Who is our top third base prospect now?

by secondbass on Jan 12, 2008 8:18 PM EST Comment 8 comments

Well.....

In reading some of the Kotsay rumors here, I saw Eric Campbell's name mentioned as possible trade bait. He isn't, apparantly, but it got me thinking...if he left (or really even if he stays), who is our big stud at third base for the future?

Eric Campbell has attitude issues, if you believe what you hear, and he gets hurt a lot. But when he's going good, he's a beast.

Van Pope - will he be able to hit above AA?

Chase Fontaine - the man without a position. Could he find himself at third?

Danny Brezeale - he was awful at Rome.

Shults, Freeman - maybe?

Might we see the Braves move Brandon Hicks, Michael Fisher, or Travis Jones to third? Heck, I say give Robert Marcial a shot there as well - some consistent playing time would do him some good!

The bottom line is Chipper is getting close to retirement, as we all know. I hope it's 3-5 years away, but you never know. I just hope the Braves are grooming somebody to step in sooner rather than later to fill in Jones' sizeable shoes.

Poll

Who is the Braves' top third base prospect?

Freddy Freeman

4 votes

Other (comments?)

12 votes

Eric Campbell

15 votes

Van Pope

5 votes

Chase Fontaine

10 votes

Danny Brezeale

0 votes

46 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs | Comment 8 comments

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Comments

Freeman and Fontaine

both are not third base prospects. Freeman is a first baseman and Fontaine is a shortstop whose future is probably going to move to second. I would say that the consensus number one third base prospect isn't on that list though. Jon Gilmore seems to be the top third base prospect for Atlanta. Campbell probably has the highest ceiling but he's got some issues.

by was385 on Jan 12, 2008 8:27 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Right

I did get Freeman and Gilmore mixed up - I actually looked up the stats for them both not thinking....so it should be Gilmore on there!

As far as Fontaine goes, he did play some third last year at Rome, so a move there is possible. Same for Hicks, Jones, or any other youngster the Braves feel could fill the void. Hey, Chipper moved to left!

by secondbass on Jan 12, 2008 8:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Pope and Hicks

I like the thought of developing hicks into a 3rd baseman, and after seeing him play, I have even more confidence in his atheletic ability. He looks the part of a third baseman and displayed ability to move to both sides of his body. He is smooth from a fielding and throwing standpoint and reminds me somewhat of chipper. Pope is still by far the best defensive option. No one has close to the range or the arm he has. Campbell is a piece of work to say the least. He's gotten into it with very well respected coaches (in a very public atmosphere) because of his attitude alone. He has serious issues and I don't believe he'll be in the big leagues (if at all) for long with the braves.

by bravos408 on Jan 14, 2008 1:35 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Eric Campbell for now

we'll see what he and Gilmore do this year. I think Campbell has a great chance to bounce back (his average was unlucky last year and the power was there with improved patience) but his attitude issues are becoming detrimental to advancement. Gilmore had a good scouting report coming out of HS, and I wouldn't put any emphasis on his offensive numbers from the GCL. However, his defensive numbers and reports are not good, so just as important in the next year or two as his bat coming along as it should is showing he can stay at the hot corner.

Van Pope doesn't look like a real prospect to me anymore, Fontaine didn't put up starter numbers last year and while I still have hope for him his game is more suited to middle infield.

by abravesfan on Jan 12, 2008 8:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Gilmore all the way.

I love the dicipline that Gilmore has shown in such a short period of time.

by cgilmo78 on Jan 12, 2008 9:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Gilmore

He's the first round talent and played to expectations in the Gulf Coast League.

Pope obviously is still there, but he's never had a big season and is aging quickly. Still valuable because of the defense, but you gotta hit to get to the major leagues and he isn't hitting.

Fontaine is a second baseman, Freeman is a first baseman, and Campbell has attitude issues.

by 17843 on Jan 13, 2008 3:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Aybar

I don't know if you even consider him a prospect but he's the best out of the ones you mention. Don't know what the organiztion wants to do with him? Very good player when healthy and sober.

by braves077 on Jan 13, 2008 4:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Kelly Johnson

Kelly Johnson is your 3B of the future. Once Chipper leaves 3B for good Kelly will slide over. If it happened soon you could put Liilibridge at 2B. However, assuming it is 3 yrs out Kelly will be entering his offensive prime and would be a better defensive fit at 3B.

by calbers on Jan 25, 2008 9:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs