Atlanta Braves Mid-Season Top-25 Prospects
by gondeee on Jul 13, 2009 7:00 AM EDT
in Braves Prospect Reviews
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PrintThe hardest part about this Atlanta Braves mid-season top-25 prospects list has been deciding who the number-3 prospect should be, but I am satisfied with my decision. The first note about this list is a note I make about every top prospect list we do here at Talking Chop. I am not a scout, nor have I seen many of these players. These rankings are based on scouting reports from various sources and on my built-up knowledge of many of these guys over the years from following them on a day to day basis.
These prospects are ranked on a combination of their ultimate ceiling, what level they’ve completed, and the success they’ve had on the field. Some guys get moved down because they’ve hit a wall, other guys get moved up because they’re succeeding. Players who are no longer eligible for this list include Jordan Schafer, Tommy Hanson, Kris Medlen, and Brandon Jones.
In the comments section of this post, list your top-25 mid-season Braves prospects. On Wednesday, we'll collect all of your top-25's and we'll have our combined Talking Chop top-25 Braves mid-season prospects. Make sure you list 25, or they won't be included, and get them posted by Wednesday afternoon.
1. Jason Heyward, OF – Jay-Hey has done everything that the Braves and their fans hoped he would this year, and the organization has seen fit to move him quickly this year. Quite amazing for a 19-year old to be succeeding at double-A. He’s the number-1 prospect in baseball, too. Pre-season Rank: 1
2. Freddie Freeman, 1B – Another 19-year old who finds himself at double-A, and holding his own. His homerun power is down, but I don’t think too many people are worried about – it will return in time and he’s still hitting doubles. Pre-season Rank: 4
3. Brett DeVall, LHP – Here is my choice for the third spot. It’s only his first full year in pro ball, but already he is distinguishing himself and holding hitters to a low BAA. He is converting the scouting reports into results. Pre-season Rank: 16
4. J.J. Hoover, RHP – A 10th-round draft pick a year ago who may find himself as a reliever down the road, but with his ability to get the strikeout he may profile as a closer. He has been very impressive this year. Pre-season Rank: NR
5. Julio Teheran, RHP – Still just 18, and finally showing some good work on the mound in Danville. He’s fallen a bit from where we thought he would be at this point, but again, there’s plenty of time for this 18-year old. Pre-season Rank: 10
6. Cole Rohrbough, LHP – He’s struggling for the first time in his baseball career, and he’s battling the time and distance of being away from his newborn – he may truly be at a crossroads where life intersects with the harsh demands of the baseball season. The talent is still there, we just have to have faith that he can harness it once again. Pre-season Rank: 6
7. Cody Johnson, OF – Johnson showed his power last year by leading the Braves organization with 26 homeruns. He’s likely going to shatter that this year, as he already has 22 homers. The strikeouts are also there, and he will have to control those before he moves up these rankings much more, but there’s a lot to like in the power department. Pre-season Rank: 13
8. Zeke Spruill, RHP – Another promising pick from last year’s draft, Spruill has been very consistent this season after a stellar debut last year. His emergence may be one of the big reasons the Braves were comfortable trading Jeff Locke. Pre-season Rank: 23
9. Randall Delgado, RHP – This 19-year old out of Panama is a bit more hittable than he was last year at Danville. Like many young pitchers he seems to be struggling with consistency. He’s keeping the strikeouts up, but he needs to avoid the big innings. Pre-season Rank: NR
10. Jacob Thompson, RHP – Here’s a guy who has gotten better just about every time out. After starting out in low-A Rome and not having too much success, he was moved up to high-A Myrtle Beach and has flourished. He held batters to an opposing average .100 points lower at the higher level. We need to keep a close eye on him, as he could move fast through the system (being a college pitcher), and he could be a real sleeper. Pre-season Rank: NR
11. Cory Gearrin, RHP – He’s been good at two levels this year, and has moved up the depth chart while going from being a setup man to a closer. He is really putting it together this year, keeping his hits allowed low and bringing down his walk totals. He’s also a guy who could help out in Atlanta as early as this year. Pre-season Rank: NR
12. Craig Kimbrel, RHP – A slightly disappointing performance, after a stellar debut last year. He’s still young, and perhaps he was moved too fast this year. The extra time at Rome seems to have helped, as he’s doing better in his second promotion to the Beach. Command still seems to be an issue at the higher level. Pre-season Rank: 14
(Placeholder) Mike Minor, LHP – Our first round pick in this year's draft still has not signed, but that seems to be the norm as only a handful of first rounders have signed with their teams. A pick this high, I suppose we should expect that the negotiations will last until just before the deadline. Minor will likely have a lot of success in the low minors as he is an accomplished college pitcher. I wonder how many levels the Braves will let him skip next year.
