Tickets are in, batteries charged, and fields are prepped.

We are only a month away from Spring Training and I know most of you are counting the days. This post is to explain how coverage is going to work and to provide you with a schedule of what you can expect.

1. I will be starting coverage from when Pitchers and Catchers report in a couple weeks. The actual start date is still uncertain as I haven’t got word back when they will actually open the gates to watch.

2. If you followed the site during Fall League, the same upload process will be in place. Basically, late evening of the day of the event a recap of the game/diamond notes, and a gallery of shots will be uploaded.

3. I will be at every Giants home game and every away game with the exception of Friday 3/12 and Sunday 3/21 as those games are in Tucson.

4. I may cover some of the MiLB workouts and games if scheduling permits but most likely coverage will be limited to MLB camp.

5. S.T. is a little different than Fall League, in that most games are packed, meaning there isn’t a lot of freedom to get different angles. For the most part, the majority of my shots will be coming from right above the Giants Dugout in Scottsdale, and then from a variety of different locations on the road. Don’t worry though, we’ll get creative to get the most action possible.

6. If you are coming to watch a couple games during S.T. definitely let me know! Would love to converse with some of you if you follow the site, and it’s always fun to talk baseball.

As I have said before, this year’s camp is one of the best group of invites I’ve seen in a long time. It’s going to be a great month filled with showcasing some talent in our system and of course keeping tabs on Tim, Panda, and the rest of the squad.

Keep checking the site though, as we will be continue to report as usual until P/C’s.

Humm Baby.

Here are a couple shots from the game.The gallery on Flickr is live. I know he’s not really Giants related but figured people would be interested in the potential #1 pick. He had a decent game. Not sure on the scoring because of possible errors but Harper had at least 2 hits with a couple RBI’s. His swing is a little interesting, seemed like an awkward motion to me, but he generates a lot of power with it.

Quickly here’s how it breaks down.

Pitchers:

Denny Bautista, Santiago Casilla, Rafael Cova, Steven Edlefsen, Eric Hacker, Osiris Matos, Tony Pena Jr., Felix Romero, Dan Turpen, Craig Whitaker, Craig Clark, and Clayton Tanner.

Catchers:

Steve Holm, Johnny Monell, Hector Sanchez, and Jackson Williams.

Infielders:

Ehire Adrianza, Brandon Crawford, and Nick Noonan.

Outfielders:

Wendell Fairley, Roger Kieschnick and Thomas Neal.

Names in BOLD have been covered here exclusively. This is going to be a great ST, with the inclusion of this class of prospects. Probably, one of the best classes I’ve seen.

We’re back this week with another installment of our interview series “Due Diligence.”

I had the privilege to speak with 2009 Draft Pick Gus Benusa, about the first year of professional ball what it’s like to join the Giants straight out of high school. Gus is going to be a great player for the Giants as you can tell by his work ethic, his drive for success, and his love for the game. You’ll want to keep tabs on him as he rises through the system.

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AZG: Gus, thanks again for spending some time answering some questions for the site. To start, You absolutely tore it up in high school batting .638….638?!! What was your approach in hitting, and what was it like to have scouts following you every game?

Benusa - I never worried about my average during the season. I went up to bat with the mind-set that there wasn’t a single player on the other team that was going to get me out. Other than that, I would just relax and see the ball. There’s not much too it. The first time I saw a major league scout was halfway through my senior year. I’ve never seen a pro scout before then and playing in front of them made me kinda nervous. By the end of the season, I was used to seeing all the strangers with clipboards watching my every move.

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AZG: You were selected by the Giants in the 8th round of last year’s draft. Knowing you were a highly touted prospect and could go anywhere at anytime, did you have an idea the Giants were going to pick you? When you got the call, what was your reaction?

Benusa - I knew the Giants were definitely interested in me and I’m glad they picked me up. It’s an honor to be apart of this organization. I was following the draft online and watched my name selected and called. It felt like I was in a dream for a good five minutes before I got a call from my area scout telling me it was true.

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AZG: How hard or easy was the decision to forgoe your scholarship to Duquense and sign with the Giants?

Benusa - I knew I wanted to be a professional baseball player. I can’t imagine doing anything else right now. Getting an education is very important but it can wait until I’m done.

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AZG: Having half a season and instructs under your belt, what is one thing about the Giants organization or MiLB that you have been impressed with?

Benusa - I was really impressed with the coaching. I’ve never had so much access to so many people with so much knowledge for the game. Talking and gaining knowledge for the game is even more important than working on your skills.

