Baseball’s Best Tools: Low A to the Majors

Jul 26, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA;San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey (28) and manager Bruce Bochy (15) in the dugout before the game against the Chicago Cubs at AT

Baseball America ran a story in which they asked managers in each league — from class Low A to the Majors — which players have the best tools, and several from the San Francisco Giants organization made the list.  I always find these types of lists relevant, as they are voted on by the people that see these guys everyday and that have the most intimate knowledge of the game and league.

Buster Posey was named the best overall hitter in the National League ahead of Joey Votto and Yadier Molina, and the 3rd best defensive catcher behind Molina and Russell Martin. Marco Scutaro was voted best hit-and-run artist and 2nd in the best strike-zone judgement category.  Sergio Romo was voted as having the 2nd best slider behind Craig Kimbrel, and Bruce Bochy was voted best manager in the NL.

Some Giants missing from the list that could be argued for inclusion: Brandon Crawford in the best defensive SS category (top 3: Troy Toluwitzki, Ian Desmond, Adrelton Simmons), and possibly Madison Bumgarner in the top 3 SP’s (Clayton Kershaw, Matt Harvey, Adam Wainwright).  Hunter Pence could have an argument for being one of the better base runners also, based on being 17 for 17 in stolen bases alone.

Here are the Giants prospects that made the Minor League cut, voted on by the managers:

Mar. 6, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Justin Sellers (left) tags out San Francisco Giants baserunner Gary Brown (10) during the eighth inning during a spring training game against San Francisco Giants at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Hilderbrand-USA TODAY Sports

Triple A Fresno/Pacific Coast League:

Gary Brown– Fastest Baserunner, Best Defensive Outfielder

Double A Richmond: 

None

High A San Jose/California League:

Mac Willamson– Best Power Prospect

Kyle Crick– Best Pitching Prospect, Best Fastball

Jul 14, 2013; Flushing , NY, USA; USA pitcher Kyle Crick throws a pitch during the 2013 All Star Futures Game at Citi Field. USA defeated World 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Clayton Blackburn– Best Breaking Pitch

Ty Blach– Best Control

Low A Augusta/South Atlantic League:

Tyler Mizenko– Best Reliever

Mike Goff- Best Manager Prospect

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San Jose dominated the pitching voting — which makes sense based on the way they have performed in the California League this season– ranking 1st in just about every important category.

Is there anyone else you think should have made the list?  Anyone that shouldn’t?