John Bowker

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked San Francisco Giants #9 prospect in 2008
  Bowker held his own over his first three minor league seasons, but hadn't flashed the power San Francisco expected when it drafted him in the third round. The power arrived at an unlikely place last season, as Bowker finished third in the pitching-dominated Eastern League with a .523 slugging percentage. Bowker arrived in spring training last year with added muscle and began to flourish when coaches suggested he stand closer to the plate. He combines the ability to hit for average--he's a career .296 hitter--with pull power. He has strong hands and can hit good fastballs. The Giants loves his aggressive approach and work ethic. He's limited to left field because he has below-average speed and his range and arm are adequate at best. San Francisco pulled the plug quickly after trying Bowker in center field. He has played right field as well, but it would be a stretch for him to man that position at spacious AT&T Park. Because dead-pull lefty hitters seldom fare well there, he'd be well served to work on driving the ball to all fields. His breakthrough earned Bowker a spot on the Giants' 40-man roster. Because they have a glut of young outfielders, including several lefthanded hitters, he'll need to continue putting up strong numbers to earn a permanent role in San Francisco.
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  Ranked San Francisco Giants #21 prospect in 2006
  Bowker didn't have a bad season in high Class A in 2005, but he didn't distinguish himself from the rest of his outfield competition in the system either. He has more raw power than most other San Francisco farmhands but hit just three homers in the first three months because he became too passive. The spacious right-field area in San Jose's Municipal Stadium also worked against him, as he hit just two homers at home all season. Bowker finished with a flurry, however, homering five times in his final eight games. He has premium lefthanded power, and the key to bringing it out is maintaining his aggressive approach. He had an injury-plagued career at Long Beach State, redshirting as a freshman because of problems with his right wrist, and still is gaining a feel for his all-out swing. He was too passive at the plate early during his poor start and got going once he started being aggressive again. Bowker's bat is his ticket. He's a below-average runner with decent outfield skills and a fringy arm. The Giants played him at first base in instructional league as a possible solution to their outfield logjam. Bowker needs a good spring training to earn a promotion to Double-A, especially if they keep him in the outfield for now.
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  Ranked San Francisco Giants #13 prospect in 2005
  Bowker missed all of 2002 with a broken right wrist before leading Long Beach State in homers each of the next two seasons. Offensive numbers are often misleading at the 49ers' Blair Field, a pitcher's paradise, but scouts didn't need stats to tell them the ball makes a different sound coming off Bowker's bat. He ranks among the Giants' best pure hitters thanks to above-average bat speed and excellent hand-eye coordination. He hit safely in 33 of 41 games during his pro debut. If he continues to fill out his athletic body, Bowker has the potential to hit for power and average. He trusts his quick hands, allowing him to wait on pitches and drive them the other way when needed. He isn't a great runner and is limited to an outfield corner, probably left field because his arm is fringe-average. Bowker's lefthanded bat is a nice complement to fellow 2004 draftee Eddy Martinez-Esteve's mashing from the right side. The duo should man the outfield corners in high Class A this year.