13. Richard Sullivan, LHP – He has had sporadic success at three different levels while throwing a ton of innings. He may eventually profile as a setup man, but I like this guy to be major league ready quick. Pre-season Rank: NR
14. Scott Diamond, LHP – He seems to be passing the double-A test, but the Braves organization has a history of being able to develop soft-tossing left-handers who succeed in the minors, but not in the majors. Still, Diamond is an interesting prospect. Pre-season Rank: 22
15. Eric Cordier, RHP – He’s having a strong year at high-A, though the walks are a big problem. He may wind up as a reliever, but there’s still time for him to turn into a solid mid-rotation starter. Pre-season Rank: 24
16. Edgar Osuna, LHP – The soft-throwing lefty has been slowed some by injuries, but he’s putting together some good work while tackling a mid-year promotion. He may profile more as a bullpen guy than a starter. Pre-season Rank: 17
17. David Francis, RHP – This guy is bubbling with talent, as many prospects are, and the Braves seem to be moving him quickly through the system, despite results that aren’t yet mind-blowing. Pre-season Rank: NR
18. Dimaster Delgado, LHP – The other Delgado from Panama, he may prove to have one of the big breakout seasons for the Braves organization. There are a lot of things to like here, and he’s certainly improved from last year. Pre-season Rank: NR
19. Stephen Marek, RHP – The walks are really catching up to him, and will have to be controlled before he can make a contribution in the big leagues. Still, he’s got a live arm, though the clock is ticking. Pre-season Rank: NR
20. Brandon Hicks, SS – He is possibly the biggest disappointment in the Braves system so far this season. We were expecting big things from Hicks, hoping he would build on his solid 2008 season, but all of his numbers are down, and down considerably. The power outage is most disappointing. Pre-season Rank: 12
21. Luis Sumoza, OF – He hasn’t made that leap yet, and after an unimpressive stint at Rome, he is struggling at the Beach. His power has eluded him and his strikeouts are way up. Pre-season Rank: NR
22. Adam Milligan, OF – A big bat whom the Braves have coveted for a long time (they drafted him three times). He’s the leader of the next wave of big power bats from the Braves system. Pre-season Rank: NR
23. Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg, 1B – Big power, big debut, but remember that it’s Danville, and RSF is a college hitter playing against younger pitchers. Still, because of his debut he’s worthy of being listed here.
24. Jose Ortegano, LHP – Another soft tossing lefty, he is handling the higher levels better since being moved to the bullpen. He does a good job of keeping runners off base, but his durability may be an issue, and it keeps him from being higher in these rankings. Pre-season Rank: NR
25. Rudy Darrow, RHP – He’s been slowed by injuries, so any judgment of him may have to wait until after the season. Still, he needs to work on getting left-handed hitters out before he can be taken more seriously.
Just missing, but given strong cosideration: Kevin Gunderson, Paul Clemens, Corey Rasmus, Benino Pruneda, Tyler Stovall, Eric Campbell (Pre-season Rank: 15), Matt Kennelly, Brett Oberholtzer, and Todd Redmond (Pre-season Rank: 18).
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Devall
He went down with another elbow ailment about two weeks ago. That’s his second elbow issue since being drafted.
This list shows the real issue here. There are little to no position prospects in this system after Heyward and Freeman. It’s ALL projectable pitchers at the lower levels, and we all know that tons of teams have projectable pitchers at the lower levels.
indeed.
We did take quite a few position players lower in the draft. hopefully they will blossom next year
by drumzalicious on Jul 13, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
But
Look how young were are at key spots in the majors. With Heyward and Freeman poised to take their place in Atlanta soon enough, joining McCann, McLouth, Escobar and Schafer, we’re pretty well set with youth at most positions around the diamond.