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AZG: Can you speak to the level of competition in the rookie league and the adjustment to playing baseball for a living?

Benusa - There’s no comparison between the level of competition in high school to the pros. It’s a completely different ballgame, especially coming from Western PA. As for the adjustment, I got used to it pretty quickly. I love playing baseball every day and getting better. I don’t think of it as a job.

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AZG: In June you got to put on a uniform with the name Giants across the chest, a feeling of accomplishment, surreal?

Benusa - Coming from a small town I’ve never known anyone in the pros. I’ve heard of a couple kids in my area getting drafted in the later rounds and not signing. So when I put on a jersey with the Giants name on it, I feel very accomplished; even though I haven’t accomplished anything yet in my pro career. I’ll really feel like i made it when I can put on my Giants jersey and walk out on the field in San Francisco.

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AZG: What kind of hitter would you describe yourself as?

Benusa - I feel like I’m still becoming the hitter I’m supposed to be. I’m constantly working and improving my swing and changing things. I’m a great all around hitter in the making.

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AZG: Last year, you batted over 100 points higher against LHP… you bat LH, is there anything to that or is it just a small sample size?

Benusa - Most likely it was due to a small sample size but I know most lefty hitters struggle with southpaws. I don’t feel like I have any less success against them. The ball’s gotta come across the same plate no matter where its thrown from.

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AZG: What was it like switching to a wood bat for you, is it a big adjustment for your swing?

Benusa - It wasn’t a big deal for me. I’ve been using wood in batting cages for a couple years so switching over completely wasn’t too bad.

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AZG: Was there anything specific in Instructs that you were trying to work on / train for?

Benusa - I don’t think there was one thing i didn’t work on in Instructs. Everything from training my eyes to watch the ball deeper in the zone by reading a number on a tennis ball shot at 120 mph, to working on my throwing mechanics in the outfield so my ball doesn’t tail. My first day at Instructs, we all were bunting and i deflected a pitch straight into my face knocking two teeth into the back of my mouth. A couple days later i was back on the horse and for the rest of the month I really worked on my bunting technique.

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AZG: You recently had a chance to fly up to SF and conduct a condition camp at ATT Park. Had you been to the yard before, and what was it like walking on to the field, knowing that the goal is to play on it?

Benusa - That was my first time being at AT&T Park and as soon as you walk in you realize why it’s the best park in all baseball. It’s insanely cool with the field right on the Bay. I knew if I could come to work everyday to this place I’d be the luckiest guy alive. Being in San Francisco really showed me what im working for.

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AZG: You play centerfield… Willie Mays is the best centerfielder in MLB history. Willie stopped by to talk to the players in SF. What was it like to meet him, and was there any specific advice for you?

Benusa - Meeting Willie Mays was surreal. I’ll never forget it. He’s the best player to ever play the game and he’ll tell you himself! No specific advice but it was great to meet a legend.

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AZG: The off season is here, what is the plan to get ready for spring training?

Benusa - The plan is to get in the cage everyday to work on my swing. On top of that I’m hitting the gym hard putting on weight while also working on my speed. Goal is to be around 205 and be even quicker than i was before.

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AZG: Is there anything you’d like to tell the fans?

Benusa - My real name is Karl but i’ve never been called anything other than Gus. I’m excited for the fans to get to know me and I’m going to work as hard as possible to get to San Francisco. Also, if any fans wanted to get to know me more or had any other questions I’d love to answer them, just look me up on Facebook.

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For more coverage of Gus, check out some of the shots from Instructional league over on the photostream in Flickr.

Hi everyone,

Still working on getting some more of the interviews up, just been really busy lately. Until then, I had a chance to shoot some of Mays Field (I mean AT&T Park) while I was in the city for Christmas. Here are some shots I liked, enjoy.

Click on photos for access to the full gallery or here.

- I also got a chance to snap some pictures of the Sharks V. Coyotes game during warmups at the Tank. I haven’t decided if I will make a post for them, but check the photostream to check them out either way.

Happy New Year everyone,

I have been in SF for Christmas and just got back in to town. Probably won’t pick coverage back up until next week or so with another interview.

Until then, a great analyst of all things Giants, Danny Penza, has posted an article about his take on the Giants farm system and who are the top 10. A shot of Buster Posey was used on the article as well.

Check it out and join the discussion on who should really be the top 10 prospects in the system. (Click on photo)

You can also follow Danny on Twitter @_DannyBoy22

Prepare for a double dose of “Due Diligence” this week as I got a chance to sit down with Giants #4 prospect, Thomas Neal.

