I think it took too long for mgmt to give up and commit to the young-uns. At least they seem to have committed now, though. There is some hope for the future. In addition to the ones you mentioned, the sixth pick in each round in the next draft should help, based on the past few drafts. Then there's also Posey, who seems to be fast-tracked.

The 16-year-old out of the Dominican seems like a good signing, and along with Villalona, represents a good direction for the future.

I think the Giants can look at being contenders as early as 2010.