"A player who conjugates a verb in the first person singular cannot be part of the squad, he has to conjugate the verb in the first person plural. We. We want to conquer. We are going to conquer. Using the word 'I' when you're in a group makes things complicated." ~ Wanderley Luxemburgo, 1999
Right. That would be 6 of 9 positions filled, with our needs at 2B (foremost) and 3B in the future. That is, if all pan out, don’t succumb to suckage, injury, trade, etc.
by soup du jour on Jul 13, 2009 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Quick Question:
What are we ranking these guys based on: Their impact to the MLB club, which is the better player, or who will be called up full-time first?
"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT
by justincredubil02 on Jul 13, 2009 9:58 AM EDT reply actions
Cabrera and Rodriguez (OFers at Miss) alwayys get over looked because of Schafer, Heyward, and (fomerly) Gorkys. They are solid mid level prospects. Both struggled a bit at AA early on but each are hitting over .300 of late and, hopefully, will find their power strokes in the second half. They had very good years at MB last year and are above average defenders. Cabrera is an RBI machine. With 64 hits this year, he has 38 RBIs. Far and away the lead at Miss despite being the 4th OFer a good part of the year. Rodriguez is considered the better prospect. Their K/BB ratios are still solid so they are making contact, just not with the same power as last year. Might change in the second half. With Heyward now at Miss, they will probably rotate playing time again. Don’t know why Young wasn’t moved up to Gwinett after being Player of the Year at Miss. He is not a major prospect but has ML 4th OFer abilites with speed, great defense, and can play all three positions.
some this year draftee
about this list
Robert Hefflinger,Mycal Jones,Chris Bethancourt should be in
Jose Ortegano,Rudy Darrow,Stephen Marek should be out
What…the…hell?
"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT
by justincredubil02 on Jul 13, 2009 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
I was referring to this: "some this year draftee "
"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT
by justincredubil02 on Jul 13, 2009 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
1)Heyward
2)Freeman
3)Spuill
4)Cody Johnson
5)DeVall
6)Teheran
7)Hoover
8)Rohrbough
9)Thompson
10)Gearrin
11)Kimbrel
12)David Francis
13)Mike Minor
14)Dimaster Delgado
15)Osuna
16)Sullivan
17)Valdez
18)Diamond
19)Hicks
20)Milligan
21)Sumoazo
22)Tyler Stovall
23)Paul Clemens
24)Campbell
25)Furstenburg
My ranking
1)Jason Heyward
2)Freddie Freeaman
3)Julio Teheran
4)Mike Minor
5)Zeke Spruill
6)J.J. Hoover
7)Cody Johnson
8)Brett DeVall
9)Jacob Thompson
10)Cole Rohrbough
11)Randall Delgado
12)Craig Kimbrel
13)Erik Cordier
14)Dimaster Delgado
15)Adam Milligan
16)Richard Sullivan
17)Edgar Osuna
18)David Francis
19)Scott Diamond
20)Luis Sumoza
21)Robert Hefflinger
22)Mycal Jones
23)Brandon Hicks
24)RSF
25)Chris Bethancourt
My Top Prospects
1. Jason Heyward
2. Freddie Freeman
3. Brett DeVall
4. Zeke Spruill
5. Randall Delgado
6. Julio Teheran
7. JJ Hoover
8. Cole Rohrbough
9. Jacob Thompson
10. Cody Johnson
11. Mike Minor
12. Craig Kimbrel
13. Cory Gearrin
14. Dimaster Delgado
15. Richard Sullivan
16. Stephen Marek
17. Mycal Jones
18. Scott Diamond
19. Eric Cordier
20. Brandon Hicks
21. Benino Pruneda
22. Adam Milligan
23. Brandon Hicks
24. RSF
25. Luis Sumoza
1. Jason Heyward
2. Freddy Freeman
3. Julio Teheran
4. Zeke Spruill
5. JJ Hoover
6. Randall Delgado
7. Brett DeVall
8. Cody Johnson
MIKE MINOR FILLER
9. Dimaster Delgado
10. Cole Rohrbough
11. Craig Kimbrel
12. Jacob Thompson
13. Richard Sullivan
14. Corey Gearrin
15. Adam Milligan
16. Erik Cordier
17. Ernesto Mejia
18. Matt Young
19. RSF
20. Corey Gearrin
21. Jakob Dalfonso
22. Cory Rasmus
23. Stephen Marek
24. Edgar Osuna
25. Benino Pruneda
A man walks into a meat shoppe and goes to the counter. The cashier asks, "Thinking about buying some meat?". The man replied, "No, I'm going to buy meat, I was thinking about punanny."
