Talking Chop Readers Submit their Top-25 Braves Prospects

by gondeee on Oct 25, 2007 8:33 AM EDT in Minor League News Comment 27 comments

Now that my list has been completely unveiled, it's time for you to submit your list of the top-25 Braves prospects for 2008. While I did a top-35 list (because I'm sick like that) please only feel obligated to submit your top-25, but make sure you do submit 25 players. The submission cut-off is this Sunday at noon, at that point I'll take all the lists and create a combined list much like I did last year. Feel free to give comments about each player, or feel free to just list them without comments.

Remember that the following players should not be considered prospects because they've lost their rookie status: Jo-Jo Reyes (over 50 innings pitched), Yunel Escobar (over 130 at-bats), Brayan Pena (over 45 days on active pre-expanded roster), and Martin Prado (over 45 days on active pre-expanded roster).

As a refresher, here is my top-25 list (with the bonus-10):

1 Jason Heyward, OF
2 Jordan Schafer, OF
3 Cole Rohrbough, LHP
4 Brandon Jones, OF
5 Brent Lillibridge, SS
6 Tommy Hanson, RHP
7 Cody Johnson, OF
8 Joey Devine, RHP
9 Kris Medlen, RHP
10 Jeff Locke, LHP
11 Kala Ka'aihue, 1B
12 Jamie Richmond, RHP
13 Eric Campbell, 3B
14 Jose Ascanio, RHP
15 Dan Smith, LHP
16 Tyler Flowers, C/1B
17 Jose Ortegano, LHP
18 Steve Evarts, LHP
19 Chad Rodgers, LHP
20 Manny Acosta, RHP
21 Sung Ki Jung, RHP
22 Zach Schreiber, RHP
23 Brandon Hicks, SS
24 Clint Sammons, C
25 Travis Jones, 2B

26 Van Pope, 3B
27 Deunte Heath, RHP
28 Cory Rasmus, RHP
29 Carl Loadenthal, OF
30 Nick Fellman, RHP
31 Chase Fontaine, IF
32 Phillip Britton, C
33 Edgar Osuna, LHP
34 J.C. Holt, 2B
35 Kevin Gunderson, LHP

Obviously some of the people in the "bonus-10" may be prospects you want in your top-25. There may be some other people who aren't even listed here that you want to list like Eric Cordier or Tyler Wilson or Mike Nix or any of the guys playing in the AFL who didn't make my list. If you feel they are deserved of being listed as one of the top-25 best prospects in the Braves organization, then go right ahead and list them.

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Mine

1    Brandon Jones
2    Jason Heyward
3    Jordan Schafer
4    Brent Lillibridge
5    Cole Rohrbough
6    Tommy Hanson
7    Cody Johnson
8    Joey Devine
9    Jeff Locke
10    Kala Kaaihue
11    Steve Evarts
12    Eric Campbell
13    Kris Medlen
14    Erik Cordier
15    Brandon Hicks
16    Chad Rodgers
17    Jose Ortegano
18    Jose Ascanio
19    Diory Hernandez
20    Jamie Richmond
21    Tyler Flowers
22    Travis Jones
23    Van Pope
24    Clint Sammons
25    Chase Fontaine

26    Manny Acosta
27    JC Holt
28    James Parr
29    Cory Rasmus
30    Deunte Heath
31    Edgar Osuna
32    Sung Ki Jung
33    Philip Britton
34    Nick Fellman
35    Charlie Morton

Two guys get the nod not on your top 35, Erik Cordier and Diory Hernandez. If we are going to have any arm impact the high minors next year, Cordier will be it, might be JS's last great trade depending on how he pans out. Diory had a great year in difficult Mississippi, he's not much of a prospect for the braves due to our logjam at middle infield but he would be elsewhere.

Other guys worth watching next year: Freddie Freeman, Jon Gilmore, Michael Fisher, Jairo Cuevas, Adam Coe, and Steve Kent

by abravesfan on Oct 25, 2007 9:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Cordier

He's a guy I knew a lot of people would want to rank, and even rank high, since he was a 2nd round pick (63rd overall) back in 2004. But there's several reasons I didn't list him at all. (1)Obviously the injuries he's sustained scare me a lot. (2)For a guy who is supposed to be a power pitcher with a high-90's fastball, that certainly hasn't translated into strikeouts at any level. (3)When he comes back he'll be a combination of a young kid who really has no pro experience (21 games is all) trying to learn to pitch against tougher pro competition and trying to relearn how to pitch altogether. That equals high risk or high reward, but not a high enough reward right now to include him in even my top-35. He's years away and getting older.

by gondeee on Oct 25, 2007 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

completely understandable

its definitely a pick completely on projection, all the scouting reports I've read are very positive... I am not as worried about the injuries as I probably should be, as the Braves have a great track record of bringing guys back from TJohn (though not in other areas). I think he's the only one above Hanson who has a chance to better than a no. 5 starter and thats pretty high reward, but he certainly could never be heard from again.

