#9 Nick Noonan. 2B. B-L, T-R. BD: 05-04-1989. 6'0", 180 lbs.
2009 Stats: High A- .259/.330/.397 with 7 HR, 8 Triples, 26 doubles, 9 SB, 5 CS.
Nick Noonan did not have a great season in 2009, but let me point some reasons why it was not the disaster it may appear on the surface:
1. He was 20 years old playing in a league where most of the players are at least 2-3 years older.
2. His IsoOBP increased by .035 from the previous season in Augusta, indicating a significant improvement in plate discipline.
3. He finished the season strong. After posting BA's of .236 in May and .232 in June, he went .256 in July, .292 in August and .310 in 7 games in September.
The nice thing about drafting high school players is that there is more time to work through adjustments to new levels. As a young player for the level, Nick Noonan took a little longer to adjust, but demonstrated improvement in one vital area from the previous season and improvement throughout the season at the new level. Given his draft level, the Giants will give him every opportunity to succeed. He showed enough that he will almost certainly move on to AA for his age 21 season where he will still be young for the level.
One more point. Andy Baggerly originally had him in his Top 10, based on his conversations with Giants coaches development staff. BA's editors insisted that he drop Noonan in favor of Ehire Adrianza. While the Giants may be fairly criticized for lack of judgement about position players, how the organization views a player should not be ignored as it has an important impact on opportunities for advancement in the future.
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I am glad you finally decided to make your own blog. As an avid Giants fan my interest in Giant's prospects has been fueled by your knowledge and insight over the past five or so years. Although posting isn't normally my thing I am sure I speak for many when I say I appreciate the time and effort you have put into this blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the encouragement.
ReplyDeleteDo you think he's going to be ready to take over the starting second base job for the Giants in 2012 when Sanchez's contract is up? We would probably need to see two very big years from him if that's the plan going forward.
ReplyDelete2012 would be Nick's age 23 season, so that's what you would be hoping for. That's probably the best-case scenario. Might be a Molina done/Posey not quite ready type situation though.
ReplyDeleteLife time giants fan with a similar name
ReplyDeleteAfter watching infielders like crawford, burress and this adianza guy who i recently watched in san jose and was not impressed. Nick noonan is by far the best infield prospect the Giants have. He can play anywhere in the infield, has plus speed and a smooth swing at the plate. the kid deserves just as much if not more hype than these others...
ReplyDeleteThis noonan kid can flat out play, after following him the past few years i have noticed he carries himself like a pro, is a smart player with great baseball instincts... its a shame to see this going un-noticed and these other infielders getting more opportunities than he is, maybe im the only one that notices this guys potential and talents..
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