The Atlanta Braves have long been known for their legendary farm system. It has allowed for them to not overspend on high priced free agents during the off-season, while also allowing for them to make mid-season maneuvers in the heat of pennant races. The system has produced legendary Braves players such as Tom Glavine, Steve Avery, David Justice, and Javy Lopez. It has even produced some of the best young players currently in the majors today like Brian McCann, Tommy Hanson, Jason Heyward and Craig Kimbrel. These are just to name a few. Without ado here is a look at the Top 10 minor league prospects for the Atlanta Braves this 2012 season (as picked The Bart Cave).
pos: C (R/R)
age: 25 height: 6'4" weight: 230
stats: .322 BA, 22 HR, 71 RBI
Gattis is my wild card pick. This is a player who has been through a lot in his life. Only two years into his professional career and he is looking like a can't miss prospect. His age will have an effect on how the Braves approach his future with the organization. If Gattis has another season in 2012 like the last two, then there will be no way the Braves don't seriously look at him in 2013. The organization may look to move him to another position as to maximize his pro-potential. (2012 Prediction: Full season at A-Adv Lynchburg)
pos: SS/CF (R/R)
age: 19 height: 6'1" weight: 195
stats: .247 BA, 1 HR, 37 RBI, 28 SB
Lipka was the Braves 1st Round selection in 2010. He has shown a strong arm and great speed in just 1.5 seasons in the organization. The plan is to move him full time to center field in 2012, and groom him for the future of that position in Atlanta. (2012 Prediction: Full season in A-Adv Lynchburg)
pos: SS (R/R)
age: 22 height: 6'2" weight: 170
stats: .311 BA, 1 HR, 52 RBI, 26 SB
A 2nd Round pick in 2010, Simmons was selected for his potential at being a pitcher. He was rated the best throwing arm in the entire draft. However, he has played shortstop primarily and wishes to continue doing that. So far so good on that investment. His defense is rated the best in the Braves organization. His bat has also been very productive. He was in the top 5 in the Braves minor league system in average, hits, and stolen bases. If he can add some size, then there is no telling how far he can go. (2012 Prediction: Split season between A-Adv Lynchburg and AA-Mississippi)
pos: C (R/R)
age: 20 height: 6'2" weight: 190
stats: .289, 5 HR, 53 RBI
The consenus around baseball is that Bethancourt will be a big-time big-league catcher after his display in the 2011 Arizona Fall League. Will it be in a Braves uniform? Brian McCann is entrenched as the starting catcher and is putting up Hall of Fame numbers. However, McCann is going to start getting old in Catcher terms. He will likely start splitting more playing time. McCann/Bethancourt could be a really good 1-2 punch. (2012 Prediction: Full season AA-Mississippi)
pos: 1B/3B (S/R)
age: 23 height: 6'1" weight: 200
stats: .286, 20 HR, 82 RBI
Joey-T (as I am calling him) was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 6th Round of the 2010 draft. He played his collegiate ball at "the U"in Miami and Long Beach State. The first thing that grabs your attention is his propensity for hitting. He broke the Carolina League record for doubles in a season last year. In just 1.5 seasons, Joey-T has played at three different levels, and dominated at all of them. So much so, that the Braves sent him to the Arizona Fall League in 2011 and he continued his torrid hitting and was named to the league's Rising Stars Team along with fellow Braves Christian Bethancourt and J.J. Hoover. A first baseman by trade, Joey-T will also play third base and a little outfield. (2012 Prediction: Full season AA-Mississippi)
pos: SP (L/L)
age: 22 height: 6'2" weight: 195
stats: 2-2, 3.09 ERA, 21.1 IP 31/3 SO/BB
Gilmartin was the 1st Round Pick (28th overall) for the Atlanta Braves in 2011 out of Florida State. He signed very quickly and pitched at two levels in the second half of the 2011 season. The first thing that jumps off the board is his amazing control, which has only been more impressive by his power pitching. He could have a chance at the big club by 2013. (2012 Prediction: Split season between A-Adv Lynchburg and AA-Mississippi)
pos: SS/3B (R/R)
age: 20 height: 6'3" weight: 195
stats: .248, 12 HR, 68 RBI, 23 SB
One thing is for certain, Salcedo has the biggest potential of any prospect in the Braves system. The comparisons to Hanley Ramirez are looking more accurate each year he matures. Power - he's got it! Speed - he's got it! Defense - never been a question. Can he cut down on the strike outs and hit for a consistent average? This will be a big season in his growth. Salcedo could be starting at SS or 3B in Atlanta by 2014. (2012 Prediction: Split season A-Adv Lynchburg and AA-Mississippi)
pos: SS (R/R)
age: 22 height: 5'11" weight: 170
stats: .314 BA, 7 HR, 45 RBI, 27 SB
Tyler has already been slated as the Atlanta Braves starting shortstop in 2012 without having even taken one swing in the majors. It is a big gamble, but Pastornicky has excelled at every level and dominated. He has nothing left to prove at the minor league level. The Braves will likely hit him low in the order to get him acclimated to big league pitching. A 1-2 punch of Michael Bourne and Pastornicky at the top of the order could be DANGEROUS! (2012 Prediction: Full-time Atlanta depending on production)
pos: SP (R/R)
age: 22 height: 6'3" weight: 200
stats: 7-7, 3.88 ERA, 139 IP, 135 SO
Delgado had 7 total major league starts for the Braves in 2011 and looked extremely comfortable. Opponents were rarely effective, only putting up a .220 batting average against him. One thing that will need to be worked on is his control (18 SO/ 14 BB), which was not an issue in the minors. Delgado will also have a chance in 2012 to earn a spot in the rotation come Spring Training. (2012 Prediction: Start season with AAA Gwinnett, September call-up to Atlanta)
pos: SP (R/R)
age: 21 height: 6'2" weight: 195
stats: 15-3, 2.55 ERA, 144.2 IP, 122 SO
Teheran was named AAA Pitcher of the Year by MLB.com, International League Rookie of the Year, and Braves Minor League Player of the Year. He is the #4 overall prospect in baseball according to Baseball America. He is also rated the #1 right handed pitching prospect in the majors. He was called up to the major league club for a few spot starts in 2011 and effective, but needs to work on trusting all of his pitches. (2012 Prediction: Full season as starting pitcher in Atlanta)
WHO ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING IN A BRAVES UNIFORM?
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