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Madison Bumgarner was 15-3 with a 1.46 E.R.A in 2008.

 The San Francisco Giants management and new owner Bill Neukom bring a broad vision for this franchise with 2009 season in sight.  Neukom basically wants to develop the young talent in the system and also improve their scouting as a whole.  They want to instill homegrown products into their major league level team.  This new approach should help the Giants contend for years rather than a season or two if all goes well.  Nonetheless, Giants are in the right direction after their major youth movement in the last months of the 2008 season.  But all you Giants fans out there and in panick mode, there is help on the way awaiting in the minors. 

First, there is MiLB Spectacular Pitcher of the Year and this year’s MiLB Class-A level pitcher of the Year Madison Bumgarner awaiting in the minors and making his rise to the majors.  He had a tremendous year, comparable to Lincecum. He basically was the Cy Young of the South Atlantic League.  Giants management are excited about this kid and with a spot open in the rotation. Look for Bumgarner to be on the fast track to the majors by the end of 2009.  Bumgarner is most likely starting 2009 with the Double-A affiliate Connecticut Defenders.

Second, there is catcher Buster Posey, 2008 Golden Spikes Award Winner for top College Amateur Player in the Nation, who could develop into a gold glove catcher in the majors someday.  He is basically waiting in the wings to take over Bengie Molina’s reign in 2010 since Bengie is his final year of his contract with the Giants in 2009.  Posey should start the 2009 season in Double-A Connecticut with the Defenders as well.

Finally, there is CAL League Pitcher of the Year and this year’s MiLB High-Class A Level Pitcher of the Year Tim Alderson waiting in the wings and like Bumgarner, looking to make a rise to the majors.  He should start the 2009 season with the Connecticute Defenders, too.

Other top prospects to watch out for and keep an eye on in the next year is second baseman Nick Noonan (Augusta Greenjackets), first baseman Angel Villalona (Augusta Greenjackets), third baseman/first baseman Josh Mazzola (AZL Giants/San Jose), second baseman Matt Downs (San Jose Giants) and pitcher Kevin Pucetas (San Jose Giants). All had solid seasons in 2008 and look to build on their success in 2009.