Brett Pill

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked San Francisco Giants #12 prospect in 2012
  Pill was a lightly regarded prospect who pushed his way onto the Giants' 40-man roster by driving in 109 runs in Double-A in 2009. When he had an unremarkable Triple-A season in 2010, San Francisco designated him for assignment and he went unclaimed on waivers. Pill responded by forcing the issue yet again, hitting a career-high 25 homers and driving in 107 runs when he returned to Fresno last year. The run-starved Giants were so motivated to carve out a September roster space for Pill that they released outfielder Aaron Rowand and ate the $14 million owed him. Pill didn't disappoint, becoming just the second player in franchise history to homer in each of his first two big league games. He's a durable performer who has a simple swing, easy power and the ability to make consistent contact. He's an advanced hitter who uses the whole field in RBI situations. He likes to get his arms extended and will have to make adjustments to inside pitches. He also could stand to draw more walks and do a better job of recognizing pitches beneath the strike zone. Pill runs well for a big man once he gets going. He's an above-average first baseman with good actions and soft hands. He played some second base at Fresno, but he's little more than an emergency option there. With Brandon Belt and Aubrey Huff in the big leagues, San Francisco isn't sure how Pill will fit in the near future. But they certainly won't remove him from 40-man roster again. The Mets drafted his brother Tyler, a righthander, in the fourth round last June.
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  Ranked San Francisco Giants #21 prospect in 2010
  Pill wasn't a front-burner prospect, but the Giants couldn't forget the 47 doubles he hit while playing in a pitcher's park at Augusta in 2007. He inspired more chin-rubbing last summer after a banner season in another hitter's graveyard. Despite driving in just five runs in April, Pill led the Eastern League with 109 RBIs. His 37 doubles weren't a surprise, but his 19 homers exceeded expectations. He showed more power after standing more upright, moving closer to the plate and opening his stance. As a result, he was able to "turn and burn" on offspeed mistakes. Pill will have to keep developing pull power if he hopes to be a run producer at AT&T Park. Some worry that his swing is too long for him to hit consistently enough to be a big league regular. He doesn't draw a lot of walks, in part because he makes contact easily. Tall and rangy, Pill has terrific hands and is the best defensive first baseman in the system. He doesn't look pretty when he throws, but his arm is accurate and he gets rid of the ball quickly. He's a below-average runner but isn't a liability on the bases. After adding him to its 40-man roster, San Francisco is eager to see what he'll do in the lively Triple-A Pacific Coast League in 2010.
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  Ranked San Francisco Giants #25 prospect in 2008
  A former Cal State Fullerton standout whose pinch-hit triple ignited the winning rally in the 2004 College World Series clincher against Texas, Pill made major strides in his first full pro season to supplant Travis Ishikawa as the most promising first base prospect in the system. While Ishikawa regressed at the plate, crashing from the big leagues all the way back to high Class A, Pill racked up 10 homers and a South Atlantic League-leading 47 doubles while playing in a pitcher's park one level lower. The Giants believe he has serious power potential and put him on a strength program to add muscle to his long, lean frame. Most of his homers came from left-center to the left-field pole, but with added strength he could put many of those doubles over the wall. His long arms generate leverage in his swing, and he also makes surprisingly consistent contact for a big man. Coaches consider Pill the best defensive first baseman in the system, quite a statement considering Ishikawa's solid glove. Pill has outstanding hands, good instincts and average speed. Playing in the more hitter-friendly high Class A California League should boost his numbers this year.