Atlanta Braves Preliminary Prospect List
by John Sickels on Oct 10, 2011 11:01 AM EDT
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PrintFirst run-through on the Braves got me 52 names, which I have whittled down to 40. Comments and suggestions welcome.
Nick Ahmed SS
Christian Bethancourt C
Billy Bullock RHP
Yeliar Castro RHP
Matt Chaffee LHP
Erik Cordier RHP
Todd Cunningham OF
Dimaster Delgado LHP
Randall Delgado RHP
Brandon Drury 3B
Chris Garcia 1B
Cody Gearrin RHP
Sean Gilmartin LHP
Phil Gosselin 2B
J.R. Graham RHP
David Hale RHP
Brandon Hicks 3B
J.J. Hoover RHP
Mycal Jones OF
Mark Lamm RHP
Tommy La Stella 2B
Kyle Kubitza 3B
Matt Lipka SS
Joe Leonard 3B
Cody Martin RHP
Chris Masters LHP
Adam Milligan OF
Navery Moore RHP
Tyler Pastornicky SS
Carlos Perez LHP
Wilkin Ramirez OF
Todd Redmond RHP
Edward Salcedo 3B
Gus Schlosser RHP
Andrelton Simmons SS
Zeke Spruill RHP
Julio Teheran RHP
Joey Terdoslavich 1B
Anthony Varvaro RHP
Arodys Vizcaino RHP
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My Top Ten ...
1. Julio Teheran
2. Randall Delgado
3. Arodys Vizcaino
4. Christian Bethancourt
5. Tyler Pastornicky
6. Sean Gilmartin
7. Andrelton Simmons
8. Edward Salcedo
9. Matt Lipka
10. Carlos Perez
Minor Leagues still deep in pitching and has some very exciting young position athletes in development. Lipka, according to the AJC, has begun work in center field this fall – could be interesting.
by bravesfaninchitown on Oct 10, 2011 11:33 AM EDT reply actions
No J.J. Hoover?
Adoptive father of 18th round draft pick and future ace, BRANDON ALLEN
by Nnamdi Asomugha on Oct 10, 2011 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions
interesting a prospect fan outside of Orgs. choices would be:
1. Julio Teheran
2. Randall Delgado (though the gap has narrowed IMO)
3. Arodys Vizcaino
4. Sean Gilmartin
5. Tyler Pastornicky
6. Chris Bethancourt
7. Brandon Drury
8. JJ Hoover
9. Edward Salcedo
10. Nick Ahmed
11. Adrelton Simmons
12. Carlos Perez
by SteveHoffmanSlowey on Oct 10, 2011 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Simmons is way, way too low
How in the world can you put him below Ahmed?
I have
1. Julio Teheran
2. Randall Delgado
3. Arodys Vizcaino
4. J.J. Hoover
5. Edward Salcedo
6. Andrelton Simmons
7. Sean Gilmartin
8. Christian Bethancourt
9. Brandon Drury
10. Tyler Pastornicky
11. Matt Lipka
12. Carlos Perez
13. Zeke Spruill
14. Joey Terdoslavich
15. Cody Martin
Adoptive father of 18th round draft pick and future ace, BRANDON ALLEN
by Nnamdi Asomugha on Oct 10, 2011 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Drury not being in the top 10 is just asinine.
by JoelGuzman'sScout on Oct 10, 2011 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Why ...
Drury had a great year but that doesn’t constitute a top ten ranking yet. Remember, he hit .198 in his debut in 2010 plus he hasn’t even played a year of full season ball. Let’s face it – the APPY League is not the ultimate proving ground. Yes, he is a very exciting player and I think he has a bright future – probably in the mid teens for a ranking – but he needs to prove it in a full season environment before he breaks the top ten IMO.
by bravesfaninchitown on Oct 10, 2011 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Two you could be missing:
Edison Sanchez.
He was the player of the year for the Braves at the age of 18 in the DSL. After being injured a good bit last year, he displayed solid ISD and ISO this year in the Appy League. He’s a big guy and looks like one with a high ceiling. He does strike out a lot, but seems like a player that should be well within the Braves’ top 40.
Cory Harrilchak
Harrilchak was considered by some in the blogosphere last year as the Braves’ best outfield prospect. That was not necessarily my opinion, and I thought he would get exposed after the transition to AA this year. It looked like that at the beginning of the year, but he adjusted, hitting .298/.365/.433 in the second half. He reportedly adds some good defense to the package with the ability to play in center.