Another guy I realized we all left off who should be eligible is Anthony Lerew... don't know that he'll ever pitch for the Braves again, and he's certainly not done a lot, but I'd probably rank him in the late 20s or so

by abravesfan on Oct 25, 2007 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My top 25

Brandon Jones
Jason Heyward
Jordan Schafer
Tommy Hanson
Brent Lillibridge
Cole Rohrbough
Joey Devine
Kala Ka'aihue
Jeff Locke
Steve Evarts
Cody Johnson
Eric Campbell
Jamie Richmond
Erik Cordier
Cory Rasmus
Zach Schreiber
Kris Medlen
Van Pope
Jose Ascanio
Chad Rodgers
Sung Ki Jung
Chase Fontaine
Brandon Hicks
Travis Jones
Tyler Flowers

by Zbrave on Oct 25, 2007 10:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Interesting

Nice peek at your list. You know you swapped Campbell and Richmond, was that on purpose?

by gondeee on Oct 25, 2007 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not intentional

Yeah, I didn't know if I wanted to wait or not but I figured I would give a sneak peek to those who could figure it out and were reading through these comments. But of course you'll have to read my blog for a more in depth look at my rankings. Definitely keep an eye out for my Tommy Hanson write-up because there is a lot of debate as to who is better -- Hanson or Rohrbough -- and I'll explain why I chose Hanson, although not by much.

I posted that from a previous version of my top-25 and just forgot to switch Campbell and Richmond.

by Zbrave on Oct 25, 2007 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The most wonderful time of the year!

My list with my defense of each:

Jordan Schafer - My #1 because I think he will have the biggest, longest term impact. Gold glove defense and a bat that gets better and better. I can't wait.....
Joey Devine - I think he puts it all together this year
Tommy Hanson - Good pitcher - period.
Cody Johnson - The improvement at Danville is scary. If he keeps it up, he'll be a force.
Cole Rohrbough - This is a popularity pick for me....I'm not sold yet, but I could be easily convinced.
Brandon Jones - Next year a starter, but long term? Who knows.
Brent Lillibridge - A great middle infielder we really don't need. Either find him a spot or get something good in trade.
Jose Ascanio - ready to go, and with some ML experience...
Manny Acosta - ditto
Isaiah Ka'aihue - My favorite for a while now. I think he continues to regress at every level (including Atlanta when it's time), but follows each regression up with a monster season. As long as Bobby doesn't platoon him when he gets cold, Ka'aihue has a chance to be a really good first baseman.
Tyler Flowers C/1B - And if Kala can't cut it, there's Tyler Flowers. His bat improved tremendously at Rome this year, and he's a hard-working guy willing to play 1st if he has to.
Sung Ki Jung - Age forces him this high, but his numbers weren't bad this year. I bet he cracks the bullpen sometime next season.
Jamie Richmond - His stuff is good. His Wins should have been higher this season, but he was unlucky. If he can mentally pull it together, he'll be a good one.
Zach Schreiber - give this guy a shot already!
Jason Heyward - potential unproven, but it appears to be unlimited. I want to see a full season first.....
Kris Medlen - only lower than Schreiber because Zach pitches at a higher level
Dan Smith - He was good the few times I saw him.
Jose Ortegano - This will be the first of a few pitchers I know little about.
Chase Fontaine - find him a spot in the field and his bat (and glove) will become more consistent
Eric Campbell - If his attitude doesn't straighten up, he's out.
Steve Evarts - 2nd pitcher I don't really know
Chad Rodgers - and the third....
Brandon Hicks - he's good, but something's got to give in Atlanta's infield!
Philip Britton - To me a better long-term catching prospect than Sammons even though Sammons will likely be the backup next year
Cory Rasmus - If we can rank a virtually untested Heyward so high, I'm giving this guy's reputation a spot on my list

