Erick Threets

Threets is a 25-year-old relief prospect who finished with a nifty 2.86 ERA at Triple-A Fresno last year. His 51:44 K:BB in 63 IP, however, suggests he isn't likely to be of any help to the Giants this season.

Threets pitched ineffectively after missing all of 2004 with shoulder surgery. He once reached triple digits with his fastball, and the memory of that will get him opportunities for years to come. Check back in 2007.

Will begin the 2005 season in the minors.

Threets is 6-5, 240, and USA Today says that he has "the stuff of which legends are made -- the enormous left-hander may be one of the hardest throwers on the planet." However, he missed all of 2000 with Tommy John surgery rehab, then missed most of 2002 with sore biceps. When he returned, he posted numbers both scary and promising at high Single-A San Jose; 43 strikeouts in 28 innings, but also 28 walks and an ERA of 6.67. If Threets ever puts it all together, watch out. In the meantime, the Giants will likely post him at Double-A in 2003 and take their time with him.