Having struck it rich with several of their first round draft choices from recent years, the Giants are hoping their 2011 draft continues to add major league talent in the mold of former choices like Tim Lincecum (2006), Buster Posey (2008), Matt Cain (2002) and Madison Bumgardner (2007).
With more first round talents on the way from the farm system in Zach Wheeler (2009) and Gary Brown (2010), the Giants look to be building a track record of success with their first round evaluations.
Here is a look at the first part of Giants 2011 Draft (Rounds 1-5)
Round 1: 26th overall
JOE PANIK/SS/ST. JOHNS U.
The minds behind the misfits decided upon a shortstop from St. Johns University in the first round in 2011, taking Joe Panik and opting to wait for quality arms to fall later in the draft.
Panik played at the same college as Giant great Rich Aurilia and is hoping to follow a similar path to the big leauges. Being a polished college hitter, he will be on a faster track than many of the high school prospects in the 2011 draft.
If current shortstop Brendan Crawford proves he can't hit at the major league level, Panik could get a shot as early as the end of next season.
GRADE: B+
Supplemental 1st round: 49th overall (compensation for Type B Free Agent Juan Uribe)
Kyle Crick/RHP/Sherman high school (TEX)
Another high school arm isn't a bad idea for the pitching stocked Giants, allowing them to give Crick some time to develop in the minors.
San Francisco has seen Madison Bumgardner arrive far sooner than anticipated after drafting him as a high schooler in the first round of the 2007 draft, and has Zack Wheeler pitching well in San Jose (single A) who was another high schooler selected in 2009.
The Giants are hoping Crick will follow the same path and will likely assign him to San Jose once he signs with the team.
GRADE: B-
Round 2:
Andrew Susac/C/Oregon State
Susac was projected by many scouts to be off the board before the Giants picked again in the second round, so they were pleasantly surprised to see him still there especially considering the looming uncertainty of the Buster Posey situation.
Susac has been called an excellent defender and led the prestigious Cape Cod collegiate summer league in slugging percentage last season using a wood bat.
GRADE: A
Round 3:
Ricky Oropesa 1B/USC Trojans
One of the more dangerous left-handed power hitters in the Pac-10, Oropesa was also being considered as a left-handed pitcher but will likely end up swinging the bat for the Giants.
Like many other college hitters, Oropesa's home run numbers decreased signifigantly having to swing the altered aluminum bats. If he can prove he can swing the wood, Oropesa was a great pick in the third round and could project to be a guy who hits 20-25 home runs a year if healthy.
GRADE: A-
Round 4:
Bryce Bandilla LHP/Arizona
Had to face off against tough arms Gerrit Cole, Trevor Bauer, Erik Johnson and Sam Gaviglio on a regular basis while competing in the pitching-rich Pac-10.
GRADE: C+
Round 5:
Chris Marlowe/RHP/Oklahoma State
Likely a reliever canditate at the next level, Marlowe will be a key piece to the Giants future bullpen plans with guys like Affeldt, Mota, and Lopez approaching their final seasons in the game
GRADE: B-
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