Others (in that list of 52, I guess?):
Hector Garcia
Cory Rasmus
David Rohm
Andy Otero
Benino Pruneda
Abrahim Espinosa
Jaye Chapman
Caleb Brewer
harrilchak
I’m a skeptic about Harrilchak but people are going to ask me about him, so I should put him in.
All those other guys were looked at and cut for various reasons.
by John Sickels on Oct 10, 2011 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Skeptical
Yes, I hear you there.
As I said, I was surpirsed by his resurgence in AA in the 2nd half. I am guessing he will be among the top 25 on a lot of the Braves’ blog sites. I am not sure he belongs that high, but he might be more worth mentioning than some of the lower probability relief arms.
Age?
Is it his age or that he has been bumping around at the top of the farm for a couple of years?
He has hit well in AAA and his glove is pretty good, though neither bat nor glove looked good in the short MLB stint.
Along those lines, are Constanza and Mejia too old or too well traveled to be considered? It seems like a fine line between Hicks and these guys.
K's
Hicks has an absurd K% and doesn’t have the power to back it up. If he could ever cut his K% in 1/2, then he could be a decent player, but @ 26, the time is running out.
I think he’s acceptable to keep in the “role player/backup” category so I wouldn’t necessarily drop him from a list of 40 though.
I really like Cody Martin, big sleeper for me.
Adoptive father of 18th round draft pick and future ace, BRANDON ALLEN
by Nnamdi Asomugha on Oct 10, 2011 1:42 PM EDT reply actions
Some misses on the list
Interesting most are fairly old on the ARL curve (trying to avoid restating parish’s list):
Evans Gattis, C, A-: Older prospect because he spent a few years after HS “finding himself”. Got in better shape this year and dominated Sally pitching: .322/.386/.601. Wouldn’t surprise me if another big year puts him in contention for #1 hitting prospect in the system.
William Beckwith, 1B, R: a JuCo prospect who came alive behind Drury in his 2nd year of pro ball: .282/.395/.534.
Jairo Ascencio / Stephen Marek / Jaye Chapman, RP, AAA: Our AAA team had a host of relievers (along with Gearrin) that many Braves’ fans valued highly. Ascencio was very good in AAA but didn’t leave an impression in limited MLB innings; Marek didn’t allow a run until the end of April and then TJ sirgery hit in early May; Chapman was an unsung hero for that staff.
Chase Larsson, OF, R: ‘11 draft pick who’s shown a decent power/patience combo, although he does need to show more with the hit tool: .250/.361/.438
I would reiterate parish’s naming of Rohm though: like Harrilchak, he had a rough 1st half that dropped him from the prospect lists, but rebounded nicely after the AS break: .325/.366/.474.
Don’t think any would be consider for a top 10 or anything, but I’d put them all above Todd Redmond who’ve we allowed to waste away in AAA for the last 3 years while pitching decently there
guys
I looked at all of those guys and cut them for various reasons. Some could be reinstated. The Twins list was 45 and I’m going to have to cut some guys I wrote about.
by John Sickels on Oct 10, 2011 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I guess the list depends on what you're trying to do
If you’re putting together this list to see who are the candidates for a top 25 or so, then really all I’d bother with is Gattis and possibly Harrilchak and Ascencio if there’s a weak crop toward the bottom. Gattis is making some noise and causing Braves’ fans to overlook the ARL due to his extenuating circumstances, and if the bat continues to play, then he could come fast. Not sure if Gattis’ age will allow him to remain at C though, since at 25, you have to promote the bat regardless of the D. Ascencio (Middle Relief) and Harrilchak (4th OF if an injury or 2 hits) could play minor roles in the bigs next season. The rest would prolly need a year or 2 to make more of a statement to (re)establish true prospect status so as to snag a spot on such a list.
If you’re making the list because you want to have a complete “Others” section, then it changes things a little. Then you may want to focus a little more on those who could have a chance to become a prospect down the road. In that case, all the guys on both lists may deserve a little attention.
cuts
I think I’m going to reinstate Harrilchak, and Gattis is certainly interesting. Ascencio is old, albeit interesting. I could dump redmond and put him in…although I expect redmond will surprise people if he gets a chance
by John Sickels on Oct 10, 2011 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions
cuts
I do agree with Redmond (seen him pitch a few times and he does have “pitchability” in that his stuff plays up), but it appears that we’ve decided his more of an org guy and I think we even resigned him as an MiLB FA last year so I think it’s more than just us. I’d prolly also cut Chris Garcia. We signed him after he played Indy ball for 2 years and while he hit well for A- ball, I don’t think he did well enough to make us change any plans. Don’t know too much about Castro or the recent P draftees though.
