7. BRAVES. Zack Wheeler is the obvious pick if he gets here, but he probably won't. Atlanta wants...

7. BRAVES. Zack Wheeler is the obvious pick if he gets here, but he probably won't. Atlanta wants to stick to its budget with this choice, and with a strong start Saturday in the NCAA super regionals, North Carolina righthander Alex White moved ahead of Minor. If all three pitchers go in the first six choices, there aren't any obvious candidates who fit here in terms of both talent and cost. The Braves could gamble that Matzek, Purke or Miller wouldn't turn down a bonus in the neighborhood of $2 million at the Aug. 15 signing deadline, or they could opt for a money-saver such as Stanford reliever Drew Storen or Hobgood. Clubs picking behind Atlanta wonder if scouting director Roy Clark has something up his sleeve.
Projected Pick: ALEX WHITE.

Baseball America's latest mock draft
Just get ready for a non-stop barrage of draft news today... and love every minute of it. I'm intrigued by the last sentence. Does that mean that we're going to go off the reservation and pick someone completely out of left field?

9 months ago gondeee 77 comments 0 recs |

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Read More: 2009 mlb draft, Atlanta Braves

Comments

Of all the drafts to go cheap, this is definitely not the one. The Braves rarely get a draft choice this high, so they need to take advantage of it. They’ve got the money to not have to worry about signability concerns with the first pick, and to go above slot and get some players in the later rounds that have dropped due to signability concerns. Don’t go cheap on us now, you’re not the fucking Pirates.
That being said, I’d be highly surprised if they went with some “polished” low-upside college starter, or God forbid a fucking reliever. They seem to love those high-upside high school arms, which this draft has a TON of, so I see them going in that direction.

by drdonkeypunch on Jun 9, 2009 11:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

with the #7 pick?

the last time we had a draft pick close to this high was when we took Chipper…but I can’t see them taking a huge gamble with the #7 pick on a highschooler.

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Jun 9, 2009 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually

We took Chipper in 1990 with the #1 overall, and we took Mike Kelly at #2 overall in 1991, so Kelly was the last pick this high.

by gondeee on Jun 9, 2009 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

1991 was a pretty weak draft year apart from Manny.

If Dunn walks 30 fewer times, he'll drive in 15 more runs. This is thanks to the scientifically proven formula: RBI = (this is nonsense) (I made it all up).

Here's a stat: Wins as manager: Dusty Baker, 1,162; Bill James, 0.

by TradeAndruw on Jun 9, 2009 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Forgot about that one...

oops.

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Jun 9, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think there’s much difference between high school arms and college arms nowadays. High schoolers can be “gambles” in the sense that they haven’t really faced any decent hitters yet, but they’re also good in the sense that you have 3 extra years to work with them and mold them into the type of pitcher you’d like them to become.
Braves draft high schoolers quite a bit with their first pick, and this year’s draft is littered with high-upside prep arms. That’s the direction I see them headed towards, but I suppose we’ll find out tonight.

by drdonkeypunch on Jun 9, 2009 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not only do teams get to mold the pitchers, they can also limit their workload. College coaches run pitchers into the ground.

"…aren’t worthy enough to hold his (Pujols) ass cheeks apart while Playboy models wipe him with thousand dollar bills after he craps out the cure to whatever previously-incurable disease." by royhobbs 1/7/09

by buzzdeadwax on Jun 9, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

a huge gamble with the 7th pick?

we typically always take high schoolers, the fact that its the 7th pick wont change that….if we dont take one it is becuase matzek and wheeler are off the board

by jsmall404 on Jun 9, 2009 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I didn’t like that line about budget. I like White though:

http://hyzduhq.blogspot.com/2009/05/2009-draft-target-alex-white.html

I second your point about drafting relievers.

If Dunn walks 30 fewer times, he'll drive in 15 more runs. This is thanks to the scientifically proven formula: RBI = (this is nonsense) (I made it all up).

Here's a stat: Wins as manager: Dusty Baker, 1,162; Bill James, 0.

by TradeAndruw on Jun 9, 2009 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Eh...Cory Gearrin seems to be working out OK.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 9, 2009 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes

But would you take a reliever over any of the possible starters that would be available at No. 7? I don’t think there are any relievers that justify that.

by ATLforlife on Jun 9, 2009 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I get that...

just pointing out that not all relievers are destined to fail.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 9, 2009 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What's White's velocity normally sit at

for fastballs. I’ve seen different reports… which is gay.

by ATLforlife on Jun 9, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

around 94-95

with a filthy slider. I think of him as Derrick Lowe with better stuff.

by apoxonbothyourhouses on Jun 9, 2009 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

no

thats the thing, he HASNT been 94/95, whihc is where he was in the CWS last year, and his slider hasnt been filfhy at all..and his FB dosent have teh sink that people have said it does.

if that scouting report was true, we wouldnt be talking about him dropping to us, or being able to afford him

i saw him v. GA Tech this year – 86 – 92 on the scouts guns, with a slider that flashed as plus. thats it..

by jsmall404 on Jun 9, 2009 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

well...he hit 95 against EZU

and went 8

giving up only 2 hits.

the kid’s been hurt all year.

by apoxonbothyourhouses on Jun 9, 2009 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

RE

Isnt that what you would say if you were the best college pitcher coming into the year and then by all accounts disappointed?

