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4,816 comments Add your comment
Lew
December 10th, 2012
11:06 am
I’ve never pencilled Constanza in anywhere. Francsico/Prado at third, Gattis/Prado in LF.
TennesseePaul
December 10th, 2012
11:07 am
I’ve never pencilled Constanza in anywhere.
I’ve penciled both he and Schafer under the front wheels of the team bus as it waits to head to Florida.
Efrim
December 10th, 2012
11:08 am
Where are you getting this garbage from?
Hah!
raleighbravefan
December 10th, 2012
11:09 am
I still hope Wren can swing an impact player at a price that doesn’t completely go into bizarro territory. However, if the best we can do is a 3rd tier/marginal guy….well, I’d rather go into ST looking at some combination of Prado/Reed J/Francisco/Gattis/and other contenders. If we are going to have to settle for mediocre, might as well save our resources for June/July, when something more resonable becomes available.
Efrim
December 10th, 2012
11:09 am
Tim Hudson.
Well done. Him too, yes.
Lew
December 10th, 2012
11:09 am
TenPaul – Nah, I don’t want them with tire treads across thir backs, just so they leave them somewhere other than where the team is playing – like Gwinnett or in another organziation altogether. No problem with a career minor leaguer status. Let JC Boscan be their guide.
ncbravesfan90
December 10th, 2012
11:11 am
“Francsico/Prado at third, Gattis/Prado in LF.”
Dang let’s hope not. If that indeed is the case then we are conceeding the division for sure and probably the playoffs as well. Golf in October!!
Jeff R
December 10th, 2012
11:11 am
I’ve never pencilled Constanza in anywhere. Francsico/Prado at third, Gattis/Prado in LF
Lew, just bouncing off your remark to make another point. I’m confident that Wren will add a left-fielder before the start of the regular season.
BravePack(FreeFan)
December 10th, 2012
11:13 am
Murph
December 10th, 2012
10:10 am
Myers? Myers??
Well…. crap.
Looking around at what’s rumored to be available, I’ll take Francisco or Gattis, thank you very much. Nothing but crap and castoffs out there now. Don’t need either.
I’m disappointed that the Braves didn’t make a play for Myers, but it’s not worth crying about. The kid wasn’t a safe bet, and the Braves carry enough risk as is without piling more on top.
My non-doom and gloom opening day lineup is:
1. Simmons
2. Prado
3. Heyward
4. Upton
5. Freeman
6. Uggla
7. BMac
8. Francisco
That’s a lot of pop 3-8… more than a lot of lineups out there can claim. Works for me.
I do think Simmons will be given every opportunity to win the leadoff spot in ST. Prado fits too well in the 2nd spot, and Simmons is a gamer… he’ll win the job, not be handed the job.
I think the battle between Gattis and Francisco for the final starting spot will actually be a good one. Look for a similar situation as the one we had between Simmons and Pastornicky last year. I’d bet that Gattis finds his way onto the MLB roster before the all star break.
This is almost the same exact post I was going to post this morning. Would’ve loved to get Myers but it wasn’t happening. Now as far as LF goes I just don’t see Wren giving up Teheran unlees it’s for someone like Upton or Fowler, which still may be too much for Fowler. Players like Bonifacio will not put this team over the hump, in fact we already have one in Constanza. If a team doesn’t give in then Wren will probably not make a trade but if a team gets desperate and lowers their demand it might happen but it doesn’t look good right now.
Lew
December 10th, 2012
11:13 am
Conceeding the division? You mean like last year we were only going to win 75 games? Always going to be doom and gloomers who never give us a chance.
raleighbravefan
December 10th, 2012
11:14 am
Lew – Re:Teheran….You’re talking bout using scouting, and not just raw stats. Somewhere, Shaun’s head just exploded.
PuddyCat
December 10th, 2012
11:15 am
In today’s world of smartphones where children 8-18 can go to a place like this and learn about baseball from adults is pretty cool. Yes, the children can be annoying with their youthful and juvenile perception of baseball, as seen through their naive eyes, but it also allows adult baseball fans to appreciate how we thought about baseball when we were at that age too.
It is one thing to read stats, but one of the most difficult areas for all baseball fans to learn is to how to articulate , understand and correctly interpret what those stats actually mean. So, I can see how it could be daunting and overwhelming, for young and old fans alike, to always be in disagreement about players based of stats and incorrectly interpreting past, present and future performance.
nolie
December 10th, 2012
11:16 am
Teheran, Gilmartin and Ahmed for Choo.. Do it now!!!!
Lew
December 10th, 2012
11:17 am
raleighbraves – Just as long as someone else cleans up the mess…..
ncbravesfan90
December 10th, 2012
11:17 am
“Conceeding the division? You mean like last year we were only going to win 75 games? Always going to be doom and gloomers who never give us a chance.”
