Jesse Foppert

Foppert appeared in just one game for the Giants last season as he recovered from the elbow surgery he underwent in 2003. He is expected to extend his rehabilitation through spring training, but should be good to go as he competes for a prominent role in the Giants roster. It's difficult to predict if he will crack the rotation, but he could be a nice steal on draft day if he performs well in the spring.

Just when Foppert appeared to have shaken his control issues, he blew out his elbow in August. Tommy John surgery will keep him out for all of 2004. Watch for him in winter ball later this year.

Foppert impressed the Giants in his first full minor-league season in 2002, going 3-3, 2.64 in 11 starts at Double-A, and then 3-6, 3.99 in 14 Triple-A starts. Struck out 183 batters in just 140 innings at both levels combined. Got struck with a little gopheritis in Triple-A (12 HR allowed in 79 IP), so we'd expert Foppert, who'll turn 23 in July, to start 2003 in Triple-A. Depending on his progress and potential attrition amongst Giants' starters, could get a shot at the big league rotation in 2003 or 2004.