Three Braves Prospects Among Top Appy League Talent

In their continuing series of ranking the top minor league talent from each league, Baseball America brings us the Top-20 Appalachian League Prospects. The Braves are well represented here, including two of their top new pitching prospects. Ranking 5th and 6th on the list respectively are right-handers Mauricio Cabrera and Lucas Sims.

Cabrera is one of the organization's top young international arms, signing in 2010 for $400K. He's a big-framed 18-year old with mid-90s gas that has natural sink and/or cutting action. He held opposing hitters to an Appy League best .213 average. Talking Chop ranked him as the 8th-best prospect on our mid-season top-25 Braves prospects. He is still a work in progress, and he'll have to refine his secondary offerings and sort out some minor mechanical flaws, but the future looks bright for Cabrera.

Lucas Sims was the team's top draft pick this year, getting drafted 21st overall, and signing for a $1.65 million bonus. Talking Chop ranked him as the Braves 4th-best prospects mid-season, on reports of his mid-90s fastball, plus curveball, and developing changeup. Sims started out in the GCL, but after only three games the Braves pushed him to Danville. He struggled some with walks and control, but held his own for an 18-year old getting his first taste of pro ball.

As expected, shortstop Jose Peraza makes an appearance on this prospect list as well. He ranks 18th on the Appy League list (after ranking 10th in the GCL).

The next prospect list that might have any Braves prospects will be released October 3rd by Baseball America.

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