Introducing....Jordan Schafer?
by ATLBraves4Life on Oct 8, 2007 3:35 PM EDT
6 comments
So, I have to admit, despite my being an avid Atlanta Braves fan, I've never really been truly knowledgable about their farm system. Sure, I was always aware of the "up and coming prospects", the guys that were destined to be stars, like Chipper, Andruw, Furcal, Frenchy, and more recently Salty. Unfortunately, I've never followed our minor leagues any further than that.
However, since becoming a regular reader here at TalkingChop, I have realized how important the farm system is to this team, and obviously, its fans. There are several people on this site who are extremely informed and educated about the Braves minor league teams and their players.
Recently, there has been a ton of speculation about Atlanta's future centerfielder, especially now since Schuerholz has informed Andruw that he won't be re-signed. Many fans believe we will fill that void not with another free agent, but with one of our prospects, specifically, a guy named Jordan Schafer.
Apparently, I know next to nothing about Schafer. I remember this excerpt from a post gondeee made back in August regarding my mysterious player:
"Another outfielder that is putting the whole package together this year is Jordan Schafer. He was ranked as the 27th-best prospect by Baseball America last year, but was ranked as the best defensive outfielder. Drafted in the third round in 2005 his offensive numbers before this season were not too encouraging, but this year he put up a sizzling .372 average while repeating low-A, and a respectable .285 at hi-A Myrtle Beach (.273/.298 home/road split). With his defensive ability he certainly has half a ticket stamped for the majors, and if he can continue to put up solid offensive numbers on his way up the minor league ladder, then he may be just a year or two away from the show."
So, my question is, "Can I really expect to see this kid roaming centerfield for the Braves next season?" It would be quite a jump from single A ball to the major leagues. Is he projected to play center, or one of the corner outfield spots? Speaking of which, where do our other top outfield prospects rank, such as Brandon Jones, Cody Johnson, and Jason Heyward?
I wasn't impressed with Jones during his call up in September; granted he only played in a few games, but he doesn't strike me as a future stud. And wasn't Johnson a former 1st round pick and has since struggled with plate discipline in the lower levels? I guess I always envisioned Frenchy in right field for the next decade, but apparently Heyward is supposed to be his replacement in a few years. Any insight, information, or intuition from you other "intellectual Braves fans" would be appreciated.
P.S. On another semi-related note: Whatever happened to Andy Marte? With all the talk about the Braves possibly trading Renteria to acquire another starting pitcher, I was wondering whether our former #1 prospect, who we gave up to get Renteria, was having any success. I know that Boston immediately turned around and dealt Marte to Cleveland for Coco Crisp, but I haven't heard anything since then. I believe Casey Blake has been starting at 3rd for the Indians all season; does that mean Atlanta's one time "future replacement for Chipper Jones at the hot corner" isn't living up to his superstar billing?
0 recs |
6 comments
Email
Print
Comments
hmmm
I'm looking forward to his ascension, but unless he pulls a Furcal and adds a couple years to his age, he'll be in Mississippi next season. The future does look bright for him though. One can only hope he continues to mold into a Granderson/Sizemore clone. He is an exciting young player.
As for the others you mentioned. I like Jones, but from what I hear, he doesn't project that high. I think if nothing else, he can be a solid 4th OF. But I also think he might surprise people. We should see him a lot next year.
Johnson had a nice rebound year in Rookie ball. He k's a lot, and that will probably always be a problem. But he has immense power. And if continues to harness that, then the k's will just be a by product. Hopefully he takes off next season in Rome/Myrtyle Beach.
Heyward? That's the future, if you believe the hype. Which I most certainly do. I was stunned that he fell to the Braves. And elated. Another local kid done good. He might be their best pure talent since Andruw. And that's not too shabby.
All in all, the farm system still looks to be in good shape, despite the "fleecing" at the hands of the Rangers.
by NorCalAtlFan on Oct 8, 2007 5:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yay a minors question!
I'm still a brandon jones fan. He does have some issues with the strike zone, but he has shown the ability to adjust throughout his career. I think he has a similar scouting report to Schafer with at least average skills across the board. Also, managers in the Carolina League voted him as having the most power potential in that league a couple seasons ago. So he may still have some more development in him.
Cody Johnson broke out a little this year, but you are correct that he still struggles making consistent contact. He struck out in 30% of his at bats last year, which is atrocious at the rookie level. At the same time he did destroy the pitches he made contact with and made tons of progress from the year before. He has been a project since we drafted him, but he could develop at least passable plate discipline in the future.