Top 15
1. Julio Teheran
2. Arodys Vizcaino
3. Randall Delgado
4. Edward Salcedo
5. Christian Bethancourt
6. Andrelton Simmons
7. Tyler Pastornicky
8. Carlos Perez
9. Sean Gilmartin
10. Zeke Spruill
11. Joseph Terdoslavich
12. Matt Lipka
13. J.J. Hoover
14. Brandon Drury
15. Todd Cunningham
The top 3 are the clear cream of the crop. The next four are the division below and then the last eight, in my opinion. After that, the talent drops off a bit, with maybe, J.R.Graham, Ahmed, Milligan, and Mycal Jones the next few to keep an eye on.
Have a problem with Salcedo so high – although I think he has an obvious huge ceiling that ranking is a little high – here is why IMO :
1. 47 Errors – this is the second year in a row that his error total is off the charts
2. In July and August his slash line was .189/.244/.221 – anemic at best
3. throw in June to the mix his line was .215/.275/.373 – better but still bad
So, for the last 2 1/2 months he obviously wasn’t hitting on all cylinders – a sign of poor conditioning – I don’t know but still a concern for such a high ranking. Again, obvious high ceiling but let’s make him earn it.
by bravesfaninchitown on Oct 10, 2011 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Totally understand your position on Salcedo
I happen to believe in the raw tools developing and the projection of the athletic body.
He showed somethng in the 1st half, enough to believe he will keep making progress and approach his incredibly high ceiling.
I could see putting Simmons, Bethancourt, and Pastornicky ahead of him, if you note what I said about the grouping of the prospects.
Personally I think those 3 are clearly ahead of him
All of them project to have significantly more defensive value than Salcedo and its not like scouts seem especially high on Salcedo’s tools at this point. Honestly, it seems like your ranking is based as much on his signing bonus as anything else.
You imply that he has amazing raw tools
Scouts don’t seem to agree with that anymore. He couldn’t even manage to crack his league top 20. My guess is you believe he has amazing raw tools because he got a big signing bonus. If you have another reason for believing that, then feel free to share it and I’ll consider it. You didn’t exactly include any reasoning in your post outside of saying he has an incredibly high ceiling (presumably because of his raw tools) and the projection of his athletic body. I’m not sure why you would consider it insulting for someone to assume you were basing those beliefs of his signing bonus as you don’t actually include any reasons for believing it.
Use a thesaurus
Raw tools and athletic projection are not just another way of saying signing bonus.
I have seen the guy down in Orlando this spring. He is a physical specimen and looks like he projects to major power. He had a good arm and decent D, though SS is above his head.
His approach at the plate seemed raw and immature, with bad pitch recognition, but these seem like things that he could possibly improve. As I have already said, his first half made it look like he made strides in these areas.
I do give credibility to scouts because I am not one and they know more than I, but I am not sure which have done an about face on Salcedo’s tools.
Should I assume you are making this up as you did not name them specifically? Seems equivalent to the signing bonus comment.
And you complained my post was insulting?
Obviously, but since you didn’t include any actual reasoning on his tools, that was the first assumption I made on where you were getting that from.
Including this in you initial post would have been helpful. I agree that he looks like a physical specimen, but in some ways that makes me question how much projection is left as there isn’t a whole lot of room left to fill out.
As for what scouts have to say, I know Mike Newman is not especially high on Salcedo, and the fact that he couldn’t even crack the top 20 prospects in the SAL is pretty telling on what scouts down there had to say about him. Considering a guy like Tyler Matzek can still make the list despite his dismal performance shows that actual elite tools can still get you ranked. I’m assuming that Salcedo didn’t get ranked because his tools aren’t all that elite.
Guess I took a shot back at you.
Truce?
I thought the Sally League was pretty stacked.
It may be a little presumptuous to assume that scouts (plural) are not that high on Salcedo’s tools because one ranked him at least several slots below Tyler Matzek.
I had not read what Mike Newman had to say about Salcedo, but I would be interested in it.
