The San Francisco Giants farm system isn’t strong by any means. While they have depth at pitching, none of them rate as potential front-line aces; much more like #2,#3 starters or even back-end starters at the MLB level. As for position player, it’s even more bleak in terms of depth. But they do however have one prospect that is a cut above and projects to be a very good major-league regular. The only problem, he’s being blocked by one of the best players in all of MLB. He is catcher Andrew Susac, and he is creating a good problem for the Giants.
Susac was drafted in the second-round (86th overall) by the Giants in the 2011 MLB Amateur Draft out of Oregon State University. After being drafted, he made his natural progression through the minor-league system, spending the standard full-season at each level. He got his first taste of big-league ball late in the 2014 season, serving as the backup catcher to starter Buster Posey after primary backup Hector Sanchez went down for the remainder of the season with a concussion injury. Though his time was short, he batted a strong .273/.326/.466 triple-slash with 13 R’s, 24 H’s, 8 2B’s, 3 HR’s, 19 RBI’s, 7 BB’s, 28 SO’s, and an .792 OPS in just 88 at-bats. Susac left quite an impression on the Giants brass and fans with his play on the field, that he earned a spot of the Giants postseason roster, and earned himself a World Series ring. Not a bad way to start your MLB career.
In his short stint with the Giants last season, Susac more than proved he is capable of playing at the next level, and playing well. He is an above-average hitter, showing good patience at the plate – having an OBP of over .350 at each minor-league stop – and average homerun power. He is also a plus defender at the catcher position as well. While his power is good, not great, he hits the ball hard and drives it well. I was able to see Susac firsthand when he was still with the Giants Triple-A affiliate, Fresno Grizzlies, last season before he was called up. I did a write-up on him and his potential outlook, found here (Click Here). Needless to say, I was high on him then, and I am still high on him now; and I am not alone. ESPN‘s baseball prospect guru, Keith Law, has Susac rated as his #46 (#1 prospect in the Giants system) prospect in his annual Top 100 for the 2015 season. Baseball American, another reputable website for prospects, as well as MLB.com, also have Susac listed as the #1 prospect for the Giants this season.
Susac has left such an impression on the Giants front office that there is much debate currently going on about how to use Susac and get more at-bats for him this upcoming 2015 season. There was some talk (real or not – and if real, it quickly died) about moving Posey to third base in the wake of former starter Pablo Sandoval leaving via free agency. But the acquistion of former Miami Marlins starting third baseman Casey McGehee also scratched that idea. There was also some talk of potentially moving Posey to first base full-time to prolong his health by allieving the stress and riggers of playing catcher, and trading current starter Brandon Belt for help fill other needs. But the Giants brass, as well as many Giants fans, still believe in the talent of Belt and don’t want to move him, especially while he’s relatively cheap. Lastly, the Giants could always couple Susac with another prospect or two and hopefully create a package inticing enough to lure a starting pitcher or more stable third baseman away from a selling team. Regardless of what they decide, the fact that Susac is causing this much of a stir and conversation amongst the Giants front office (and with other teams front offices who are looking to acquire him) should tell you all you need to know about the potential this kid has and what the Giants think of him as a ballplayer.
It’s not a bad problem for General Manager Brian Sabean and Manager Bruce Bochy to have, but either way, Susac will most definitely see his fair share of at-bats this 2015 season.
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