#SFGiants Minors Rundown: Playoff Preview

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

With the Minor League season coming to a close, it’s about that time to check out who will be playing on and who will be starting their offseason work.  All three of the San Francisco Giants A level teams have made the playoffs: San Jose (High A), Augusta (Low A), and Salem-Keizer (Short Season A).

Mac Williamson; Photo Credit: Kenny Karst/milb.com

Led by a dominant pitching staff featuring Giants #1 prospect RHP Kyle Crick, #2 prospect RHP Clayton Blackburn, #12 prospect LHP Ty Blach, and #19 prospect Adalberto Mejia, San Jose won the 1st half California League North division title with a record of 43-27, thus qualifying them for postseason play.  Right fielder Mac Williamson heads to the playoffs on a spectacular hot streak.  He is 18 for his last 38 (.474) with 4 HR’s, 4 doubles, and 13 RBI.  For the season, Williamson is hitting .296 with 25 HR’s, 85 RBI, and 10 steals.  Fellow outfielder Devin Harris helps lead the offensive attack and ranks first in the California League in doubles (40), is tied for fifth in home runs (22), has 83 RBI’s and is batting .261 for the season.

San Jose will be starting their playoff series September 7th with home-field advantage.

The Augusta GreenJackets secured a playoff birth by virtue of winning the 2nd half South Atlantic League Southern Division title on August 28th.

Augusta is also led by a stellar pitching staff, including the likes of San Francisco Giants #4 prospect Chris Stratton, #7 prospect Martin Agosta, and Kendry Flores — who struck out 15 on August 21st and holds a 2.73 ERA in 2013.  The GreenJackets open up their playoff series at home on September 4th against Savannah in a best of three affair.

Salem-Keizer has been dominant in the short season A Northwest League all season.  By virtue of winning the first half southern division title, the Volcanoes will have home-field advantage in their best-of-three 1st round playoff series, also beginning September 4th.

The Volcanoes are led by a combination of solid pitching and hitting.  Some players to watch out for during their playoff run are pitchers Pat Young (0.79 ERA in 34.1 IP), Chris Johnson (2.49 ERA in 83 IP, 78/8 — K/BB ratio), Andrew Leenhouts (8-2, 2.57 ERA in 66.2 IP), and Chase Johnson (2013 3rd round pick).  At the plate the Volcanoes are led by 2B Ryan Jones (.346 BA), SS Jeremy Sy (.279 BA, 8 HR, 38 RBI), and #16 prospect outfielder Brian Ragira.

Unfortunately AA Richmond and AAA Fresno failed to reach the postseason, but check back for coverage of all three playoff bound teams as their series’ begin in the coming week.