Giants sign Rafael Rodriguez

The Giants today announced that they signed Rafael Rodriguez, the highly touted right-fielder from the Dominican. I didn't want to mention his name before in case it fell through - I was being superstitious and didn't want to jinx it in any way - though I did refer to him a few times. They had to wait until he turned 16 on Sunday. The Giants, as usual, did not release the bonus figure, but the agent announced that it was $2.55M, the largest ever given in franchise history to an amateur player. Of course, Posey should and will pass that up easily when he signs with the team.

Like Villalona, the previous high mark in bonus paid, Rodriguez is a physical specimen: though only just turning 16 years old, he is already 6' 5" and 198 pounds. The talk is that he has five tools, and I've see comparisons with Vladimir Guerrero and now Andres Galarraga (which I've seen for Villalona before but he's not really a five-tool player either).

Felipe Alou was duly impressed (though I've yet to find him not to be duly impressed with our signings and prospects). He believes Rodriguez will add bulk to his body, though at 16 years of age, most people do add bulk to their frames during that age range, it is just the way the human body works. He also likes the way Rodriguez carries himself: "He's a very confident young person."

Giants Thoughts

The Giants need plus position prospects added. They have now added Villalona and Rodriguez, and hopefully Posey soon. That is exactly what the Giants need and they are doing it. The Giants future leaders in the lineup appears to be set, with Rowand perhaps still contributing in the early 2010's. I think the Giants are doing a good job thus far.