Wuups
Take out #14 Corey Gearrin and add Cory Gearrin…Take out #20, move #21-25 up one and add #25 Lee Hyde.
A man walks into a meat shoppe and goes to the counter. The cashier asks, "Thinking about buying some meat?". The man replied, "No, I'm going to buy meat, I was thinking about punanny."
by bwellnjonesco on Jul 13, 2009 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Lee Hyde? Really? He’s barely pitched in 2 years.
"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com
He was in a group of players I was considering at #25
I don’t think he is that far behind Osuna as a left handed relieving prospect in our organization. I saw him alot at Georgia Tech, and I know he came to the Braves with a good looking fastball/slider/changeup combo. He has been looking pretty good at Myrtle Beach this year (2.53ERA/1.03WHIP/2.07FIP), so I’m keeping my hopes up that he can begin to avoid those injuries and continue his mighty quest to the majors. If he stays healthy, he could probably move through the rest of the system quickly. I also know that he puts his time in the film room as well.
Do you have any information about him as a Brave? Other than his injury history…
A man walks into a meat shoppe and goes to the counter. The cashier asks, "Thinking about buying some meat?". The man replied, "No, I'm going to buy meat, I was thinking about punanny."
by bwellnjonesco on Jul 14, 2009 8:08 AM EDT up reply actions
I really don’t know anything about him. I’ve talked with him a few times and he seems like a great dude, really smart and on top of things, but I’ve never seen him when he wasn’t hurt. That’s what makes me question even mentioning him; I’m sure he has talent, but he wasn’t a guy who was looking to crack the top 25 even before the injuries, and nobody, including the Braves, has seen him pitch enough to know what we have in him.
I’m not trying to nitpick you, but it just seemed odd to me. But I get that you saw him in college and liked what you saw.
"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com
I tend to over-think things, so this might be a little bit of a stretch – but I just get the feeling the Braves aren’t too excited about their draft pick this year. Perhaps they’ll purposely not sign him and hope next year has a much better draft choice? My understanding is that they’ll get the #7 draft next year if they don’t sign Minor this year, correct?
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
If they don’t sign Minor, the compensation is pick 7-A. This means that they would be get the pick after the number 7 draft pick, or pick 8 next year (assuming that every team that picked in front of the Braves this year signs their first round draft pick).
by Michael Scarn, FBI on Jul 13, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Spruill
As a Rome fan, I’ve been much more impressed with Spruill than Hoover. Though they both deserve to be in the top 15, if not top 10. And how is Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg not number 1 (joke)?
by PWHjort on Jul 13, 2009 1:31 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
How can anyone......
In their right frame of mind rank Mychal Jones higher than RSF seriously! They are both playing in Danville but Jones is a year older and not putting up nearly as good numbers as RSF.
by Jay212033 on Jul 13, 2009 2:29 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
You should have seen my other list...
I had Jon Owings number 4…
A man walks into a meat shoppe and goes to the counter. The cashier asks, "Thinking about buying some meat?". The man replied, "No, I'm going to buy meat, I was thinking about punanny."
by bwellnjonesco on Jul 13, 2009 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions
This list
Is kind of scary because it is showing that this is just not a great system any longer. The trades have taken their toll. Heyward and Freeman will be starting on this team by opening day 2011, and given the draft we just had(no selections with upside potential), the 2010 draft is even more important.
we have a glut of pitching...
to say that we’re not a good system anymore is a bit far-fetched. are we as good as, say, 2 years ago? no. but we’re still top-10 in baseball. we have A LOT of high ceiling arms that project well.
