Monday, March 25, 2013

Atlanta Braves 2013 Top 10 Prospects


Teheran
1. Julio Teheran, RHP: Still top prospect in the system despite down year, still has frontline ceiling but needs serious work on curveball among other things.

2. J.R. Graham, RHP: Polished 23-year old shows great K/BB and GO/AO ratios and has a better chance of reaching No. 2/3 starter ceiling than Teheran.

3. Lucas Sims, RHP: 2012 1st-round pick has good polish for a prep pitcher to go along with power fastball.

4. Sean Gilmartin, LHP:
Consistent lefty has ceiling of No. 3/4 innings-eater with plus-changeup. Has a chance to reach majors in 2013.

5. Alex Wood, LHP: 2012 2nd-round pick put up sensational numbers in Low-A last year with a funky delivery and just an average breaking ball. Could develop into mid-rotation starter or bullpen guy. 

6. Jose Peraza, SS:
 Raw toolsy athlete with potential to provide elite defense at SS with solid leadoff skills. Still a long ways from a finished product and is doubtful to develop much power.

7. Mauricio Cabrera, RHP:
 19-year old has perhaps the highest upside in the system with mid-90's fastball and developing secondary pitches but has serious work to do on command and control.

8. Christian Bethancourt, C:
 One of the best defensive catchers in the minors has serious issues with the bat that could hold him from being anything more than a backup in the majors.

9. Tommy La Stella, 2B:
 Outstanding bat for 2B with an incredible eye (40:25 BB:K in 2012), has to show he can continue to hit consistently at higher levels.

10. Evan Gattis, C/OF:
 26-year old has resurrected career after a number of years away from game. Will never be MLB-caliber catcher but has the power and athleticism to make it in the outfield.

Sleeper - Josh Elander, C:
 Above-average bat with plus power for a catcher, has the athleticism and arm strength to make it behind the plate but has a ton of work to do due to inexperience at the position. A move to the outfield would significantly lessen the impact of his offensive game.