It was never my intent to take a shot at you
Not sure why you would take so much offense to that comment. I wasn’t even accusing you of consciously doing it. All the time in prospecting, guys continue to be overrated because they were ranked highly when they were drafted or got big bonuses as IFAs. Its just an inherent bias that happens to take place. Just look at what some people still said about Tim Beckham even after it became clear that the tools talked about at draft time just weren’t there.
As for the BA list, its not just based on what one scout has to say. Its a ranking based on what the ranker heard from scouting and coaching sources within the league. Obviously I’m making a bit of an inference on their reasoning, but it would make sense. I’m just not sure what tools are really there besides the arm and raw power (which hasn’t translated to games at all really).
Something to that, then.
It does factor in.
It is hard to ignore an organization with a notoriously good scouting department and a stingy budget giving out its largest international bonus ever just a couple of seasons ago.
Last highly rated IFA hitting prospect that worked out for us?
The Braves have done a better job than most evaluating and developing (that seems to get overlooked too often) domestic talent, along with IFA pitchers, but do they really have that great of a track record with IFA hitters? Obviously Prado eventually worked out, but I credit the player development people much more so than the scouts for that one. Other than that its tough to think of any other good IFA hitters we’ve produced (remember Yunel was a draft pick and relatively old when he was chosen). I may be missing someone really obvious or something, but no one really comes to mind off the top of my head.
As much as anything, I think the price tag the Braves paid for Salcedo points to the fact that they realized they didn’t have any real bats in the system after Heyward and Freeman, and he was a calculated risk that they hoped would give the system a boost if he panned out. He still could, but I think his star his dimmed significantly since the time of his signing.
Andrus
Obviously more valuable for his defense, but heis hitting enough to be an MLB starter on a pretty good team.
Other than that, yep, the track record is pretty awful.
very high on Perez
He’s got a nice LH arm, but he’s raw. When I watched him, he looked an awful lot like a future reliever.
Bethancourt
Figure I’d start some topics here for a deeper dive. This is the 1st.
See that a lot are high on this kid, but I’ve never really seen it. Sure, you can fall in love with the upside, but all he’s shown in his 4 years in the minors is an empty average and up and down D. We’re starting to see the ARL catch up to him a little bit, and I just don’t see it yet. I do agree that as soon as the light comes on, then he could come fast, but is there anything other than upside that people are seeing here? Is there something that people see that makes them think that the light could come on?
Saying he's played 4 years in the minors is really deceptive
Between 2008 and 2009 he played a grand total of just 80 games. He was still quite young for the SAL and posted great numbers for a C there this year. He struggled in the CAR league, but there aren’t all that many 19 year olds playing at that level. He’s also got an exciting upside as an athletic catcher with an arm that could garner some 80 grades. He’s probably still at least 3 years off, but he’s got a decent shot of at least being a backup C if he can refine his defensive tools and has a high ceiling with the only real question being whether or not he can draw enough walks.
I understand the company line
and I understand the upside argument, but they’re starting to get old. 90 Gs is fine for a Short Season ball C over 2 years. His arm is great and has translated to CS success, but his bat is much further than you suggest: as you state, his BB% is concerning, and his Iso has hovered around .100 to below for the last 2 years.
Look, I hope that he’s turned the corner with the rest of his D and could also turn his bat around, but I’m looking for the signs that he has…
He ISO'd well over .100 when playing in the SAL this year
You can’t really hold the fact that he hasn’t shown a lot of power in his very aggressive assignments against him. His K rate in the SAL was also quite promising this year. No one is saying he isn’t raw, but there is obviously a ton of upside there.
And yet, when adding in the other 1/2 season
he still managed to ISO under .100 for the entire season. Looong way to go with the bat…
Well he was incredibly young for the Carolina League
He was young for the SAL and still managed an ISO well over .100 there, which was the entirety of my point. No one claimed he played well in the CAR.
Guess my point was lost here...
If he had a well over .100 Iso, then gets promoted for 1/2 season (actually a little less in terms of AB’s), then he drops below that figure – then something doesn’t add up…
As I stated, I understand the upside argument and apparently the D is coming around, and yes, I hope he makes it to his true upside. But I see a lot of follow Braves’ fans blindly following him due to scouting reports on an upside that is getting harder and harder to see from the numbers he’s throwing up. Sure, he’s young, but he’ll be 20 next year (21 in Sept) and playing A+ ball in all likelihood – which is young, but it’s not like he’s busting the ARL curve. Sure, he’s got upside with the bat, but in the 2 years of full season ball, his line about .255/.277/.330 outside of that 1/2 season… when he was repeating a league… and still had an OPS around .750 (which isn’t exactly in the “world-beater” category). Just seems that if he’s your #4 prospect (not you…) then our farm is very weak.