Im just saying, I say him in person, he wasnt really anythign special, and the results have been pretty poor this year.

He may have touches 95 on the stadium gun or TV but I am just saying I sat behind a scout, and everything Ive read has his velo being down

by jsmall404 on Jun 9, 2009 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

$$

I agree with the sentiment, and I do think the Braves will not cheap out. However, you may not see the spending with their first round pick. Instead, the Braves may take some guys with signability concerns later in the draft. After all, they have more money to play with since they have no second-round pick this year.

It isn’t just about money in the first round, it’s about slot, and I don’t see the Braves going above-slot.

by Yakker on Jun 9, 2009 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

shopping...

will kelly johnson become available when omar infante comes back? i would be willing to bet that it would take kelly to get anything of value in return. players that i would like to see off the roster come july: francoeur, ganderson, and carlyle. the cardinals still have a surplus outfield. ludwick and ankiel are having a rough year thus far and could be expendable. the cards say they are willing to deal, but not just for the sake of trade. they could use a starter. they could use an infielder. i hope we can make something work with them. expendable pieces: francoeur, kj (his streakiness is tough to deal with), jo-jo, and carlyle. thoughts?

by ryan c on Jun 9, 2009 11:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Wrong thread for that kinda talk brotha

The New Punchout for Nintendo Wii......get it

by bravesguy311 on Jun 9, 2009 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

thoughts? ok, here goes… rosterbation causes you to go blind and grow hair on your palms

Presenting Great Moments in bigjoe's posting history!!!
"Thanks for mentioning my penis, he appreciates it"-5/23/09
"I’m drunk and gay."-5/23/09
"I am a boring dork."-6/3/09

by Rhyno18 on Jun 9, 2009 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No Alex White. If Matzek is there and we don’t take him, I’m putting my fist through something.

"If on-base percentage is so important, then why don't they put it up on the scoreboard?"
President, CEO, and chairman of the Brandon Jones fan club. PLEASE COME BACK! PLEASE COME BACK! PLEASE COME BACK!

by bigjoe on Jun 9, 2009 11:58 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I’d be surprised, but I’m also hoping he falls to us.

by gondeee on Jun 9, 2009 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Supposedly Matzek is has “historic” demands in terms of his signing bonus. Somehow, I don’t see the Braves going for him.

by drdonkeypunch on Jun 9, 2009 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn’t mind drafting him and seeing what he demands; all else fails, we get the #8 pick in the next draft.

by soup du jour on Jun 9, 2009 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

This

by Yakker on Jun 9, 2009 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

if Matzek falls, take him..he knows his isnt getting $8 million..the pick next year isnt the end of the world.

by jsmall404 on Jun 9, 2009 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

This.

Q: If on-base pct is so important then why don't they put it on the scoreboard? -Failcoeur

A: Because the Braves don't want to show their fans how bad you suck.

by timmy3 on Jun 9, 2009 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Up his sleeve

If it’s a surprise pick, I’m calling Bobby Borchering

by BlueVol03 on Jun 9, 2009 12:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

yeap...

we have the time for him to develop. He could be Longoria…

…or he could be Phil Nevin.

by apoxonbothyourhouses on Jun 9, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Eh...

He’s nowhere NEAR the defensive player Longoria is.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 9, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Borchering

Would not be a bad pick

by jsmall404 on Jun 9, 2009 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

but his bat sure is comparable.

(at the same stage, mind you).

by apoxonbothyourhouses on Jun 9, 2009 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

But how good does that bat look...

as a guy who will have to be developed defensively at first, rather than a guy who can stay at third?

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 9, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

borchering

hasa chance to stay at 3b…matt davidson is the guy who wont

by jsmall404 on Jun 9, 2009 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've seen the word "uncomfortable" used to describe Borchering@3B.

And if he feels that way in high school, how’s he going to feel at a reaction position where he has that much less time to react?

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 9, 2009 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My preference list for that pick, assuming they’re available, is Grant Green, Tyler Matzek, Zach Wheeler, Alex White. Anyone but those four and I’ll be disappointed. I agree with bigjoe though; love, love, love Matzek.

by 17843 on Jun 9, 2009 12:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Why pitching now?