however, what concerns me is that we have, outside of Heyward and Freeman, little positional depth. i thought we would address it this year, but it looks like we should let Soriano and Gonzalez walk (yikes) just for the ability to find some kids in the first 2 rounds who can play the field.
by apoxonbothyourhouses on Jul 13, 2009 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions
TNSTAPP
Not literally, but the fact of the matter is that you have no clue what is going to happen with Hoover, Teheran, DeVall, Stovall, Delgado, Delgado, Spruill, etc. It’s “good” depth, but I bet a lot of teams have depth like that. They may be around #10, but that is really only because of Heyward and Freeman. The fall from 2 to 3 is significant. And I haven’t seen anything done in this past years draft.
Also, what makes you think they are going to offer Gonzalez(3.4 million) and Soriano(6.1 million) arbitration at the end of the year so that they can net those draft picks. I don’t think that is a given, with the economy and what not. The Braves never pay big for relief pitching and through arb., they would be paying Soriano around 8 million and Gonzo around 5. Way too much right there. Not the Braves style.
by NEBravesFan33 on Jul 13, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions
And now for something completely different...
James Parr’s line in the GCL today:
Player IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
Parr 1.0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0.00
Yeah. No hits, no walks, 1 run. 5 errors were committed. Wanna take a guess to when a couple of those happened?
Very.
And we still don’t have enough data on Riann Spanjer- Furstenberg and Adam Milligan to know what they are.
by NEBravesFan33 on Jul 13, 2009 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions
They appear humanoid, however, we can never be certain.
A man walks into a meat shoppe and goes to the counter. The cashier asks, "Thinking about buying some meat?". The man replied, "No, I'm going to buy meat, I was thinking about punanny."
by bwellnjonesco on Jul 13, 2009 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions
I Give Up.
There are maybe ten truly interesting prospects in the organization and most of the promise is so far away as to make it really difficult to judge. By the way, what’s up with the one combined mention of Jose Ortegano and Angelo Paulino; you really think we have 25 better guys on the farm than them?
"A player who conjugates a verb in the first person singular cannot be part of the squad, he has to conjugate the verb in the first person plural. We. We want to conquer. We are going to conquer. Using the word 'I' when you're in a group makes things complicated." ~ Wanderley Luxemburgo, 1999
Yes. Paulino is 22, playing at Low-A, and walking 4 guys per nine as a reliever. Ortegano is still nothing special.
One problem with the system is how the talent is concentrated in young arms. We have around 15 guys from Myrtle Beach down that could be major league starters or quality relievers down the road.
1. Heyward
2. Freeman
3. Teheran
4. Devall
5. Spruill
6. R. Delgado
(Minor)
7. Hoover
8. Johnson
9. Rohrbough
10. Osuna
11. Sumoza
12. Hicks
13. D. Delgado
14. Gearrin
15. Kimbrel
16. Diamond
17. Sullivan
18. Thompson
19. Stovall
20. Clemens
21. Oberholtzer
22. Cordier
23. Francis
24. Milligan
25. M. Jones
I still think I should get my own post :-)
1. Jason Heyward
2. Freddie Freeman
3. Zeke Spruill
4. Brett DeVall
5. Julio Teheran
6. Cody Johnson
7.Randall Delgado
8. Dimaster Delgado
9. JJ Hoover.
10.Scott Diamond
11.Matt Kennelly
12.Craig Kimbrel
13.Cole Rohrbough
14.Richard Sullivan
15.Tyler Stovall
16.Christian Bethancourt
17.Adam Milligan
18.Cory Gearrin
19.Luis Valdez
20.Edgar Osuna
21.RSF
22.Carlos Perez
23.Concepcion Rodriguez
24.Luis Sumoza
25.Jesus Sucre
Alright lets remember a couple of things. No the system isn’t as good as it was last year, largely because we are losing the top RHP and our future CF to the majors. Locke and Gorky and Morton are gone, but none of those guys has a future in Atlanta and two of them looked pretty rough this season.
We still have as much depth as we had at the beginning of the season (more pitching depth), but yes it is all far away. I honestly can’t believe there isn’t any love for Matt Kennelly or Jesus Sucre on here. I would say our system probably still ranks as #8 or 9 depending. Probably no lower than 12.
