The Giants end their first draft day by selecting C/1B Tommy Joseph out of Horizon HS in Scottsdale, Arizona and 3B Chris Dominguez from Louisville. Let’s check ‘em out.
C/1B Tommy Joseph
- Read MLB.com’s Draft Pofile of Joseph
Joseph’s defense is considered little fringy behind the plate but he might be able to stick at the position if his glove can be at least adequate. The arm strength is there but his lack of mobility brings some concerns. At 18-years-old he’s already 6’1″ and 210lbs — so he could always get bigger. What Joseph can do is hit for power. He’s got good power to all fields and some impressive pull power. He could eventually end up at 1B. Check the video above around 2:30 to see Joseph’s entry in the 2009 Power Showcase at Tropicana Field. There’s no doubt he’s a big kid with some excellent raw power. I’ve heard player comps of Chris Synder, Mike Napoli, and Kelly Shoppach for Joseph. Even with Buster Posey already in the Giants system, this is a pretty nice pick. Joseph’s power potential is a major selling point.
3B Chris Dominguez
- MLB.com Video of Chris Dominguez
If you thought Tommy Joseph was big, you haven’t seen Chris Dominguez. The Lousiville third baseman stands 6’4″, 235lbs and like Jospeh, he’s got great power potential. In three years at Louisville (2007-2009) Dominguez has hit 15, 21, and 25 HR’s. Dominguez comes with some contact issues but he’s made some strides in cutting down his strike outs. He sports a strong throwing arm and good hands, but his range at 3B might not play at higher levels. In short, he’s a lot like Joseph in that he’s a big masher that eventually might have to pick up a first basemen’s mit.
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Quick Thoughts
The Giants have some nice potential (the biggest selling point for most prospects) in Joseph and Dominguez. Before the draft BA had Joseph and Dominguez ranked as the 49th and 85th best overall prospects in the 2009 draft. The Giants picked them up at 55th and 86th overall. So, it looks like the Giants picked them up at the right time. Despite the age difference — Joseph is 18-years-old and Dominguez 22-years-old — they profile as similar hitters. Both have above-average power. At this stage, Joseph probably has a better feel for hitting than Dominguez. Both also might not stay at their current positions. It’s very possible that in the future that they’ll be spending their time at first base.
At the major league level the Giants don’t have a lot of power — their team ISO ranks dead last in the NL — and it’s hard to argue with taking a gamble on some power bats outside of the 1st round. Nice picks by the Giants. It’ll be even nicer if they can stay at their respective positions.