Thomas has truly been the reason the Giants minor league system is one of the best in baseball. At every level he has had played in, his performance has been all star caliber and his drive for success has been unstoppable. We talked briefly on what the past season has been like for him, the AFL,  and what the future holds.

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AZG: Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions Thomas, I really appreciate it. No doubt, your 2009 season has been special. From tearing it up in San Jose, All star game, winning a championship, team MVP, and being selected to the AFL, you’ve had a chance to showcase your talent and you took advantage. As you look back on the season, what would you say was your best/favorite accomplishment of the year?

T Neal - I have to say that the best accomplishment from this past season had to be winning the Cal league championship without a doubt. Winning a championship is one of the most amazing feelings in the world. We played the game the right way all year. We worked extremly hard to get better each day and to know that as a team we are the best is an awesome accomplishment. My favorite accomplishment from a personal stand point would be the night I hit for the cycle. It’s extremely rare and to be able to say I hit for the cycle while playing professional baseball is crazy.

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AZG: I have always made mention of how the mental side of your game is a big strength. We can see the tangible results of that by the amount of assists you have from the OF, the hustle out of the box, and the fact that you never give up on a play. Could you speak a little bit about your focus, anticipation, and how you are able to stay “in the game” at the end of a long season?

T Neal - I really take a lot of pride in playing the game the right way. When you play the game the way its supposed to be played good things happen. I’m so competitive, I hate losing more than anything in this world and If lose at something I will figure a way to become good at it. My mind set is so focused on not losing and doing whatever I can to help my team win that I really try to anticipate different situations before they happen so when it does happen I’m ready to make a play. As for trying to stay focused at the end of a long season, it’s a grind but it all comes down to a mindset you either want to fight through it and be the best or you don’t. I want to grind it out and be the best.

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AZG: Speaking of the OF, this year you got to move to LF in San Jose, but also got to play some 1B in the AFL. Is there a position you like better?
Was playing 1B to spell Brandon Allen and get you AB’s? or was it something the Giants wanted to see you play again?

T Neal - I definitely like the outfield more because you can really make an impact on the game. Whether it’s throwing a runner out at home or holding a runner at 1st and allowing your pitcher to get a double play or running down a fly ball in the gap that should be a hit, it’s all important and I just want to make an impact on the game some how. I played 1st base to give Brandon Allen days off because he was the only 1st baseman. I’m not sure whether the Giants asked to see me at 1st base or not but they were happy with my performance.

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AZG: The last game of the AFL season was great to see you and Chase D’Arnaud go back and forth on the SB title. No doubt you both knew what was at stake. Since it was a “meaningless” game so to speak, was the plan that you were pretty much going to run every chance? Was the title something you really wanted or more of a cool stat in the back pocket?

T Neal - (Laughs) We definitely knew what was going on. I told Chase the night before that however many bases he took I would double it.  I was praying that he didn’t steal two because four would be tough.  He only had 1 SB.  The plan was to try and steal two bases but then the competitive juices started flowing and we started to get after it a little bit. I would be lying if I said I didnt want that SB title because I will never be in that situatuion ever again. It was fun though being able to run wild…(Laughs)

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AZG: What have you learned in stealing all those bases in the AFL, as far as technique and timing?

T Neal - I learned a few new things. I learned how far I can get off and still be comfortable enough to get back to the base safely. That was something that I really didnt have a feel for because I really hadn’t had the oppurunity to run.  I did use a lot of tips Darren Ford gave me since we were roommates all year in San Jose. But the biggest thing I learned is you can not be afraid to get caught or picked off.  You have to be aggressive no matter what but at the same time be smart.

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AZG: You got the first pro hit off of Stephen Strasburg. Can you recount that at bat and what were your thoughts?

T Neal - Yes, I had seen him throw a few bullpens at my high school so I knew what it looked like already. We also played together on a travel team for a couple years but he competes and I knew going into the at bat that he was going give me his best stuff.  But my plan was to look for a fastball middle away and try and jump on him early because he is going to try and get ahead with his fastball.  The 1st pitch, I took a very aggressive swing and was late.  I told myself I need to shorten up and then he threw another fastball.  Honestly, I dont even remember him throwing the ball I just remember the ball hitting the catcher’s glove…it was a 99 mph fast ball inside.  Now its 0-2, he threw another fastball that was low and away which made it 1-2.  I was looking for another fastball away but he threw me a hanging breaking ball that I drove for a base hit. I just stayed with my approach and it paid off.

