John Bowker

Bowker is developing a reputation as a Quad-A player, as he once again tore up the minors last year (.341/.450/.596) yet struggled mightily with San Francisco (.194/.247/.373). The sample size wasn’t sufficient, getting just 67 at-bats with the Giants, but he once again failed to leave a good impression. As a result, he’ll enter 2010 as nothing but a backup for the Giants, provided he can even make the team in spring training. There’s still some upside, but time is running out on the 26-year-old.

Bowker hit two homers with seven RBI during his first two major league games last year, but it was mostly downhill after that, as he finished with a .708 OPS and was later sent down to Triple-A. He struck out 74 times over 326 at-bats, so plate discipline is clearly a problem. He also posted a hideous .323 OPS against southpaws, so he's only an option against right-handers. Bowker has turned in underrated seasons in the minors, so he may still have a future in San Francisco. He'll enter 2009 battling for the starting first base job, but he's more likely to make the team as a bench player.

Bowker hit .307/.363/.523 with 22 homers for Double-A Connecticut last year. He was a little old for his level, but that's hardly a rarity within the Giants' farm system. Bowker was added to San Francisco's 40-man roster this season, and is a longshot to win a roster spot out of spring training.