Heyward is probably the of prospect with the most offensive tools. He can hit for power and average and has a good command of the zone fro a young age. Obviously we haven't seen him play much yet so there isn't much to be analyzed. If Frenchy does not get an extension akin to the one Brian McCann got last year and we let him leave after arbitration (seems unlikely given that he was voted the best young of in baseball this year at ESPN) then Heyward is the number one candidate to take his place. If he stays around or heyward is ready quickly then heyward probably goes to 1B.
Hopefully that answers some questions for ya!
by yondaime4 on Oct 8, 2007 5:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bring On Schafer Then
Anyways, I agree with NorCalAtlFan's assessment that Brandon Jones would best serve the team as a fourth outfielder right now. Like most of the other people on TalkingChop, I think Matty Diaz has definitely earned the right to start, say 110 games, in left field next season. With Jones backing him up, that doesn't leave much room for Willie Harris unfortunately, as much as I'd like to keep him on our bench. If the price is right, I'd much rather have Willie as our super utility guy than waste another million on the likes of Chris Woodward/Pete Orr!
In addition, I liked Bowman's take on the Glavine situation. I know there have been other diaries addressing Tom's possible return to Atlanta, and for somewhere between $6-$8 million, I'd most certainly welcome him home for another run. I know ejruiz thinks Glavine did wrong by the organization and us fans, but I'm willing to resort to a short term memory and see what Tommy can do for us now, especially if he's considering giving Atlanta a hometown discount.
Back to the centerfield issue; I'm now very excited about having Schafer come in and play for the Braves in 2009 after reading what NorCalAtlFan, yondaime4, and secondbass had to say. But that still begs the question of who plays in center in 2008? Frenchy absolutely MUST stay in right field. As I said earlier, Diaz should be able to start in left. Again, I don't think Brandon is ready, or even capable for that matter, to play center everyday for us.
Mark Bowman suggested trading for a guy like Jacque Jones...how can I put this nicely? HELL NO! Nobody wants JACQUE JONES! Mike Cameron would be a great one year stopgap, but he will certainly want more than a one year contract. Obviously, Torii Hunter and Aaron Rowand are out of the question. So, the future in centerfield for the Braves rests with Jordan Schafer, but what do we do until he gets here?
by ATLBraves4Life on Oct 8, 2007 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Winning Heals All Wounds.
Anyway, I am still hurt by Glavine's treatment of the Braves, but if he comes back on the cheap and preforms to the level that I know he still can, I'm sure I could begin to forgive him. I've never rooted against the man and I clapped and tipped my cap in my living room when he won #300, but I used to love the guy, you know? If he helps bring another World Series banner to ATL in 2008, all will be forgiven.
As for Schafer, I'm penciling him in for 2009 and putting him in pen for 2010. As soon as I heard his 2007 season in the minors compared to Grady Sizemore, I was sold on this kid. I think he benefited from repeating Low-A, but he's going to be a good one, I think.
As for 2008, the Braves have a lot of options to pursue. If they feel like gambling, I'm sure Baldelli can be had at a realistic price. There are plenty of other trade possibilities out there, such as: David DeJesus, Coco Crisp, etc. If they want to stay in house, maybe Gregor Blanco and Willie Harris could platoon out there (I'm on record as saying running GB out there everyday batting 8th wouldn't be all that bad) or Francouer could move over (a hotly contested possibility, but I'm going to keep it out there). I don't like any of the free agent possibilities and the cost makes them all even worse.
by ejruiz on Oct 9, 2007 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Schafer is the man.....
So you know Schafer's story this year....he started in Rome and it was almost a story when he didn't get a hit. He seemingly couldn't be stopped. The one constant about him has always been his defense - excellent only begins to tell it. The dude can cover some ground, and he will catch it if he's near it. His arm is awesome as well. He was drafted as a pitcher - a great pitcher in high school, as I understand it. He's accurate and throws guys out at home and on the bases.
My favorite Schafer story is from a Rome game in 2006. Schafer was tracking a fly ball to center when his spikes came up and grabbed his glove off his hand and threw it to the ground. He still caught the ball - barehanded! It was awesome.
He's a quiet, humble dude, but he is fun to watch play the game. I can't wait for him to get to Atlanta.
by secondbass on Oct 8, 2007 6:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Brandon Jones
by yondaime4 on Oct 8, 2007 8:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
