite his high average, Peguero didn't walk much, getting on base only 12 times via the free pass.

This year Peguero's numbers are down with the Fresno Grizzlies, where he's hitting only .247 and slugging just .385. Although he has natural speed, Peguero has stolen only one base.

If Peguero wants to make a stop in the majors this year, he is going to have to show some plate discipline and get some more hits.  

Joe Panik, Second Base/Shortstop

Even though Joe Panik is entering his first full season in Single-A ball, he is definitely a player to keep your eyes on. 

After being drafted 24th overall in 2011 out of St. John's, Panik produced in the Fall League, hitting .341 with an OBP of .401. 

In 2012 with the San Jose Giants, Panik continues to play well, even though his batting line has dropped to .271/.351/394.

Yet with uncertainty always surrounding the future of the Giants middle infield, Panik could be paired with either Joaquin Arias or Brandon Crawford sooner than you think. 

Tommy Joesph, Catcher

Another good hitting catcher for the Giants? It seems like their farm system is pumping them out almost once every year.

First Pablo Sandoval, then Posey, then Sanchez and now Tommy Joesph.

OK, before we get too excited, Joesph is only in Double-A after finishing a full season in San Jose. That being said, he was impressive, knocking out 22 HRs to go with 90 RBI and a .471 slugging percentage.

This year, he has yet to find his power numbers, hitting only three home runs.

Although Joesph won't see the major leagues for a while, his power is something Giants fans should look forward to.  

Conor Gillaspie, Third Base

Even though Conor Gillaspie has had only three hits and 20 AB with the Giants this year, he is having great success in Triple-A Fresno.

In 52 minor-league games, he is batting .329 with seven home runs and 27 RBI. Gillaspie did benefit from the injury to Sandoval, allowing the 24-year-old third baseman to get some more major-league reps.

With Sandoval back in the lineup, it may be September when Gillaspie makes the trip back to AT&T Park.

Until then, look for him to continue to produce in the minors. 

Charlie Culberson, Shortstop

Although Charlie Culberson's first major-league stay wasn't a splash hit, the young shortstop has shown promise for the Fresno Grizzlies. 

In 53 games in the minors this year, Culberson is batting .261 with 22 extra-base hits, including five home runs. 

Culberson could improve his patience at the plate—last year he struck out 129 times; this year 49 times in 62 games.

But with Arias and Crawford platooning at shortstop, Culberson may not see another shot until September.  

Roger Kieschnick, Outfield

Until Roger Kieschnick got hurt on May 29th, the 2008 third-round draft pick was crushing the ball. 

In just 51 games, the former Texas Tech outfielder had 14 HRs to go with some very impressive hitting numbers: .319/.390/.623.

Although the Giants now have outfield depth with Blanco, Melky Cabrera, Angel Pagan and Nate Schierholtz, Kieschnick could add some much needed pop to the lineup.

As long as he returns and continues to hit with Fresno,  don't be surprised if he is up in the big leagues for the September run. 

Nick Noonan, Shortstop

Nick Noonan has been a nice surprise for the Fresno Grizzlies this year. After struggling in three levels of the Giants' farm system, hitting only .229, Noonan has responded in 2012. 

Noonan is batting .298, and although he isn't hitting for power, the 23-year-old shortstop already has 15 doubles—last year he had only 17 in 112 minor-league games.

It's hard to say how Noonan will fit into the future plans for the Giants, but as long he continues to produce in Triple-A, he should see some major-league time by next year. 

Chris Dominguez, Third Base

With 39 HRs in his last two minor-league seasons, Chris Dominguez seemed to be on the fast track to the majors.

This year he has hit a wall, even though he was promoted to Triple-A Fresno at the end of May. 

In 71 minor-league games, Dominguez is batting only .221 and slugging just .300. To make matters worse, he has struck out 80 times and has just two home runs.

Although Dominguez has the skill to be a future starter for the Giants, he still needs to prove himself in the minors.

Andrew Susac, Catcher

Andrew Susac is getting his first minor-league experience this year with the San Jose Giants after being drafted in the second round out of Oregon State.

This guy could be a steal, considering he probably fell out of the first round because he injured his wrist.

Susac is a good defensive catcher and has shown an ability to hit for home run power. Although he is batting only .240, he has shown a knack to draw walks, raising his OBP to .362.

Susac still has a few years until he sees the major leagues, but he will be a good talent for the Giants in the future.