Giants’ scout who recommended Bill Mueller, Brandon Belt wins big honor

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The winter meetings are not just about wheeling and dealing, where all was quiet with the Giants on Tuesday morning. Awards are presented, too, and the Giants’ scout who recommended Brandon Belt, Bill Mueller, Kyle Crick, Kelby Tomlinson and others is getting a big one.

In a banquet Wednesday night, Todd “Tiny” Thomas will be honored as one of three Scouts of the Year after a vote of his contemporaries throughout baseball.

One award is given for each of three regions. A’s special assistant Grady Fuson and Blue Jays special assignment scout Russ Bove also won. Thomas’ territory includes northern Texas and northern Louisiana.