Gary Brown – CF
SF Giants Top CF Prospect – Baseball America Handbook
Scouting Trips:
Seen in person 6 times
A+ California League Games
Born: September 28, 1988 Drafted: 1st Rd #24 2010
Best Tool: SPEED!
Gary Brown is the man. The 2010 1st round pick of the San Francisco Giants is a bundle of energy on the baseball field and could run his way to S.F. possibly sometime in 2012. As of June 5th, 2011 I’ve seen Brown play in person six times and he is a player to watch in the years to come. Gary Brown is fast – real fast. For Giants fans – think Darren Ford fast – but Brown may already have better instincts on the bases. When Brown gets on base – which has been quite often during the first half of 2011 for the San Jose Giants – he runs at any moment. I really like his stance at 1st when he is taking his lead. His right hand is up in the air almost like he is carrying a torch – he then explodes and gets to full speed as quick as any player in the California League. The Cal State Fullerton alum is also a very good center fielder because of that great speed. He is able to get to balls with ease and while his arm is not world class – he would have went much higher in the 2010 Draft if that was the case. The Giants are very fortunate to have a player like this who could be just a few short years away from the top of the lineup in S.F.
One of the things I really like about Brown is the fact that it seems like he is always on the top step of the dugout even when he is not coming up to bat anytime soon. He is very nice to the fans at the ballpark as well – as are most of the San Jose Giants players – at all 6 games I’ve been to Gary Brown has signed autographs. On the field I see a player who plays with great confidence and is very aggressive when he gets on base. He has some pop in his bat as well. I’ve seen him hit 2 HR’s in those 6 games, but I wouldn’t say he will ever be a 20-25 HR guy especially playing in San Francisco. Somewhere in the 10-18 HR range with plenty of doubles and triples is what fans can expect.
He certainly has the potential to lead the league in stolen bases it’s just a matter if he can get on base enough. The defense in the lower levels of the minor leagues is really bad compared to the Major Leagues. Brown is able to get on base sometimes on plays that would be “routine” at the MLB level – and I’ve seen at least 2 or 3 hits that would have been outs if an above average defender was making the play. As he moves up in levels he will need to try and take more walks and improve his plate discipline. He keeps his hands low while batting and that should keep his strike zone tight.
I am a huge S.F. Giants fan and Gary Brown has quickly become one of my favorite players in the organization. He might get the call to AA at some point during 2011 but the Giants may be cautious and take their time with him. They have another, very speedy outfielder named Francisco Peguero who will be playing in AAA by the end of June. But Brown was hitting near .370 on June 1st, 2011 so moving him up the latter wouldn’t be outside the norm.
Key Gary Brown Baseball Cards & Values
Prices Dated June 5, 2011 – Check the link for current market value on eBay.
2010 Bowman Chrome Draft Refractor Red #/5
Sold For: $93.00 + $2.00 s/h – May 24, 2011
2010 Bowman Chrome Gold Refractor Autograph #/50
Sold For: $102.50 + $2.99 s/h – June 5, 2011