I know we shouldn’t draft based on need, but we gotta think need in the future. I think we need a 3B/SS/2B with some pop in this draft…does anyone fit this description at the #7 spot? I don’t know too much about this draft outside of the big pitching names…

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Jun 9, 2009 12:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

b/c it takes so long

To get from drafted prospect to MLB player. You aren’t drafting for need for today, you are drafting for need for several years from now, at which point needs are unknown. Furthermore, there’s frequently a “Texiera” trade where you can go from flush to empty with prospects and vice versa. You always take best player available, and if you end up with 1000 great arms, then you are in a position of strength, as you can deal them later on to fill needs.

Immediate needs are usually filled through FA and trades.

by fphjr01 on Jun 9, 2009 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I get this

and even made a huge post about this very thing…but, we DO know what our needs are going to be down the line…pitching is not going to be a need in the next 4-5 years (assuming no major injuries) but our 3B slot and our 2B spot are both going to be weak spots in the future.

I am basically wondering if we are going to draft Chipper’s replacement.

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Jun 9, 2009 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm tired of the "Chipper's replacement" argument

People assume that these types of players grow on trees and are always simply there for the taking. The MLB draft is the biggest crapshoot of all the major sports. We have no clue who the next Chipper Jones is, and even if we did, we certainly wouldn’t get him picking 7th.

Why is pitching safe for the next 4-5 years? I see it as ok for the next 2. Pitchers remaining after that are Lowe (for 1 year), and maybe JJ and Hanson. Hanson has 1 start to his credit. We know nothing about pitching 5 years from now.

by fphjr01 on Jun 9, 2009 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was considering our depth at the position in the minors – rorghbrough (sp?), devall, etc.

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Jun 9, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just think of the draft as a shotgun approach

You can’t really aim at any particular target, so you need to get as many possibilities as you can to find a hit. Pitching is the most important thing to have in baseball, which is why you can “never have enough”. If in doubt, read that last sentence again, you CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH.

by fphjr01 on Jun 9, 2009 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am not disagreeing with you at all

i love drafting pitching (as do the Braves), but I am just wondering why everyone is assuming that we will draft a pitcher with the #7 pick…I find it hard to believe that the 7th best pitcher in the draft is better than a position player…

oh well…it is all pointless anyway…no matter what we say, the Braves FO probably already knows who it is getting.

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Jun 9, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

because

there is not a position player worthy of the 7th overall pick, assuming ackley is gone.

Grant Green is the next guy, but he has performed poorly and wants 4+ million. he has not shown he is worth that.

by jsmall404 on Jun 9, 2009 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

thanks

that is exactly the info I was looking for.

you seem to know a good deal about the draft…

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Jun 9, 2009 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

im lame

and have followed it since the 2008 one ended haha

by jsmall404 on Jun 9, 2009 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I absolutely disagree with that statement. Green was a top three talent coming into this season and has dropped to consensus top-ten because his season wasn’t as ridiculous as expected. He’s still a shortstop who can hit for average and some power and who can play average defense. He’s not going to jump to the majors next spring, but he’s a reasonable bet for 2011. He’s worth getting drafted at #7.

There is little to no difference between #3 and #7 (or #15) anyway. The level of parity this year is absolutely ridiculous. Does anyone really think Green’s an overdraft at #7 (Goldstein has him at #4 and he’s been linked to the Tigers @ #9).

by 17843 on Jun 9, 2009 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

could he convert to SS

A la a Mr Jones that we all know?

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Jun 9, 2009 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

weird

I only typed that once…

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Jun 9, 2009 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I mean, he’s 6’3" 180, so I could see him adding some bulk and hitting for more power. I’ve read varying stuff about his power potential, but same goes for his defense. If you like him, he has reasonable power projection and average range with great hands; if you don’t, he won’t hit for power and his range will keep him from playing short.

As a third baseman, I don’t think he’s a top five talent, but he’s still a first rounder. I’m more in favor of betting on a college hitter who could very well be a very good shortstop than betting on a high school pitcher who’s a #2 if everything happens okay.

by 17843 on Jun 9, 2009 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

RE

ok, we agree Green stays at SS he is only average and he has questions about his power (everything I have read) and he is expensive, why would you want that at 7 overall?

you just said yourself his range is average, power is average..you dont spend that kind of money on that

If he cant stay at SS, he moves to 3B and then dosent have the power, you just wasted $4 million becuase he is a utility player.

by jsmall404 on Jun 9, 2009 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Because .280/.350/.430 with average defense at shortstop is a 3.5-4 WAR player and as a college position player he’s a relatively safe pick. If his power develops, he’s an absolute stud. If his power develops and he moves to third, he’ll be a very good player. The only scenario where he doesn’t pan out is if he develops no power and moves to third. He hit in the Cape with wood bats, enough to be a top-three prospect over the winter.