Not sure what doesn't add up
He was a 19 year old in the Carolina League that also had to focus on handling a brand new pitching staff after the promotion. Yeah, if he’s posting a similar ISO there after a couple months next year I would worry, but if he’s back around a .100 ISO then who cares?
Arm
“Up and down D” is a little unfair. His arm is exceptional, judging by his pop times.
He made progress at the plate this year and he probably doesn’t have to hit that much to make the majors with his ability to control the running game.
No one questions the arm
But many of the reports I’ve seen have questioned anything from his work ethic to his baseball IQ in calling a game. If Ps don’t like pitching to you, then controlling the running game means very little.
Old reports
Unless I am mistaken, those reports are prior to the last season.
I heard he was influenced, following last season, by a former Braves’ catcher and has since “seen the light.”
Thanks
This is the “sign” that I’m looking for. Link?
Cannot remember where I saw this.
It was something of an ongoing narrative as I recall. It was probably on Talking Chop, but I do not have time to look for a link right now.
Javy Lopez worked with him during ST this season.
Daffy Duck goes to bed at 10:00 every night, except on New Year's Eve, he goes to bed at 8:30.
by bwellnjonesco on Oct 11, 2011 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions
He's also an elite athlete for the position
So he has more than just the arm working for his defensive upside.
A Simmons
I like this kid, but his frame is really slight. Does anyone think he can hit for enough power that he just wouldn’t be overwhelmed by higher level pitching? Can someone keep up his #‘s at the plate while having as little power as he does while climbing the ladder? Not to say that his D alone wouldn’t make him a decent SS in the bigs, but can he be anything more than a D-only guy?
Not sure why power would be necessary to not be overwhelmed by higher level pitching
As long as he can keep his K rate low, he should be just fine offensively. Obviously he’s unlikely to ever post an ISO much north of .100 if he doesn’t change his swing/approach, but its certainly possible to still post above league average OBPs with that little power.
I've seen scouts point to power as one of the biggest markers
of success climbing the org ladder. Basically, a hit tool only means so much if a P can just challenge you without fear of being hurt. There are a few players who can overcome complete lack of power and yet still have decent success at the plate, but they are very few and far between.
Think on it: can you name more than 10 MLB starters that have hit .280 or higher for consecutive season and having an ISO under .100? Even if we change out BA for OBP and put the cutoff at .340? I can spot you Jamey Carroll and Michael Bourn, and I’m pretty sure that Ozzie Smith did it toward the end of his career. Any more? I’m sure they’re out there, but there simply isn’t too many. When thinking on a prospect you can project to the MLB level, is it safe to project him as an outlier and someone who can do this? Seems a little bold to me. 2x so when right now, I’m thinking that a .100 Iso may be a great season out of Simmons…
List of guys
Juan Pierre, Ichiro, Andrus, Figgins, Theriot, Luis Castillo, Eckstein, and Jason Kendall among guys who have been active in the past couple years that have done that for their careers. With Carroll and Bourn that’s already 10 right there.
Guys who just missed the cutoff on ISO or AVG/OBP include Bartlett, Polanco, Gardner, Posednik, Grudzielanek, Keppinger, and Vizquel.
That’s all with barely any effort looking into it. You also have to keep in mind that Simmons doesn’t need to hit for a .280 average or a .340 OBP to be a good player because he has a good glove at SS. And its entirely possible that Simmons could eventually surpass that level, as he posted a .097 ISO this past season despite being quite raw and he can still add some mass without losing too much range at 6’2" and just 170 lbs.
sure, why not
He’s already much more advanced offensively at this point than I thought he was going to be. I wouldn’t have been shocked if his OPS had been around .700 playing in the Sally League, so for him to produce like he did this year in the Carolina League was very promising.
M Jones
Another kid that I like although for a much different reason than Simmons. Has shown flashes of being a very good player, but has longer periods of being very average to below.
Just feeling for others’ thoughts here…
I agree
I thought he would have a had a big year, but it didn’t happen. Injuries haven’t helped either
Speed, BB rate, Versatility
I don’t think Jones is one of the top prospects, but these three things could make him useful.
he's not a top prospect but
he could defintely help the team out down the road
Drury vs Kubitza
They both played 3B in rookie ball with Kubitza DH’ing and Drury either playing 2B or DH’ing when the other played 3rd. In all honesty, these 2 are closer than you’d think since Drury took the MVP award. Drury has a nice hit tool, but the patience is concerning (6 BB’s in 278 PA’s). Kubitza was a ‘11 college draftee (3rd round? I know many were surprised he went as high as he did…), but showed a nice hit tool with decent patience (.302/.407). Drury has the edge in power now, but Kubitza had a year to adjust to wood bats and more physical projection. Both project to average to above defensively. I understand that Drury is getting the love because of the BA, but I’m not so sure Kubitza isn’t the better prospect. Thoughts?
Drury is over 2 years younger
Really as simple as that
Comments, too.
I think I was impressed by this comment from the BA Appy League chat:
“Drury was the player that league observers most frequently brought up unsolicited, ranking him at or near the top of their prospect lists.”
Tommy La Stella
I had the opportunity to see this kid in Rome as well and he’s a very good hitter. He’s not that big but he hits the ball extremely hard, has very good speed, has good plate discipline and his defense was decent at 2B. He’s a huge sleeper pick for me going into next year.
Agreed
LaStella is a very accomplished ballplayer – has great command of the strike zone and flat out knows how to hit. Defense is adequate – speed is not his game.
by bravesfaninchitown on Oct 11, 2011 12:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Could he be Joe Leonard 2.0?
Don’t get me wrong; Joe’s not bad, but he rode a hot streak out of Pitt last year and looked a lot better than he really was. He comes back the next year, moving up a level, and suddenly is not as special.
Players to Consider
There are a good number of names to consider—possibly because the system has thinned out. Many of these names will be forgotten a year from now, but I could see a few others having breakthrough seasons.
Before I go further, I agree with what has been said about David Rohm—he is definitely a top 40 pick and I don’t understand why Jaye Chapman is not there as well. I would remove Navery Moore, until he actually pitches.
A few other pitchers to consider: Ryan Weber, Luis Avilan (look at his 2nd half), Jean Carlos Gill, Blaine Sims, Matt TalleyAdam Holland, Chasen Shreve (the Braves clearly like him) Ryne Harper, Wilson Rivera, Dan Winnie, John Cornely, Frank Lafreniere, Richard Sullivan. Lucas LaPoint and Aaron Northcraft.
With respect to position players: Matt Kennelly, Jakob Dalfonso, Aris Alcantara, Ernesto Mejia (yes, he is old, but he had an awesome season at AA), Felix Marte and Carlos Franco.
In the DSL: pitchers Abraham Espinosa, Mauricio Cabrera, Oriel L. Caicedo and Andy Ubiera all merit consideration. With respect to position players Jose Peraza, Emmanuel Daniel and Ibrahim McKenzie are worth watching.
All of that said, if I had to pick 5 of these players they would be Northcraft, LaPoint. Avilan, Shreve and Kennelly.
It is hardly a surprise that most of these players are pitchers….
by Stephen in the UAE on Oct 11, 2011 7:09 AM EDT reply actions
Wow. You're digging deep.
It’s hard to imagine putting any of your “Pick 5” ahead of Navery Moore, but you know how I feel about Vandy players.
Moore
I was thinking about reducing the list and Moore has not yet pitched. That said, I was very happy when the Braves signed him and a bit disappointed that they could not get him into a game at the end of the season….
by Stephen in the UAE on Oct 12, 2011 3:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Nice research but,
I think you missed Jarett Miller. My 5 pitchers to add would be Chasen Shreve – lefty reliever who the Braves are getting ready for their bullpen (70 innings this year). Jarrett Miller – 35 IP 54K’s had one bad outing after his longest stint of the year (at Rome). John Cornely 33 IP 50K’s again one bad outing after a long stint and .165 ave against. Ryne Harper 37th round choice 30.1 IP 37K’s and only 2 ER in 17 games and .149 ave against. A J (Adam) Holland 28.1 Ip 38 K’s again one bad outing after a long 7,0 inning outing. I know relief pitchers aren’t valued as much, but the way the Braves use relievers thsese guys are going to be needed soon. All except Shreve are from this draft and add in Martin, Lamm, Moore, Graham, and Schlosser and thats an impressive draft.
pitchers
There is just no way to include all of those guys
by John Sickels on Oct 11, 2011 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Braves Prospects
I understand the need to trim the list. I am writing partly for other Braves’ fans. That said, the final five I mentioned should merit consideration. To trim the list I would remove Redmond (sadly—the Braves will not give him a chance), Moore (he has yet to pitch), Hicks, Garcia and possibly Wilkin Ramirez….
by Stephen in the UAE on Oct 12, 2011 3:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Miller
You are certainly right I forgot to put him on. Aside from that one bad outing he pitched well….
by Stephen in the UAE on Oct 12, 2011 3:02 AM EDT up reply actions
My list
1.Julio Teheran
Obvious
2.Arodys Vizcaino
Highest ceiling in organization including Teheran
3.Randall Delgado
A very good number three starter down the road
4.Edward Salcedo
Still raw, but improved last year before getting tired
5.Andrelton Simmons
Potential starting shortstop that plays excellent defense, steals bases, and could surprise with the bat
6.Brandon Drury
Breakout player still far away, so I want to see him in full season ball before putting him higher
7.Zeke Spruill
Strong year for the future number three/four starter
8.Sean Gilmartin
Gilmartin is another potential fourth starter that looked good after signing
9.Christian Bethancourt
Very raw but started showing producing at the plate this year
10.Tyler Pastornicky
Has some possibility of being Opening Day starter at short, but could profile better as utility man
11.Carlos Perez
Very talented, but results were not there this year
12.Matt Lipka
Former football star is still a little raw, and Sally League pitchers exposed that
13.JJ Hoover
Could be back end of the rotation starter in other organizations, but a reliever in Atlanta’s
14.Joey Terdoslavich
Monster year in High-A, but needs to hit in Double-A before scouts believe
15.JR Graham
Big arm could potentially be a late inning reliever but looked good as a starter
16.Mychal Jones
17.Tommy LaStella
18.Adam Milligan
19.Nick Ahmed
20.Dimaster Delgado
21.Phil Gosselin
22.David Hale
23.Cody Martin
by mattp31 on Oct 11, 2011 10:34 AM EDT via iPhone app reply actions
My 2 cents on the list
I would not bother to include Chris Garcia, Brandon Hicks, Wilkin Ramirez, or Gus Schlosser.
I would add these players to the list: Mauricio Cabrera, William Beckwith, Jean Carlos Gil, and Jose Peraza. And if you had room I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on Ronan Pacheco.
dsl
I don’t generally do guys in the DSL unless they are super-duper-hot prospect, which Cabrera and Peraza are not. Beckwith and Gil were considered.
by John Sickels on Oct 11, 2011 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions
J.R. Graham
Hasn’t been discussed much, but I think he should be in the top 20, maybe top 15. Good stuff, good results. Moving from RP to SP role. Might end up in RP role again in future, but I like him a lot.
Graham
Yeah, I feel like he might have a little more upshot than Ezekiel Spruill & Sean Gimartin to say the very least.
Graham Part Deux
I think his stuff is more electric (knockout FB) & I believe he is more physically talented than the aforementioned Spruill & Gilmartin. Sure, nothing is for certain but I’d be surprised if either of those guys ever grow into more than back end types & Graham at least offers the promise for something more (in my eyes at least).
I am curious if a lot of folks are holding Graham’s relatively slight build against him (not at all unlikely considering some like debates of the past half decade or so) but even if he can’t ultimately stick as a starter, I think he has the repertoire to be a pretty nasty short relief guy.
top 20 for me . . . not 15 though.
Adoptive father of 18th round draft pick and future ace, BRANDON ALLEN
by Nnamdi Asomugha on Oct 11, 2011 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions
doing a stream-of-consciousness top 10 cause that is all the rage in this thread
1. Teheran
2. Vizcaino
3. Delgado (I think Vizcaino’s upside is just too great to ignore here)
4. Simmons
5. Gilmartin
6. Bethancourt
7. Pastornicky
8. Drury
9. Lipka
10. Spruill (wasn’t quite ready for AA, but an efficient strike-thrower)
I think Salcedo would be in the upper half of the 11-15 range . . .wasn’t impressed with him on my milb.tv viewings, but I guess he does have youth on his side.
I am utterly shocked at the lack of Gilmartin love on this thread.
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