“I still think I should get my own post”
Not with a list like that… I kid, I kid. No but seriously, Kennelly and Sucre. You really like the catching prospects. Of course, why no Schlehuber?
Schlehuber is supposed to be the best of the three, but he just hasn’t been able to sustain any momentum. Sucre wasn’t going to get on until I realized that he was a little younger than I thought. Kennelly is only 20 years old and even though he was horrible, he did start the year in MB. I don’t know why, but he did and he has held his own in Rome.
I didn’t realize luis Sumoza wasn’t even 21 yet, but he just hasn’t hit enough for me. Maybe he should sneak onto my list. I would also put Minor somewhere around 8 or 9 if he signed today. And the reliever we took somewhere around 15
Just in case anyone wanted to see the prospect lists that was done after last season Post 2008 list
I know its not hard to find seeing as its on the home page (but I forgot about that).
Here’s my list:
1. Heyward
2. Freeman
3. Teheran
4. Hoover
5. R. Delgado
6. Spruill
7. Devall
8. D. Delgado
9. C Johnson
10. Kimbrel
11. Rohrborough
12. J Thompson
13. Minor
14. Milligan
15. B Oberholtzer
16. Sumoza
17. D Francis
18. P. Clemens
19. E Cordier
20. C Betancourt
21. RSF
22. Hicks
23. Sullivan
24. M Jones
25.E Campbell (im still really wanting to see his talent shine through all the other BS)
I kinda feel like 3-8 is kinda a toss up (because i think projecting these young arms is kinda a crapshoot)
Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?
by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST
Here's Mine
System really taken a dive since last year. You can say its trades, or promotions (Hanson at least) but really, lots of guys have just not panned out. Brandon Jones, Hicks, Rohrbough, Locke (pre-trade), Gorkys (pre-trade), Campbell, Delgado, not a lot of guys have stepped forward as they have moved up to replace the ones graduating. Hopefully that starts to change, but really lots of the guys high on people’s lists have worse stats at the same levels than many guys we were hoping/counting on over the last couple years
1. Heyward
2. Freeman
3. Teheran (potential)
4. Devall (assuming health)
5. Spruill (not high on him, doesn’t do anything great, but no one better)
6. Hoover
7. Cody “K” Johnson
8. Cole Rohrbough (and falling)
9. R. Delgado
10. D. Delgado
11. Kimbrel
12. Thompson
13. Sullivan
14. Francis
15. Stovall
16. Sullivan
17. Hicks
18. Gearrin
19. Oberholtzer
20. Millligan
21. RSF
22. Bethancourt
23. M. Jones
24. Meija
25. Kennelly
The Future of the Organization
is as follows:
1. Jason Heyward
2. Freddie Freeman
3. Ezekiel Spruill
4. JJ Hoover
5. Julio Teheran
6. Brett DeVall
7. Cody Johnson
8. Randall Delgado
9. Cole Rohrbough
10. Scott Diamond
11. Craig Kimbrel
12. Dimaster Delgado
13. Paul Clemens
14. David Francis
15. Brett Oberholtzer
16. Edgar Osuna
17. Luis Sumoza
18. Tyler Stovall
19. Adam Milligan
20. Gerrardo Rodriguez
21. Jacob Thompson
22. Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg (spell check did not approve of my decision to type this out)
23. Cory Gearrin
24. Jose Ortegano
25. Christian Bethancourt
Pete Rose was actually banned from baseball for teaching Jeff Francoeur how to play. He made up the gambling stuff to hide his shame.
If anyone cares...
Rasmus, Campbell, Sullivan, Hicks, and M. Jones just missed
Pete Rose was actually banned from baseball for teaching Jeff Francoeur how to play. He made up the gambling stuff to hide his shame.
by VivaLosBravos on Jul 14, 2009 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions
And so did Randy Gress.
Pete Rose was actually banned from baseball for teaching Jeff Francoeur how to play. He made up the gambling stuff to hide his shame.
by VivaLosBravos on Jul 14, 2009 12:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Alright I waited for everyone else's
Top 25 now here’s Jay’s Awesome Top 25 with a ton of unusual suspects.
