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by Bill Ballew -- Choptalk -- December 2000
Last year, ChopTalk rated Rafael Furcal the No. 1 prospect in the Braves' farm system. Today he's the National League Rookie of the Year. So, what's next for Marcus Giles?
Giles is rated the organization's No. 1 prospct this year by ChopTalk, based on his continued progress that includes a composite .320 batting average in four seasons as a professional. That's just not the kind of hitter you can keep down on the farm for long.
"Marcus is an offensive player who sometimes gets bored with the league he's in," said Dick Balderson, Atlanta's director of player personnel. "Once he makes his adjustments at the plate, he's ready for another challenge. He should get that next Spring by moving up to Richmond."
The MVP of his league in both 1998 and 1999, Giles slowed down a little last season at Double-A Greenville. All he did was earn spots in the Southern League and Double-A All-Star games, as well as in the All-Star Futures Game played at Turner Field. To dispel any concern over his "setback," he's threatening to win the batting title in the highly regarded Arizona Fall League.
Giles' average was around .250 over the first two months of this past season, but he blistered pitchers the last two months. As a result, he ended the year with a .290 batting average along with 17 home runs, 62 RBIs and a career-high 25 stolen bases.
"My average was not quite where I wanted it, but I think I made more strides defensively," Giles said. "I also stole some bases. That's something I wanted to incorporate into my game this year. My goal was to get 20, and I got there."
Can a 53rd-round draft pick like Giles make it to the majors? Well, Mets All-Star Mike Piazza was a 62nd round pick in 1988. So, don;t count out the 5-8, 180-pound second baseman from El Cajon, California.
Giles possesses line-drive power to all fields, and has proven capable of filling any slot in the batting order. He's also made tremendous progress defensively over the past three years, thanks in large part to the help of Glenn Hubbard when both were at Macon in 1998. While his range is not spectacular, Giles is a consistent defender with a strong arm who work hard in all phases of his game.
"I'm pleased with the progress I'm making," Giles said. "I've moved up a step every year. That's the pace everyone shoots for when they sign. Now I'm at the point where a lot of things can happen, both in Atlanta and wit