I also view $1-2 million extra as peanuts. He’s literally the only guy in this draft who can stick at shortstop and be an all-star there if everything pans out. That may be indicative of the weak talent pool among position players, but if the alternative is spending ~$3 million + on a college/HS arm, Green’s the better bet.

At this point, I’m just hoping for anyone but Minor*.

*within reason

by 17843 on Jun 9, 2009 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You need to give up on this obsession

of finding the “next Chipper Jones”, and come to the realization that HOF players are exceptionally hard to find — that’s why there aren’t many guys in the hall. The reality is that our next everyday 3B is not going to be at his level.

by fphjr01 on Jun 9, 2009 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

ok...

I am not meaning to literally replace a hall of fame calibre switch-hitting, .300+, .400 OBP, 20 HR, 100 RBI threat guy.

I am simply meaning someone to play 3B when Chipper retires in a couple of years…to my knowledge, we have no serious candidates in our system right now.

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Jun 9, 2009 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

oops

2 mistakes on my part…

1 – can he convert to 3B FROM SS?

2 – this post appeared twice, hence my “weird” comment…

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Jun 9, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I should qualify the above with

1. This draft is pitching heavy, especially with first-round talent. Tate is the only position player that could be available in the range where we pick, and he has well documented signability issues. I personally think there is too much hype about the draft, when more than half the players will never be heard from again. Tommy Hanson was something like a 22nd round player. Kris Medlen was 10+ round player. You have no clue (even with Strasburg) what you’re going to get in the end.

2. Finally, if you get to a point where you have two players who you think are of equal value, then of course you can break the tie based on need, but need should never be the primary reason.

by fphjr01 on Jun 9, 2009 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I dont know much about it either, but i think its like a fantasy draft, first round or so, gotta grab the best player available

The New Punchout for Nintendo Wii......get it

by bravesguy311 on Jun 9, 2009 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Grant Green

where does he rank among the top prospects? Why is the “best available” going to be a pitcher?

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Jun 9, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

he messed around with those california girls too much...

and struggled a tad at the beginning of the year, there are defensive concerns aswell…he is still one of my favorites, so I won’t be disappointed if we draft him.

Guy #1: Damn, these oysters are going to make us horny as hell...
Girl #2: Oh yeah, I forgot oysters are hermaphrodites.

by bwellnjonesco on Jun 9, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Green

hei s expensive, may not stay at SS, and hasnt played real well. so that is why all mock drafts have him dropping..if he signed with us for slot at 7 i would be happy.

by jsmall404 on Jun 9, 2009 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Goldstein has him as his 5th best prospect purely going on talent. I’ve yet to see anyone show him as worse than a top-ten guy based on talent. Obviously when you inject signability into the discussion, he might not be the 5th most desirable talent to pick, but we’re not talking about him wanting $10 million. If he’ll sign for $4 million, I’d call his name out. We don’t have another pick until the 3rd anyway, so we can definitely spring for an extra ~$800K above slot just from that pick.

by 17843 on Jun 9, 2009 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

like I said

I am totally against drafting him, but i would be very surpised if we spent 4 million on this pick unless it is matt purke

by jsmall404 on Jun 9, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Haha...

But in a fantasy draft, you’re starting from nothing.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Jun 9, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Posted by Keith Law (ESPN) this afternoon...

Atlanta is down to either UNC RHP Alex White or Vandy lefty Mike Minor at No. 7. Whoever the Braves don’t take, the Reds will likely snatch up one pick later. Washington was previously on Minor for the No. 10 pick, but if he’s off the board, expect them to select Stanford reliever Drew Storen instead.

by Dandrews on Jun 9, 2009 1:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I think that is just his mock draft

and not really who Atlanta is down to….at least, that is what I interpreted that to be…

"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT

by justincredubil02 on Jun 9, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think this is assuming that Matzek and Wheeler are off the board, though.

by soup du jour on Jun 9, 2009 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

it looks like...

they will be though (off the board)

by jsmall404 on Jun 9, 2009 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Reliever. LOLNats

by bigjoe on Jun 9, 2009 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bobby Borchering

I could def. see us taking him…

Guy #1: Damn, these oysters are going to make us horny as hell...
Girl #2: Oh yeah, I forgot oysters are hermaphrodites.

by bwellnjonesco on Jun 9, 2009 1:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

yeah

I dont think he would be a bad pick at all.

by jsmall404 on Jun 9, 2009 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He plays baseball too?

"Ohhhh Shit."-Bobby Cox, 3/28/09

by 10-4 on Jun 9, 2009 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

borchering

Borchering is well-known for his hitting prowess on the showcase and travel team circuits and is a projectable 6′4 switch-hitting third baseman with serious power and a chance to stay at the hot corner. He’s still one of the top 5 juniors in the state for me and a potential top-two round pick in 2009. You’ll be seeing him on the 2009 Draft prospects list as well.

by apoxonbothyourhouses on Jun 9, 2009 1:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs