Draft Report - Part IV

This synopsis comes via Bryan Smith from SI.com

Unwavering Philosophy: It is a simple approach. Every year, it doesn't change. They don't care if they are reaching, or if most draft boards disagree. The Atlanta Braves will, in every draft, take the best Southeast prep player available. This was no exception in 2006, even though the Braves' top choice, Kasey Kiker, was drafted a dozen picks early. The team came prepared with a backup Southeast plan, Florida hitter Cody Johnson. The Braves would then continue along their way with the next two selections, taking Cory Rasmus, a right-hander from Alabama, and Floridian southpaw Steven Evarts. Atlanta then turned its focus toward college players but stayed in the Southeast, drafting 15 of their top 20 picks from the region. Confining yourself is looked down upon on draft day, but if ever there was an organization to be exempt from such criticism, it is Atlanta.