1.) Jason Heyward – OF
2.) Freddie Freeman – 1B
3.) Zeke Spruill – SP
4.) J.J. Hoover – SP
5.) Julio Teheran – SP
6.) Brett DeVall – SP
7.) Randall Delgado – SP
8.) Cole Rohrbough – SP
9.) Cody Johnson – OF
10.) Craig Kimbrel – RP
11.) Concepcion Rodriguez – OF(love this kid)
12.) Scott Diamond – SP(very underrated)
13.) DiMaster Delgado – SP
14.) Adam Milligan – OF
(Unsigned) Mike Minor – SP(still hope he doesn’t sign
15.) RSF – 1B
16.) Brett Oberhezler(SP? typing from cell) – SP
17.) Richard Sullivan – SP
18.) Jacob Thompson – SP
19.) Robert Hefflinger – OF
20.) Carlos Perez – SP
21.) Christian Bethancort – C
22.) Donell Linares – 3B
23.) Cory Gearrin – RP
24.) James Linger – 2B(watch out for this kid!!!)
25.) Robinson Lopez – SP(watch out for this kid as well!!!)
23.) Kyle Coefield – SP
by Jay212033 on Jul 14, 2009 4:10 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
The List
The fun of lists is that they can be easily debated. That said, this list is actually scary because with so many names of players who have barely played, it illustrates that the system’s failure to develop talent. The Braves had better hope that Linger, Robinson Lopez, Hefflinger, Bethancourt, Milligan, Oberholzter, and Carlos Perez develop.
Mike Minor should be given slot money and not a cent more—as the Braves have all of the leveridge….
by Stephen in the UAE on Jul 14, 2009 5:14 AM EDT reply actions
The thing about the Braves
Is that they don’t rush their players. When some guys deserve promotions they would rather let them continue at the same level until they see progression of a specific tool that a player is lacking.
by Jay212033 on Jul 14, 2009 5:41 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Here's Mine
1. Heyward
2. Freeman
3. Teheran
4. Spruill
5. DeVall
6. C. Johnson
7. Hoover
8. R. Delgado
9. Rohrbough
10. D. Delgado
11. Kimbrel
12. Thompson
13. Minor
14. Gearrin
15. Sullivan
16. Diamond
17. Milligan
18. Osuna
19. Francis
20. Sumoazo
21. Hicks
22. Cordier
23. Furstenberg
24. Stovall
25. Oberholtzer
Honorable Mention – Clemens, Valdez, Marek, Kennelly, Pruneda and Redmond
"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT
by justincredubil02 on Jul 14, 2009 1:26 PM EDT reply actions
I didn't rank Minor because he hasn't signed.
Should I have?
Pete Rose was actually banned from baseball for teaching Jeff Francoeur how to play. He made up the gambling stuff to hide his shame.
1. OF Jason Heyward I know you probably haven’t heard of him, but trust me, he’s good.
2. 1B Freddie Freeman Maybe the homeruns are down a little to make the Mark Grace comparison more apt.
3. P Zeke Spruill The most consistent of our recent draftees and he has a projectable body to go with his great stuff.
4. P Julio Teheran Finally healthy and showing what he can do.
5. OF Cody Johnson The guy has gotten better every year he’s played.
6. P Edgar Osuna Putting up a solid, if not overwhelming, season.
7. P Brett Duvall He’s got to avoid the injuries, but he looks like a keeper.
8. C Christian Bethancourt Top international signing is still only 17 years old and playing well in the GCL.
9. P Craig Kimbrel In season adjustments have left the mess that was the start of his season a memory.
10. P JJ Hoover Has been lights out for Rome and looks like a solid future closer candidate.
11. P Carlos Perez Big international signing is living up to expectations in the GCL.
12. P Benino Pruneda Little righty is still only 20 and throws 100mph.
13. P Cory Gearrin Seemingly about as sure a thing as the Braves have. A polished college closer moving fast.
14. P Scott Diamond Hasn’t matched his gaudy numbers from 08, but has held his own in AA.
15. P Jose Ortegano He might end up as a reliever, but the talent is obvious.
16. P David Hale This year’s 3rd round pick just signed and is sitting where Cory Gearrin was 2 years ago.
17. OF Robby Hefflinger Massive power hitter is playing well for Danville.
18. P Richard Sullivan Has bounced between Rome, Myrtle Beach, and Mississippi this season, looking well enough at all 3.
