Brandon Beachy, RHP, Atlanta Braves
Three years ago, Brandon Beachy was pitching for Indiana Wesleyan University. Undrafted, he signed as a free agent with the Atlanta Braves after a successful summer season in the collegiate Valley League. After a solid '09, he jumped to prominence in 2010 by leading all of the minor leagues with a 1.73 ERA, also showing a 148/28 K/BB ratio in 120 innings between Double-A and Triple-A. He performed well in three September starts, and made the Atlanta rotation this spring. The 24-year-old Beachy has a 90-94 MPH fastball to go with a solid curveball and changeup, and he has an excellent feel for pitching. It is hard to believe that a guy like this went undrafted, but he's come a long way very quickly. Although many scouts still see him as "just" a number four starter, he outpitched many more-heralded prospects last year, and could certainly do so again this season, making him a sleeper candidate for National League Rookie of the Year.
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