First of all, let me say that it's a crime to make this list and not include Will Startup. I think we're going to miss him. So long, and best of luck Will!
Now, if I had to pick an outfield for the next 20 years, it would be, in this order: Schafer, Heyward, Cody Johnson, and Brandon Jones. Looking in my crystal ball, that's how I see these 4 guys stacking up long-term. I listed Jones high because he's close to Atlanta (I'm betting the farm he's there all year in some capacity), but I think the other three will be bigger impact players. I think this crop of outfielders has a great chance to have a long-term impact in the big leagues over the next 20 years. Ranking pitchers scares me because you just never know (like you do with position players - HA HA!)

There are, as always, too many pitchers I don't know, and too many infielders to sort through. It really said something to me when I left off JC Holt and Travis Jones, who I think have a good shot at being solid major league guys one day, but I'm tired of thinking about short and second. Now if Chipper retires and Campbell doesn't calm down, then what? Van Pope? Chase Fontaine? Hicks? Lillibridge??? Hmmmm......

by secondbass on Oct 25, 2007 11:10 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice

Great comments, good list, and I don't know if you meant to or not, but you left off Jeff Locke - you may have to explain that one, unless it was an oversight.

by gondeee on Oct 25, 2007 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pitchers I don't know....

.....but should (He got an award at Turner Field, and I got to meet him!). But seriously, I had Locke listed after Evarts at 22 1/2 as the 4th pitcher I don't know (trying to be clever), but I thought that might mess with your compiled list so I took him off. For me, it was either one or the other and I chose to leave off the pitcher of the year for Danville! I should have put him on, but since I don't know much of him, I'll leave my rankings as is with the admitted flaw.

by secondbass on Oct 25, 2007 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Top 25

Jordan Schafer
Brandon Jones
Brent Lillibridge
Tommy Hanson
Cole Rohrbough
Jason Heyward
Jeff Locke
Joey Devine
Cody Johnson
Kris Medlen
Eric Campbell
Jose Ascanio
Steve Evarts
Dan Smith
Kala Kaaihue
Manny Acosta
Zach Schreiber
Brandon Hicks
Travis Jones
Kevin Gunderson
Jamie Richmond
Van Pope
Chase Fontaine
Eric Cordier
Cory Rasmus

by zuluent on Oct 25, 2007 11:15 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Oh Man...

I'll look over the stats, read some scouting reports and have a list out later tonight; this is so much fun!

Come check out my blog 52 Card Pick-up and let me know what you think!

by ejruiz on Oct 25, 2007 3:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Top 35 Prospects

Jason Heyward
Jordan Schafer
Cole Rohrbough
Brandon Jones
Thommy Hanson
Jeffrey Locke
Brent Lillibridge
Cody Johnson
Joey Devine
Jamie Richmond
Kris Medlen
Brandon Hicks
Jose Ortegano
Kala Kaaihue
Chase Fontaine
Eric Campbell
Steve Evarts
Tyler Flowers
Cory Rasmus
Erik Cordier
Julio Teheran
Nick Fellman
Tyler Wilson
Phillip Britton
Jon Gilmore
Fredrick Freeman
Manny Acosta
Kevin Gunderson
Jose Ascanio
Edgar Osuna
Steve Kent
J.C. Holt
Diory Hernandez
Clint Sammons

http://tomahawkinbraves.blogspot.com http://blabberinbraves.proboards52.com/index.cgi

by deewill23 on Oct 25, 2007 6:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Blanco

I know Gregor Blanco is not a star, but I think everyone really overlooks him because he has no power and has had his problems in SB%.

But he's definitely more of a prospect than Carl Loadenthal, Holt, and some others. He has more of a MLB future as a bench player than many on the list. Should be in the top 20.

by braves11p4p on Oct 25, 2007 7:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

his upside is a 4th OF

and I don't think he'll reach it. He's more interesting than Loadenthal who's old without the great defense, but not Holt, who can hit a little and has nice speed. I certainly think everyone in my top 25 has more upside than he does (maybe not Sammons, but backup catchers are harder to find)

I'm also not sold on his on base skills transferring to higher levels, MLB pitchers will go right after him. His defense is a plus tool, but he's Ryan Langerhans without any power, and we all know how that went the first time.

by abravesfan on Oct 25, 2007 7:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Mwahahaah

