Atlanta Braves Top 20 Prospects for 2006

Atlanta Braves Top 20 Prospects

1. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C, Grade A-
   
2. Chuck James, LHP, B+
   
3. Elvis Andrus, SS, B
   
4. Joey Devine, RHP, B
   
5. Yunel Escobar, SS, B
   
6. Max Ramirez, C, B
   
7. Eric Campbell, 3B, B
   
8. Brandon Jones, OF, B
   
9. Beau Jones, LHP, B
   
10. Anthony Lerew, RHP, B-
    
11. Jairo Cuevas, RHP, B-
    
12. Macay McBride, LHP, C+
    
13. Jake Stevens, LHP, C+
    
14. Scott Thorman, 1B, C+
    
15. Martin Prado, 2B, C+
    
16. James Parr, RHP, C+
    
17. Brayan Pena, C, C+
    
18. Will Startup, LHP, C+
    
19. Matt Harrison, LHP, C+
    
20. Jeff Lyman, RHP, C+

This system has thinned out a bit due to promotions and trades, but they've shown they can recharge quickly. Salty is one of the best prospects around, of course. I like James more than some people do, but I just can't ignore his overall track record. The main thing I worry about with him is his strong fly ball tendency.

I want to see some full-season numbers from Andrus but I like him and expect he will move up the list to B+ status as '06 progresses. Watch Max Ramirez, a sleeper catching prospect with a strong bat.