Since ballpark architecture switched from cookie cutter all-purpose stadiums to nuanced fields, outfield defense took on new importance. The San Francisco Giants need skilled defenders in their outfield and centerfield is a demanding assignment for an outfielder.

Clay Timpner is made to patrol center at AT&T park with the speed and defensive abilities present since he played college ball at the University of Central Florida. Baseball America named him the best defensive player in the Giants' organization
His big year in 2005 with San Jose got everyone excited; 85 runs scored, 160 hits, 22 doubles, 39 runs batted in. He led the California League in steals with 34 and hit twelve triples, another league best.

By comparison his 2006 season is a letdown. Timpner spent the year between Connecticut and Fresno and did not come close to the numbers he posted in 2005. The most telling numbers of his game, on-base percentage and steals, were down from .334 and 34 last season to .286 and sixteen in 2006.

A positive to Timpner's off year is what he did in Fresno. He hit significantly better in AAA than in AA Connecticut. With the Grizzlies Timpner hit low in the lineup at seventh and eighth and hit 58 points higher than when he hit primarily leadoff with the Defenders. His on-base percentage improved in Fresno as well at .315. His mark in Connecticut was .260.

He came into the draft with a lot of promise. The Giants picked Timpner in the fourth round after an excellent year at UCF. Under the guidance of Derek Wolfe, he was named an All-American that year after hitting .371 with six home runs and 43 stolen bases.

Timpner's tools keep him on the radar and make for high expectations. He needs to work on his on-base percentage to utilize his great baserunning abilities and he has shown limited power potential. He was not chosen for his bat but improvements to his hitting would put him a step above the also-rans looking for a spot in the outfield in Fresno and Connecticut. His final months at AAA to end the 2006 season point to something better for him. Now is the time for his production to match his prediction.