Jordan Schafer
Brandon Jones
Jason Heyward
Joey Devine
Brent Lillibridge
Tommy Hanson
Cole Rohrbough
Kris Medlen
Jeff Locke
Cody Johnson
Kala Kaaihue
Jamie Richmond
Steve Evarts
Brandon Hicks
Travis Jones
Steve Kent
Jose Ascanio
Chad Rodgers
Julio Teahren
Eric Campbell
Matt Esquevil
Philip Britton
Frederick Freeman
Corey Rasmus
Jose Ortegano

Analysis to follow

.....Matt

by yondaime4 on Oct 25, 2007 10:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Som extra stuff

Here are some of my thoughts on the list:

People I don't expect to be on the list at all next year:
Devine
Lillibridge
B Jones
Ascanio
Schafer
Campbell - because he'll be dead

My top five next year
Heyward
Rohrbough
Hanson
Hicks
Locke

Best Chance to skyrocket:
T Jones
Cory Rasmus

Best Chance to Plummet:
C Johnson
T hanson
J Richmond

Next Year's Jordan Schafer
Chase Fontaine

.....Matt

by yondaime4 on Oct 25, 2007 10:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like your comments!

I can see every one of those future predictions as real possibilities! Especially Campbell....

by secondbass on Oct 26, 2007 5:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes

Very nice comments, I'm totally with you on a lot of those comments.

by gondeee on Oct 26, 2007 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

More Fun stuff

I felt like expanding my comments a little more cause I enjoyed them and I am full of myself:

PLayers with the best raw tools (pitchers edition):
Cory Rasmus
Jeff Locke
Joey Devine
Ortegano
Neftali Feliz would have headlined this list

Hitters Edition:
Jason Heyward
Eric Campbell
Freddie Freeman
Jordan Schafer
Cody Johnson

Elvis Andrus if we had kept him

Fast track! (Players In A-Ball or below with a chance to pull a furcal by 2009)
Schafer
Steve Evarts
Jason Heyward
Cory Rasmus (lots of talent and a quick learner from being a coaches son)
Travis Jones (has a chance but really no room, same with hicks)

Trade Bait:
Steve Evarts
Chad Rodgers
Kala Kaaihue (if he hits at all this season he will be gone by the break)

The Next Wes Helms/Mike Hessman:
Freddie Freeman/Jon Gilmore

2010 Rotation:
Tim Hudson
Jo-Jo Reyes
Jeff Locke (Locke Will be better than Reyes in the long run, but not by 2010)
Tommy Hanson
Chuck James

Closer:
Devine

2010 Lineup:

K. Johnson 2B
Yunel Escobar SS
Chipper 3B
French RF
McCann C
Schafer CF
Jason Heyward 1B
Brandon Jones LF

This Might be the best defensive team I have seen the braves have since Galarraga was around.

Most Likely To Succeed:
Hitter - Jason Heyward (too much potential and polish not to be a star)
Pitcher - Joey Devine (he will be one of the best closers in the league as soon as next year)

.....Matt

by yondaime4 on Oct 27, 2007 2:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Woh

Don't get ahead of yourself... we'll do a future lineup thingy soon enough.

by gondeee on Oct 27, 2007 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Top 35

Jordan Schafer
Brandon Jones
Brent Lillibridge
Jason Heyward
Cole Rohrbough
Cody Johnson
Tommy Hanson
Joey Devine
Manny Acosta
Dan Smith
Jamie Richmond
Jeff Locke
Steve Evarts
Kala Kaaihue
Chase Fontaine
Brandon Hicks
Kris Medlen
Kevin Gunderson
Jose Ortegano
Chad Rodgers
Sung-Ki Jung
Tyler Flowers
Edgar Osuna
Eric Campbell
Clint Sammons
Travis Jones
Jose Ascanio
Ryne Reynoso
Van Pope
Phillip Britton
Nick Fellman
Eric Cordier
Cory Rasmus
J.C. Holt
Steve Kent

by 17843 on Oct 26, 2007 1:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Reynoso

I almost went back and tried to find a place for Reynoso...I really like his chances. And maybe Tyler Wilson...they were a great 1-2 punch in Rome this year - when either one came in, you knew the game was over.

by secondbass on Oct 26, 2007 5:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My list based on impact in the Major leagues

Brent Lillibridge
Jordan Schafer
Cole Rohrbough
Cody Johnson
Jason Heyward
Jose Ascaino
Brandon Jones
Manny Acosta
Tommy Hanson
Jeff Locke
Charlie Morton
Eric Campbell
Joey Devine
Dan Smith
Jaime Richmond
Kris Medlen
Travis Jones
Erik Cordier
Jose Ortegano
Clint Sammons
Sung Ki Jung
Ryne Reynoso
Julio Teheran (signed for $850,000 out of Colombia, basically a second rounder)
Chad Rodgers
Francisley Bueno

No KK, he's done in my opinion...I hope Brady Endl bounces back...Pope and Holt just out for me.

by themurph on Oct 26, 2007 12:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Endl retired didn't he?

