Sunday, September 7, 2008

Giants call up Gillaspie 3 months after drafting him

SAN FRANCISCO -- Third baseman Conor Gillaspie was called up from the low minors Saturday by the San Francisco Giants, a quick promotion for a player who was drafted three months ago.

Gillaspie batted .269 with seven doubles and 15 RBIs while splitting time between the Arizona Rookie League and Class-A Salem-Keizer. He is the first player from this year's draft class to reach the majors.

The 21-year-old former Wichita State standout was the 37th player selected in the June draft and he spent only 91 days in the minors before getting called up. It is the fastest a Giants player has ever reached the majors after being drafted.

"We consider him to be a fast-track player," general manager Brian Sabean said. "He plays a position of need for us and we feel it is extremely important to go into this offseason knowing as much about him and the position as possible."

To make room on their 40-man roster, the Giants sent outfielder Clay Timpner outright to Triple-A Fresno.


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