Sleeper Watch

The Giants are in the midst of a brutal skid that’s seen them drop nine and a half games behind San Diego in the NL West, but don’t blame Jason Ellison. The 27-year-old outfielder, drafted in the 22nd round in 2000 (661st overall), has exceeded all expectations and now looks like a solid piece of San Francisco’s future.

With all the talk and controversy about Barry Bonds (which, thanks in part to Ron Kittle’s new book, doesn’t show even the slightest signs of abating anytime in the foreseeable future), it’s been easy to overlook the players who have actually put on a Giants uniform this year. Ellison, in particular, hasn’t received nearly the attention he deserves for what is shaping up to be an excellent rookie campaign.

After hitting .315 at AAA Fresno last season, Ellison is proving that he’s equal to the challenge of facing big league pitching as well. In 53 games, he has posted a solid .320 average with a .367 on base percentage. Somewhat surprisingly, he’s also shown occasional pop, hitting four home runs already despite never recording more than nine in any of his five seasons in the minors. His OPS is a solid .870, also higher than any of his minor league marks.

Less surprising is Ellison’s speed. He swiped a career-high 27 bags at Fresno in 2004, and is eight for eight on stolen base attempts this year.

In NL-only leagues, the rookie OF is well worth a roster spot, particularly if you can spot start him when the Giants face a lefty, against whom he’s hitting .397 with a 1.020 OPS. He’s not quite Barry Bonds, of course, but then again, who is?