The 2011 MLB Draft is four days away and Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com has put together his latest first round mock draft. In his latest mock, Mayo has projected the San Francisco Giants selecting Brian Goodwin, a sophomore outfielder out of Miami Dade College. Goodwin was originally drafted in the 2009 draft by the Chicago White Sox before electing to attend the University of North Carolina. He transferred to Miami Dade after academic issues at UNC.
The Giants took Gary Brown a year ago, and so far, so good. Nabbing a toolsy outfielder to join him might make sense.
Goodwin appears to be a corner outfielder with the potential for above average power to all fields and solid glove work in the outfield:
Goodwin possesses many of the same tools from a couple of years back. The left-handed hitter should be above average at the plate, with a good approach and the ability to square balls up. He's got future above-average power to all fields as well.An above-average runner, he uses his speed well on the bases, where he should be a basestealer, and in the outfield. He's got plenty of arm strength and a solid glove -- one that could work in center, but might be best suited to left field when all is said and done.
The Giants current organizational outfield depth has talent and question marks. At the major league level the starters are Pat Burrell, Andres Torres and Cody Ross, with Nate Schierholtz and Aaron Rowand providing depth. Brandon Belt is playing in the infield and outfield and could end up finding a permanent spot in the outfield if the Giants decide to move Buster Posey to first base at some point.
The Giants minor league system includes some intriguing talents. 2010 number one pick Gary Brown is off to a monster start with San Jose of the California League. He's currently hitting .371 with five home runs and 39 RBIs. The closest prospect to the big leagues (beyond Brandon Belt) would be Thomas Neal. He's slowly made his way up the ladder and has been hitting the ball well since returning from injury last week. If he can stay healthy he would seem to project as a decent third option in the outfield or maybe come off the bench and provide some punch as a great fourth outfield option.
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