19. P Dimaster Delgado Hasn’t pitched much, but has looked outstanding when he has.
20. P Jacob Thompson Oddly he’s done better at the higher A ball level this year, suggesting good things for his future.
21. P Randall Delgado Probably should be a lot higher, but has been outpitched a little by guys his same age.
22. P Brett Oberholtzer Dominating so far at Danville.
23. C Matt Kennelly Was rushed to Myrtle Beach and failed, but has raked since going to Rome.
24. P Cole Rohrbough A tough season at a level he played at last year combined with more injuries has put his prospect status in serious jeopardy.
25. OF Luis Sumoza History of success and flashes of it are enough to slid him at the end of this list.
"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com
You one-upper, you!
:)
Just kidding man. I like your list, and assume that you are pretty much one of the few true experts on this subject (you and yondaime)
"Actually, Justin was right."
by bigjoe on May 15, 2009 9:04 AM PDT
by justincredubil02 on Jul 15, 2009 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Great List
cbwilk—Great list….the best one here…I think despite the command problems there is a place somewhere for Kyle Cofield…
by Stephen in the UAE on Jul 14, 2009 9:14 PM EDT reply actions
Thanks man, I tried. Kyle really wasn’t even that close to the cut for me. He’s been very average over his career, and while there’s some talent there, I just wonder if he’s anything more than a ML middle reliever. With so many projectable young guys, especially the ones playing well, I couldn’t see a guy with so little upside moving up the list.
"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com
Top 25
1. Randy Gress
1. J. Heyward
2. F. Freeman
3. Z. Spruill
4. J. Teheran
5. J.J. Hoover
If and when he signs, M. Minor goes here
6. B. DeVall
7. C. Johnson
8. J. Thompson
9. C. Bethancourt
10. D. Delgado
11. C. Gearrin
12. R. Sullivan
13. L. Valdez
14. R. Delgado
15. C. Perez
16. B. Oberholtzer
17. E. Osuna
18. S. Diamond
19. A. Milligan
20. D. Francis
21. T. Stovall
22. L. Sumoza
23. M. Kennelly
24. W. Cabera
25. B. Schlehuber
"Four of us wolves, running around the desert together in Las Vegas, looking for strippers and cocaine..."
1. Jason Heyward – OF
2. Freddie Freeman – 1B
3. Julio Teheran – P
4. Zeke Spruill – P
5. Randall Delgado – P
6. J.J. Hoover – P
7. Jacob Thompson – P
8. Brett DeVall – P
9. Cole Rohrbough – P
10. Dimaster Delgado – P
11. Cody Johnson – OF
12. Cory Gearrin – P
13. Richard Sullivan – P
14. Craig Kimbrel – P
15. Scott Diamond – P
16. Brett Oberholtzer – P
17. Adam Milligan – OF
18. Jeff Lyman – P
19. David Francis – P
20. Tyler Stovall – P
21. Robert Hefflinger – P
22. Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg – 1B
23. Paul Clemens – P
24. Christian Bethancourt – C
25. Mycal Jones – SS
I really like Zeke Spruill, it was kind of a toss-up between him and Teheran for the #3 spot, but as much as I like Spruill, I like Teheran just a little bit more. There are a ton of pitchers (aka: lack of position players), but there are still some intriguing position players in the lower levels…Bethancourt, Kennelly, Hefflinger, Harrilchak, Spanjer-Furstenburg, Jones, etc…It’s hard to really evaluate them based on a couple of weeks, but I’m really interested to see how some of these players either improve or regress throughout the rest of the season.
I can’t wait for a couple of these guys to get up to Rome so I can go watch them!
"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner
Oh...
I’m obviously not that high on Cody Johnson. His upside is what has him as high as he is. I’ve never been that impressed with him…except maybe during BP, but that doesn’t count…much.
"If I had a little humility, I would be perfect" - Ted Turner
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