Giants Top 50 Prospects #2: Madison Bumgarner

2. Madison Bumgarner. LHP. BD: 08-01-1989, 6'4", 215 lbs.

2009 stats: High A: 3-1, 1.48, 24.1 IP, 4 BB, 23 K's. AA: 9-1, 1.93, 107 IP, 30 BB, 69 K's. MLB: 0-0, 1.80, 10 IP, 3 BB, 10 K's.

After putting up astounding numbers for low A Augusta in 2008, Bumgarner picked up right where he left off in San Jose during a brief early season stint. He continued to get stellar results in a jump to AA, but suffered a noticeable drop in K/9. Giants fans were somewhat disappointed to see radar gun readings consistently in the high 80's upon his arrival in San Francisco for a late season call up. Still, he got excellent results in 4 appearances including one emergency start. The drop in velocity has been attributed to late season fatigue. Recently Bobby Evans hinted that it was due to a purposeful mechanical change that could be changed back with a return of low-mid 90's velocity. I have some concerns about the exaggerated cross-step he uses in terms of injury risk, but at this point "MadBum" seems destined for a successful MLB career. The Giants lack of activity in regards to signing a #5 starter has led to a sense that Bumgarner may be penciled into that role now, contrary to early offseason statements by Brian Sabean. Still, I find it hard to believe that the Giants will go to Spring Training without signing a veteran option for 5'th starter, but it may be someone on a minor league contract.