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AZG: You were the one selection the Giants were able to make from the Single A roster to the AFL. Does that give you confidence that the club believes in you and knew you could benefit/compete with the level of players in the AFL?

T Neal - It was a little bit of a confidence boost to know that the club felt I could compete with level of players in the AFL even though I was in High-A all season . I believe in my abilities and felt that I could compete with the best day in and day out if given the opportunity. I’m just very grateful that I was given the opportunity to play against the best players.

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AZG: You’ve gotten a chance to be on 3 championship teams while in the organization. Salem 2006, Augusta 2008, and now San Jose 2009. It seems we just need to call you up and bring SF a ring?

T Neal - (Laughs) Hopefully I will be able to be a piece of the puzzle to help win a world series championship sooner than later. I have been very lucky to play on great teams with great mangers such as Andy Skeels and Steve Decker. One thing about the 3 championships was each team from day one had the mindset that we are going to WIN the championship. It wasn’t ever “lets get to the championship.”  The team in ‘06 was a more laid back team, you had guys like Burriss, Bocock, Pill, and Rohlinger. The Augusta team in ‘08 was so young but very talented and I don’t think anyone expected us to do as well as we did. We knew that we could play with anyone and it drove us to out work everyone to prove that we had the best players as well as the best  team. This year’s 09 championship was special. It was awesome to play with Posey, Noonan, “The Professor”, Bocock, Gillaspie, Ford, Kieshnick, Tanner, Turpin, Runzler, Clark…the whole team was amazing, we all got along.  It was just a super fun year!

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AZG: More recently, because of the winter meetings and it being the off season, rumors fly about everything and everyone. On one hand, it’s got to be nice to know that you have the success to warrant interest from clubs, but on the other, it has to be weird hearing names come up. Generally, what is it like for players to know that trades can happen at any time and can come from out of the blue?

T Neal - Honestly that’s something that I really haven’t paid attention to because that’s something that’s out of my control.  My focus is to keep improving each day so that one day I can be an impact player at the big league level and help the Giants win a world series championship.

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AZG: You are making a lot of noise with your play. You were recently ranked as the #4 prospect in the system by Baseball America and of course the stats in general place you in high visibility. Is there a feeling of accomplishment to these awards, or is it just nice to have the confidence that you are placed in high esteem on the right track?

T Neal - It’s nice to know that people are taking notice of the way I play the game and the things I’m capable of doing when healthy. All the recognition and awards are an honor and it’s nice to see all the hard work that I put in starting to pay off. But my main focus is to conutine to get better and put myself on the right track so I can reach the big leagues soon.

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AZG: I recently read about your off season plans with camps, training, hitting, and your drive to stay “in the game.” There really is no off season is there?

T Neal - (Laughs) I don’t even know if I know what the defintion of an off-season is this year. But this off-season is a little different than ones before since I played until late Nov. I went to Hawaii for a week with my girlfriend.  It really allowed me to clear my head and just rest my body. I got back to San Diego last Saturday and just started my workouts on Monday. A normal training day for me includes going to hit with my hitting coach around 11am.  Then afterwards I go to the gym to lift.  I will hit again by myself and work on whatever my hitting coach and I worked on that day.  After that I go home and play CALL of DUTY 2.

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AZG: Before each game, you take a moment to go out to CF and kneel. Is there a special meaning to that?

T Neal - Yes, I take a minute to say a prayer and to thank God for allowing me to see another day.  I say a prayer to my Granddad that passed away earlier this year and to my Grandma that passed away while I was playing in the Fall League. It’s very important to me to make sure I say my thanks because without God none of this would be possible

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AZG: As always, is there anything you’d like to say to the fans as we wrap up?

T Neal - I would just like to let them know that the Giants are headed in the right direction and we have a lot of talent and the World Series Championships are coming to San Francisco soon!

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For more exclusive coverage on Thomas in the AFL check out the gallery here.

We have some great interviews coming up to keep you busy in the off season. Some upcoming players we have scheduled are high school phenoms and 2009 Giants Draft Picks, Gus Benusa and Tommy Joseph, and two players on the rise in money shortstop Ehire Adrianza and lights out pitching prospect Edward Concepcion.

Keep it here at AZGIANTS.com for all your exclusive insight in to the Giants of the future.

This week’s installment of “Due Diligence” is with Giants 2009 9th round pick, Evan Crawford.