Teheran has had some good reports coming out of instructionals, reminds me of Feliz last year

by abravesfan on Oct 26, 2007 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Prospect List

Braves Prospect List

1.    Jordan Schafer
2.    Brandon Jones
3.    Cole Rhorbough
4.    Tommy Hanson
5.    Cody Johnson
6.    Jason Heyward
7.    Brent Lillibridge
8.    Joey Devine
9.    Jo Jo Reyes
10.    Jeff Locke
11.    Steve Evarts
12.    Kris Medlen
13.    Jamie Richmond
14.    Van Pope
15.    Kala
16.    Jose Oretegano
17.    Chad Rogers
18.    Edgar Otsuna
19.    Eric Campbell
20.    Gregor Blanco
21.    Tyler Flowers
22.    Clint Sammons
23.    James Parr
24.    Eric Barrett
25.    Dan Smith
26.    Jose Ascanio
27.    Manny Accosta
28.    Sung Ki Jung
29.    Travis Jones
30.    Brandon Hicks
31.    Bryan Pena
32.    Chase Fontaine
33.    Martin Prado
34.    Jario Cuevas
35.    Deunte Heath

Flying Under the Radar

1.    Diory Hernandez
2.    Steven Kent
3.    Michael Nix
4.    Tyler Wilson
5.    Steve Shults
6.    Charles Morton
7.    Francisely Bueno
8.    Philip Britton
9.    Cole Miles
10.    Michael Mehlich
11.    Quentin Davis
12.    Jon Owings
13.    J.C.Holt
14.    Carlos Sencion
15.    Francisely Bueno
16.    Kevin Gunderson
17.    Kevin Villa
18.    Carl Loadenthal
19.    Wes Timmons
20.    Danny Brezeale

Candidates for Breakthroughs in 2008

1.    Fredy Freemen
2.    Julio Teheran
3.    Jon Gilmore
4.    Phil Stockman
5.    Adam Coe
6.    Ryohei Shimabukuro
7.    Ernesto Meija
8.    Samuel Sime
9.    Nicholas Fellman
10.    Thomas Palica
11.    Larry Williams
12.    Matt Kennelly
13.    Yelivar Castro
14.    Caleb Brewer
15.    Rico Reid

Hope Their Healthy

1.    Erik Cordier
2.    Chris Vines
3.    Johnny Venters
4.    Kyle Cofield
5.    Cory Rasmus
6.    Anthony Lerew
7.    Mosies Hernandez
8.    Lee Hyde
9.    Timothy Gustafson
10.    Sergio Valenzuela

by Stephen on Oct 28, 2007 8:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice List(s)

Great detail. I did skip Jo-Jo on your main list since he is no longer a rookie.

I really like your inclusion of Eric Barrett - he barely missed my list, and he probably should have made it in retrospect. I see him being next year's Rohrbough. He was a D&F player in 2006 like Rohr, and he's left-handed. It seems like the Braves are brining him along slower than Rohr, Hanson, or Richmond, but he may have just as much impact down the road. 56.2 IP and no HR, with 71 SOs - awesome. The Indians drafted him in the 17th round out of high school.

Man! Add him to our list of talented young left-handed pitchers - (I write with a big smile on my face).

by gondeee on Oct 28, 2007 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Inclusions

In my haste to make the deadline I missed a few names--Dustin Evans, Michael Fisher, Jeff Lyman, Michael Broadway and Ryne Reynoso all should merit a look. Sure many of these players may not make it--but many will increase in value (which makes them trading commodities) so the future should be bright.

It will be fun to talk about these lists, but I think that this exercise has educated me into the depth of talent in the Atlanta system.

I just wish we had not lost Draft and Follow...

by Stephen on Oct 28, 2007 1:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs