Clay Timpner

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked San Francisco Giants #14 prospect in 2006
  As a leadoff man and center fielder, Timpner was a key cog in San Jose's California League championship last year. Lenn Sakata has managed several of the system's top outfielders at San Jose the last two years and believes Timpner is the surest bet of all to be a big leaguer because of his defense and speed. Both of those tools earn 60 grades on the 20-80 scouting scale, and his average arm plays up because of his quick release and accuracy. Timpner needs to make better use of his wheels offensively to become an everyday player in the majors, however. He'll never be much of a home run threat, so he has to improve his jumps and reads to become a more efficient basestealer. He generally stays within himself, spraying the ball to all fields and showing gap power, and he has become a better bunter. He also holds his own against lefthanders. He must show more patience to stay at the top of a lineup, though his college and pro track records don't indicate he'll ever be more than average in that regard. Timpner will move up to Double-A this season.
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  Ranked San Francisco Giants #18 prospect in 2005
  A three-year starter at Central Florida, Timpner batted .371 and led the Atlantic Sun Conference in hits (96), doubles (20), triples (six) and steals (43) last spring. His track record and solid all-around tools prompted the Giants to draft him in the fourth round. He finished a strong pro debut by joining Fred Lewis and Eddy Martinez-Esteve in San Jose's outfield for the California League playoffs. He instantly became the best defensive outfielder in the system, as he's more accomplished than Lewis in center field. Timpner has above-average speed and maximizes his range by getting great jumps and taking good routes. His arm is average. He's an efficient basestealer who reads pitchers well, and he already is one of the better baserunners in the organization. San Francisco doesn't expect him to hit for power at the big league level, but still isn't sure how much he'll drive the ball or if he'll be a slap hitter. Timpner doesn't try to muscle up for home runs and was tired at season's end, but he had enough left to hit .367 in the playoffs. His bat will determine whether he can be an everyday center fielder or just a useful extra outfielder. He figures to return to high Class A to start 2005.