Brandon Belt

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked San Francisco Giants #1 prospect in 2011
  Belt first drew the attention of scouts as a pitcher at Hudson High (Lufkin, Texas), showing an 88-93 mph fastball from the left side and a solid feel for throwing strikes. The Red Sox drafted him in the 11th round in 2006 but couldn't sign him, as he opted instead to attend San Jacinto (Texas) JC. He had more success as a hitter than a pitcher at San Jac, and turned down another 11th-round offer (this one from the Braves) in 2007 to attend Texas as a full-time first baseman. He had a closed stance and an armsy swing that served him well with a metal bat (.961 OPS as a junior), but scouts weren't sold on his approach. Longtime Giants crosschecker Doug Mapson urged his team to take a fifth-round gamble on Belt in 2009 because of his athleticism and knowledge of the strike zone, a move that has paid off bigger than anyone could have forecasted. He held out all summer before agreeing to a slightly over-slot $200,000 bonus, signing too late to make his pro debut. In instructional league following the 2009 season, Belt made rapid progress after coaches had him try an upright, open stance. "All we did was square him up and give him some direction back toward the middle," San Francisco farm director Fred Stanley said. "Just kind of freed him up so his hips and hands can work . . . and my goodness." Belt exploded in 2010, dominating on three levels. He batted .352/.455/.620 while moving from high Class A San Jose to Triple-A Fresno, leading the minors in hitting and OPS while ranking second in on-base percentage. He continued to batter pitchers in the Arizona Fall League, where he hit .372/.427/.616. Belt combines tremendous plate discipline with an up-themiddle approach that serves him well against lefthanders and righthanders alike. He makes adjustments from pitch to pitch--something almost unheard of for a firstyear pro--and enjoys the mental side of hitting. His power is through the middle of the field, and he should be good for at least 20 homers a year. His ability to make consistent hard contact could provide the Giants a lefthanded version of Buster Posey in the very near future. Belt is built like a beanpole but has no glaring weaknesses. He runs well for his size, has average speed and is a smart baserunner. He has plus range and hands at first base, where he could contend for Gold Gloves. His athleticism also led to a trial on the outfield corners late last season, and he performed well. He understands where to position himself has enough arm strength for right field. His intelligence and aptitude are off the charts. Belt's pro debut was so overwhelmingly successful that Giants GM Brian Sabean was willing to consider handing him an everyday job on Opening Day, knowing he might have a young Luis Gonzalez or Larry Walker on his hands. More likely, Belt will start 2011 in Triple-A with San Francisco hoping he'll force a promotion, much like Posey did last May.

Minor League Top Prospects

• 
  Ranked Pacific Coast League #4 prospect in 2011
  After leading the minors in hitting (.352) and OPS (1.075) in his 2010 pro debut, Belt opened this season in the San Francisco but returned to Fresno in mid-April. He shuttled back and forth, missing a month when an errant pitch fractured his left wrist at the end of May. While he never really got going in the majors, scouts still think he has a special bat. Belt has a very patient approach, letting the ball travel deep and utilizing the opposite field well. He bent over too much in his stance early in the season but later became more upright, which will allow him to tap into his average to plus power. He projects as a .300 hitter with 20 or more homers per season. Belt is a potential Gold Glover at first base, where he has more range and athleticism than most players. His average speed permits him to get the job done on the outfield corners as well, with his average arm best suited for left field.
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  Ranked Arizona Fall League #4 prospect in 2010
  Belt's surprising performance in his first pro season continued in the AFL as the lefthanded hitter batted a solid .372/.427/.616 for the champion Scottsdale Scorpions. He showed impressive power to all fields and plus defense. His makeup and approach are off the charts, and one scout praised Belt for his even-keeled personality. Like Ackley, Belt also hit better in the second half of the season. Belt, 22, likely will return to Triple-A, where he finished 2010 after starting the season in the California League. He's the Giants first baseman of the future.
• 
  Ranked Eastern League #4 prospect in 2010
  Belt brought one of the minors' best stories to the Eastern League for 46 games, blazing through the league on his way to Triple-A and leading the minors in batting (.352) and OPS (1.075) in his first full season. Scouts like Belt but aren't sure how high his ceiling is, as he's not a typical mashing first baseman. He has a low-maintenance, compact swing that helps him hit the ball with authority to all fields. He manages the strike zone well, showing the ability to pounce early in the count as well as work deep when needed. The athletic Belt plays excellent defense at first. He dabbled on the outfield corners and has the fringe-average speed and strong arm to be an average defender there.
• 
  Ranked California League #2 prospect in 2010
  Roundly praised as the league's best pure hitter, Belt hit a stunning .383/.492/.628 in three months before batting .337/.413/.623 for Double-A Richmond. The Giants have improved Belt's swing, and he now stands more upright and doesn't cut off his swing. He uses quick hands and a smooth stroke to square up balls, and he controls the strike zone well. Most of his current power goes to the opposite field, but he should generate more pull power as he gains strength and experience. Belt is a solid defender at first base and has enough athleticism and arm strength to play an outfield corner, which he did after his promotion. Surprisingly fast for his size, he has average speed and is a smart baserunner.

Top 100 Rankings

• Ranked Baseball America's #23 prospect in 2011

• August, 2010 Scouting Report
  Belt's surprising performance in his first pro season continued in the AFL as the lefthanded hitter batted a solid .372/.427/.616 for the champion Scottsdale Scorpions. He showed impressive power to all fields and plus defense. His makeup and approach are off the charts, and one scout praised Belt for his even-keeled personality. Like Ackley, Belt also hit better in the second half of the season. Belt, 22, likely will return to Triple-A, where he finished 2010 after starting the season in the California League. He's the Giants first baseman of the future.