Evan has made his presence known in his first couple months of professional ball, ending the year with a .300 avg across the Arizona Rookie League and Salem-Keizer. Fans are definitely going to want to pay attention to his growth in the system as I’ve gotten a chance to see him play and he has all the tools to be a great lead-off threat.

Evan helped lead the Indiana Hoosiers to their second Big Ten Tournament championship and led the league in stolen bases last year.

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AZG: Thanks again Evan for spending some time with us today. Was it a tough decision to enter the draft after your junior year or did you know there was nothing else you needed to prove in college ball?

E Crawford - I don’t think it was a very tough decision for me to leave Indiana and start my pro career. I had proven what I felt I needed to prove and accomplished a lot including transforming a sub .500 program into a team that won the Big Ten Tournament Championship for the first time since 1996.

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AZG: Did you know the Giants were going to select you or was it more of a toss up?

E Crawford - I had no idea that I would be drafted by the Giants. The only contact I had with the team was about a week before the draft when Kevin Christman e-mailed me asking for some medical information.

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AZG: You got a chance to get a true taste of professional ball this year by playing in both the Rookie League and with the Volcanoes. What was your your first year like and was it what you thought it was going to be?

E Crawford - My first year was a success. We won the Northwest League Championship, and I was also apart of a very talented Arizona Rookie League team. I had a good time and got what I was expecting for my first professional experience.

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AZG: Speaking of the Volcanoes, you mentioned they won the NWL title this year and you played a big part in the team’s success. How badly did you want a ring, and what was that last game like winning in walk off fashion in the 13th?

E Crawford - I wanted a ring extremely bad. Winning that last game in the 13th inning was probably one of the best games I’ve been involved in. It was a great way to end the season and go our separate ways for a while until Spring Training.

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AZG: Swiping bags has always been a huge part of your game. In college you led the Big 10 in SBs. What’s your approach to baserunning? What do you look for when to go and would you consider yourself aggressive on the bases or more strategic?

E Crawford - When it comes to base running the most important thing I think about is not being timid. Like the old saying goes, you can’t steal second with your foot still on first. You have to be aggressive and not scared to get thrown out. Trust your abilities and whatever happens happens.

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AZG: Do you see yourself as a lead off man? Do you like hitting at the top of the order?

E Crawford - I have always seen myself as a lead-off type of hitter. I feel comfortable at the top of the order and I love all the at bats.

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AZG: You recently had the opportunity to attend a conditioning camp at AT&T Park. What were the trainers specifically working on and teaching you for the off season?

E Crawford - AT&T Park was great. The trainers were focusing on baseball specific work outs that we should be doing in the off season to get our bodies ready for the long season.

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AZG: I’ve asked this question to other CF’s, but you also had a chance to meet the greatest CF of all time in Willie Mays. What was that like? Was he one of your heroes as a kid and did he give you any specific advice or encouragement?

E Crawford - It was an honor to meet Willie Mays. He’s very charismatic and has great knowledge of the game. It was good just to hear him talk and soak in greatness.

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AZG: What has been the best thing so far about playing within the Giants organization?

E Crawford - The best thing about the Giants is that it’s an organization on the rise. It’s full of young talent and it’s refreshing to be apart of a team with big things to come in the future. I hope to stay apart of it.

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AZG: As kind of a trademark to these interviews, is there anything you’d like to say to the fans?

E Crawford - I would like to say thank you for supporting Giants in the the Minors and the Majors. It’s nice to have fans and all I can say is I will do whatever I can for you to stay fans. That’s why we play, for you guys.

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You can see Evan in action when I covered the Instructional league team taking on the Dodgers, here. and access the gallery.

Stay Tuned to the site for our next interview as I got a chance to sit down with 2009 standout THOMAS NEAL.

Next up in our Due Diligence interview series we spoke with up and coming star shortstop, Brandon Crawford.

Brandon has been making a lot of noise in his first full season of professional ball. From his insane start in San Jose, to leading the Giants in the Arizona Fall League, he has proven that he is a competitor and has a bright future with the club.

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AZG: Brandon, thank you for taking the time to reach out to the fans and give some insight to baseball. First off, you were a local kid growing up in the Bay Area, playing ball at Foothill, and were ranked one of the Northern California prospects in high school. Were the Giants the team you grew up rooting for and wanted to eventually play for?

Crawford - No problem Joe. Yes, the Giants have always been my favorite team. My dad had tickets to Giants games at Candlestick since before I was born, so I don’t think I ever had a choice. (Laughs)

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AZG: I know it was just Fall League, but is there a special feeling of accomplishment by getting a jersey with “San Francisco” across the chest and the name “Crawford” on the back?

Crawford - When I was a little kid, I always dreamed of playing in a Giants uniform. So it was pretty cool being able to put on the big league uni everyday. I was fortunate enough to make it up to a few big league Spring Training games, but it’s not quite the same when you’re number 97 with no name.

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AZG: Speaking of the Giants, you have been recently ranked as the #9 prospect in the system by Baseball America, which is a great accomplishment. That said, in my book (and most people’s books) you are at the top of the depth chart at shortstop. Are players aware of who is “ahead” of them in the organization, and when spots are scheduled to open up (contracts, etc.)?

Crawford - Thank you. As a player, you can’t really look to hard into it. There are always going to be free agent signings and injuries that could alter how fast you will move up. There are too many variables to know exactly where you, or the person ahead/behind you will be next season.

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AZG: Let’s jump back to the beginning of the year in San Jose. The team that started 2009 was unreal. It was basically an All Star team and was truly like watching the “Little Giants” as most of you are on the path to drive up the Peninsula, three of which have already made their debuts. You were only with the team for 25 games but your line was insane (.371, 2 2B, 2 3B, 6HR, 17RBI). Could you speak a little bit about what it was like to play on that team and how you all achieved the massive success in the first half?

Crawford - It was a very cool experience. That team was one of the most fun teams I’ve ever played on and I made a lot of good friends playing in San Jose. I had played with Roger (Kieschnick) on the 2006 college national team, and Buster (Posey) and Conor (Gillaspie) briefly last year so it was fun to play with them again.

I think I can attribute part of my success to our lineup being so good that it was easier to blend in. I had to get good pitches because I would usually hit with D-Ford at first and Noonan, Buster, Roger, and Neal hitting behind me. They had to throw me fastballs so Fordy wouldn’t steal and they had to throw me strikes with the big hitters coming up next.

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AZG: Sidenote, you have to be happy about not having to travel to Lancaster any longer right? We drove up there to see the team last year and it was brutally cold and outrageously windy.

Crawford - I think we had one of our coldest games down there, but as a hitter, it’s not so bad with 20mph wind blowing out to center.

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AZG: On the other side of the coin was Connecticut, which was a bit of a struggle at times. How much of that was just fatigue of your first full season versus adjustments in Double A?

Crawford - I would say most of it was just trying to make adjustments. I think a scouting report may have gotten out and I started getting a lot of off-speed pitches. I started working on off-speed before every game and then I wasn’t hitting the fastball. It was definitely a season of changes.

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AZG: San Jose and Connecticut couldn’t be farther away from each other and in completely different weather. Obviously, everyone wants to move up leagues as fast as they can, but could you speak about the transition of joining a new team midway through the season and how Connecticut was different competition wise?

Crawford - As much as I enjoyed the San Jose team and being 30 minutes from home, it was obviously very nice to get promoted. The biggest differences between San Jose and Connecticut were the weather and the fan base. Connecticut was colder and looked like it was going to rain everyday. Since it is on the East coast, there wasn’t a whole lot of Giants fans out there either. If we played the Red Sox or Yankees affiliates at home they would get more fans than we would.

Competition wise, the biggest difference I saw was the pitchers being able to locate and throw at least two pitches for strikes in any count. In San Jose, most pitchers would throw 3-1, 2-0 fastballs. In Connecticut, they would throw, and be able to locate, a curve or change in the same count.

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AZG: You were then selected to play in the AFL. What was the bets part of that experience?

Crawford - I’d say just being able to play with and against some of the best prospects in baseball. It was an honor to be part of that group.

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AZG: At the plate in Arizona, you got the swing back ending the season with a .312 average. As I’ve noted many times on the site, you played 99% of the time at 3B. Since you were playing 3B was the focus primarily on hitting?

Crawford - I wasn’t really worried about defense and wanted to get more AB’s against quality pitching. I knew I could hit better than I showed in Connecticut and wanted to prove it in the AFL.

I was told before the Fall League started that I would get limited action at short.  didn’t know I’d play as much 3B as I did, but I didn’t mind. It was kind of fun because I hadn’t played (the position) since my sophomore year of high school.

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AZG: How hard is it for players to gear up for another two months of competition? How taxing is it on the body?

Crawford - It was definitely a great privilege but it was tough to gear up for another 30 or so games after thinking the season was done. I don’t think the Fall League was too bad on the body mainly because I was only playing three or four games a week. It was much different than playing a few weeks without an off day.

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AZG: What was it like to face Strasburg? Dirty?

Crawford - He’s definitely more than just a “thrower”; he’s a good pitcher. It was the first time I had faced him and heard all about how hard he threw, so I was expecting (especially as the 2-hole hitter in the first inning) mostly fastballs. The first pitch was a fastball but I took it because it’s hard to get the timing down when the guy’s throwing 98mph. He eventually got me on a swinging change up (90mph). My second AB I I grounded to short (he was only 94-95mph then).

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AZG: We have The Freak, Kung Fu Panda, B Weeze, and now…The Professor (courtesy of Steve Edlefsen). What do you think?

The Professor - First of all I’d like to thank Steve “Stuff” Edlefsen for the nickname. He thinks it’s the best one. I like it too. It’s funny and original and I think that’s how nicknames are supposed to be. We’ll see if it sticks. (Laughs)

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AZG: It’s now a short off season for you, what’s the plan to prepare for Spring?

The Professor - First, I am going to the Giants conditioning camp down in Scottsdale. Then I’m going to keep working out , hitting, throwing, etc. throughout the whole nine weeks. Other than that, I am planning on enjoying the holidays with family and friends.

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AZG: As always with these interviews, is there anything you’d like to say to the fans in closing?

The Professor - Thanks for the support all season, let’s keep it going next year. See you all in Spring Training!

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If you’d like to see more of Brandon, please check out the flickr feed from this year’s AFL, here.

The first entry in our Due Diligence series is with high school phenom and Giants 2009 First Round Pick, Zack Wheeler.

Zack was gracious enough to sit down and answer some questions for AZGIANTS and you, the fans.

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AZG: Thanks Zack, for taking the time to answer some questions. First off, you absolutely dominated high school batters last year going 9-0, with an opponent BA of .118, striking out 151 and only giving up 20 walks, and oh yeah… throwing a No Hitter. Those numbers are ridiculous. Could you speak a little bit about keeping the hitters off balance and what your approach was?

Zack Wheeler - My approach was to do the best that I could every game I went out and put my team in a spot to win the game. In high school it helps to throw hard, but it also doesn’t because you use it more then any other pitch which means that you don’t develop your other pitches as fast as you would like. But i have been working on them all the time and i think i have a plus curveball and change up now.

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AZG: On draft day, you had 4 teams really interested in you, the Pirates, Orioles, Giants, and Braves. What was it like putting on the Orange and Black hat and knowing you were joining one of the most storied franchises in baseball history?

Zack Wheeler - It was a great feeling to get drafted in the first place. Being a guy from Georgia, I really didn’t know that much about the Giants, but i have learned a lot about the team and their historic past with all the great players and accomplishments. I’m proud to be a Giant and look forward to carrying the tradition.

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AZG: At the end of the High School season, you had a decent amount of time before the start of Instructional league, was it tough to not pitch for several months routinely and then jump back in?

Zack Wheeler - Yes it was very tough not to pitch for a few months and then go face live hitters in instructs because i hadn’t faced live hitters since high school season ended. But during those few months i was throwing bullpens and at the same time trying to imagine batters at the plate.

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AZG: We have video of your first professional outing against the Brewers where you went 2 shut out innings. Was there a huge difference from High School hitters or even All American hitters to those in Instructs from your perspective? Was there any changes to your approach from high school?

Zack Wheeler - You knew that there was a big difference because everybody can hit from 1-9 in the lineup, but i expected that in the first place. I just tried to go out and do my best, rely on my stuff and help the team win.

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AZG: The Giants limited the amount of games you pitched in Instructional league, to allow more work on the side, what were you working on?

Zack Wheeler - Like i said before, I hadn’t faced live hitting since high school so we were working on game situations. They really haven’t seen me pitch and so they also wanted to see me before they just stuck me out there in professional ball.

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AZG: The Giants have turned into an organization that builds from within and has a major focus on pitching. Sabean has said you are on the same fast track as Lincecum, Cain, and Bumgarner. Is the ultimate goal to get to the Bigs as fast as possible?

Zack Wheeler - My goal is to make it to the majors and be successful as long as possible and help my team win, but it would be nice to move up fast of course.

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AZG: On that same note, you were just selected as the #3 prospect within the Giants organization by Baseball America, right behind Buster Posey and Madison Bumgarner. Congratulations! Do you keep track of lists and acclamations like these and do they motivate you or is the focus solely on ball?

Zack Wheeler - First off, thank you. You know, I really don’t even pay any attention to that stuff. I do hear it from friends and family though, its nice and cool to hear, but you still have to go out there and perform day in and day out to be good.

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AZG: Could you please describe your mentality on the mound for the people who haven’t seen you pitch?

Zack Wheeler - I go out on the mound to do my job and that’s to get people out and put my team in a place to win the ball game. When you are in front of a lot of people and they are all yelling at you, you cant let it get in your head good or bad. I like to have fun out there, but at the same time I have to do my job.

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AZG: Who would be your biggest influence in pitching, and how have they help/coached/inspired you on the diamond?

Zack Wheeler - I think it’s my family because they all have played many sports and they know what goes on during game play. My middle brother played in the Yankees minor league system for four years and he learned a lot. He came back and taught me a lot about baseball and the mental side of it. I also give it to all my past coaches who put me out there on the field because if they didn’t I couldn’t have gotten better and be where I’m at today.

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AZG: You got a chance to fly up to SF for a conditioning camp, did they have you throw at all?

Zack Wheeler - We tossed if we wanted to but the main reason we went there was to learn the off-season workout program, learn how to do it the right way and learn from who I think are the best trainers and strength coaches in baseball. They are very personal and do whats best for you and understand that what’s good for someone else isn’t necessarily the best thing for you.

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AZG: Did you have a chance to see the city, what did you like about it?

Zack Wheeler - Some people went to see more of the city then others, but i just walked around down town and that was a good experience. The city is crazy just like Atlanta, but I see myself there.

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AZG: No doubt the fastball has been your bread and butter along with the curve/slurve and occasional change up. Are there any other pitches you are working on and wanting to add?

Zack Wheeler - Yeah it definitely has, but now that I have been working, the curve and change have improved and are good pitches. But no, there are no other pitches that I’m working on or anything at this time.

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AZG: Lastly, You’ll find that Giants fans know our system and support our players whole heartedly. You have been the #1 request from fans to get more information about leading into the 2010 season. Is there anything you’d like to say to the fans?

Zack Wheeler - Yeah, I will do my best to help any team I’m on to win and be successful. Just come out to help us do that. Ive heard from other players in different levels that the fans are good and very into their team, which I like a lot!

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AZG: Thanks again Zack! I know the fans do really appreciate it, can’t wait to see you at the corner of Third and King, and wish you all the best in 2010 and beyond.

To watch Zack in action, check out his pro debut, provided by AZGIANTS.com here and here

Courtesy of Andrew Baggarly and Baseball America, the updated top 10 prospect list is available here.

Quickly 1-10

1. Buster Posey

2. Madison Bumgarner

3. Zack Wheeler

4. Thomas Neal

5. Dan Runzler

6. Tommy Joseph

7. Roger Kieschnick

8. Ehire Adrianza

9. Brandon Crawford

10. Francisco Peguero

I am also pleased to announce that 7 of the 10 prospects have been exclusively covered here on AZGIANTS.COM

Hello Giants Fans,

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and didn’t get too crazy on Black Friday.

I will be starting a new interview segment here on the site named “Due Diligence.” As a throwback to Sabean, I picked that title as I am going to try and get insight on some of our top prospects making sure I have kicked all of the proverbial tires. More than just stats, mechanics, and play based questions, I want to try and bring some of their personality to the forefront and let Giants fans in on what it’s like to be on the fast track to China Basin.

I am hoping for this to be a weekly article but we’ll play it by ear. Look for the first in the series sometime this week!

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For those of you that haven’t kept tabs on the Venezuelan Winter League, there are definitely big reasons to do so.

* Brett Pill, recently added to the 40man roster, has been absolutely tearing it up. Keep him on your radar for Spring Training as he had a great year in Connecticut and could be a contender for the MLB squad.

In 12 games, he’s got a line of .317, 3 2B, 3HR, 13RBI.

He also earned Player of the Week Honors.

* Nate Schierholtz is our starting RF, this should be without question. If you thought Pill’s line was legit, check out Nate’s

.381, 6 2B, 2 3B, HR, 7RBI…in 10 games. That’s almost an XBH every game he appears in.

Granted, these stats are from VZL competition, but Pablo tore it up last year in VZ and look what he did in SF.

* Speaking of Pablo, he has started playing for Navegantes del Magallanes once again and got 3 hits in his last game, starting the season off with a .500 avg.

* Lastly, Jesus Guzman continues to dazzle us with the bat. Maybe we just need to get him some consistent AB’s in spring to help his numbers translate to the bigs next season.

.305, 8 2B, 2 3B, 6HR, 25RBI in 34 games.