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?