Kevin Frandsen

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked San Francisco Giants #6 prospect in 2007
  Frandsen was one of the Giants' most heartwarming stories in 2006. He dedicated himself to making the big leagues to honor his brother D.J., who lost a lifelong battle with cancer in 2004. After he got there, pitching coach Dave Righetti, who was D.J.'s favorite player, quietly insisted that Kevin take his uniform No. 19, which he had worn the number since 1981. Frandsen has marvelous bat control and profiles as a solid No. 2 hitter in the mold of Robby Thompson. He puts the ball in play consistently, uses the whole field and has occasional gap power. His baseball IQ is off the charts and he has plus makeup and maturity. Even when temperatures hit 112 degrees at Triple-A Fresno, he pestered the coaches for extra infield practice. Frandsen knows he must improve his on-base percentage and limit himself to pitches he can drive--a difficult task because he can put almost any pitch into play. He focused on working counts in the Arizona Fall League and had success. While he also played shortstop and third base in Triple-A, his range and arm are merely adequate and limit him to second base. The Giants would like him to polish his bunting skills. By hitting .388 in the Arizona Fall League, Frandsen improved his chances of opening 2007 as San Francisco's second baseman. But the Giants subsequently re-signed Ray Durham, so Frandsen will apprentice in a utility role.
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  Ranked San Francisco Giants #9 prospect in 2006
  Frandsen grew up 40 miles from Candlestick Park as a Giants fan, then attended San Jose State, where he became the Spartans' career hits leader (250). He bounced back from a broken collarbone to reach Triple-A Fresno and play in the Futures Game during his first full pro season. He finished the year by hitting .367 in the California League playoffs. Frandsen is an organizational favorite for his solid tools and off-thecharts makeup. He's fundamentally sound in the field and at the plate, where he has a simple swing and uses the whole field. His arm and range are excellent at second base and fringy at short. He has the hands to fill in at third base as well. Frandsen is getting the most out of his ability, so there's not much projection left. He can drive the ball to the gaps but has below-average home run power. He's not overly quick or fast. Frandsen reminds some of former all-star Robby Thompson, though with less power. At worst, he fits the profile of a useful utility player and could fill that role in San Francisco in