You can’t lose Bourn, Chipper, and McCann(for the first month or so) and only add one piece to the ballclub and expect to win the division when the team who won it last year is acquiring and signing even more players this year to improve on a club that was already really good to begin with. Not to mention the Phillies will sign or trade for a few more pieces to put them right back into the mix as well. The “in-house” options we have are just not going to cut it. It’s not doom and gloom, its called reality.
Dave
December 10th, 2012
11:17 am
Hey, DOB. Do you think the Royals might still move Alex Gordon to offset the salary added from the Rays trade? If I remember correctly the Royals were already very close to their budget for this year.
2013 salaries Shields – $9M, Davis – $2.8M, Alex Gordon – $9M.
raleighbravefan
December 10th, 2012
11:18 am
ncbf90 – Or not. What if Gattis and Francisco both figure it out…and fight it out for rookie of the year? Likely?…hardly. Possible?….hell yeah. Plenty of examples.
Lew
December 10th, 2012
11:18 am
This is going to be an extremely powerful lineup and if Gattis/Francisco are in the mis, even more powerful.
What’s the over/under on some of them going back to back to back this year? Will we see a back, to back, to back, to back game?
ncscoots
December 10th, 2012
11:19 am
It’s not doom and gloom, its called reality.
New record, for earliest offseason post on definition of “reality”.
BALLGAME!!!
CB
December 10th, 2012
11:19 am
After Medlen wins 20-25 games this season and proves to be a #1 starter I would say Hudson’s days will be numbered. Too many superstar youngsters coming.
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 10th, 2012
11:20 am
what do you mean by nonsense? DOB and others all said that they’d trade Teheran for someone in their mid 30s like Willingham…. he had a season that won’t be happening again, and is approaching his mid 30s. Decline sure seems likely. Add in the fact that he’s averaged only about 110 games in the field the last 4 years… + we won’t get any compensation if/when he leaves. He isn’t a 1 year stop-gap to get us to next year’s good FA market for OF.
Choo, however, is a 1-year stopgap, and does leave us compensation when he goes. Fits the getting younger and athletic mold that FW wants, and is not likely to decline… he’s still in his prime. He leaves after the year, we collect that top40 pick and go sign Pence longterm for LF.
I don’t see why the Indians would take any less than that, and to offer Spruill or Gilmartin doesn’t nearly seem enough. They can surely draft something better than those 2 with the top40 pick they’d get.
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 10th, 2012
11:23 am
Teheran, Gilmartin and Ahmed for Choo.. Do it now!!!!
Does Ahmed have to be included? Could be ready by midseason, Prado’s replacement if he leaves. Good speed. Teheran should be enough for Choo, but send Spruill or Gilmartin in addition if needed.
ncbravesfan90
December 10th, 2012
11:23 am
I just find it hard to believe that the Braves have the most money to spend this offseason than they have had in several years and some people here think they will only sign one big piece. Like I said before, Wren said the payroll will be 95-100 mil this year and currently it sits at 82.5 mil so therefore he will get a LF and one more bench player.
ncscoots
December 10th, 2012
11:23 am
You can’t lose Bourn, Chipper, and McCann(for the first month or so) and only add one piece to the ballclub and expect to win the division
You really have to consider Simmons as an addition, when you think of how few games he played last year.
Lew
December 10th, 2012
11:23 am
Bourn had HALF a good season, CHipper missed 50 games and Mac – according to Wren on MLBTV last week- is supposed to miss two weeks.
PuddyCat
December 10th, 2012
11:24 am
nolie
December 10th, 2012
11:16 am
Teheran, Gilmartin and Ahmed for Choo.. Do it now!!!!
Lmao I spit out my coffee. Sadly there is a group that actually would agree with your post.
CB
December 10th, 2012
11:25 am
nolie has been hanging around TOBF too much.
Jeff R
December 10th, 2012
11:25 am
Teheran for a one-year rental – Choo or whoever – isn’t happening. I think Wren is still very high on Teheran – rightly so. If Teheran goes, it will be in a more substantial trade, where the Braves benefit longer range than a draft choice.
ncscoots
December 10th, 2012
11:27 am
After Medlen wins 20-25 games this season and proves to be a #1 starter
Wait. Are you saying that Medlen will lose some games next year???
monty
December 10th, 2012
11:27 am
We might very well have the lowest committed payroll for starting pitching in 2014. Could see Beachy, Medlen, Minor, Delgado and Teheran as our starters. Provided of course, that each of these remains healthy and keeps progressing in the right direction.
Zing
December 10th, 2012
11:27 am
Agree 100% BravePack. Braves shouldn’t give up Teheran or any other premium prospect for a player who wouldn’t significantly improve the team. I put Choo in that category (for reasons hashed out statistically over and over on this blog). At least when the Braves raided their farm system for Texeira, they got… Texeira.
CB
December 10th, 2012
11:29 am
scoots, I just wanted to see if you were still awake.
Lew
December 10th, 2012
11:29 am
No Diory Hernandez, Minor and Medlen in much better shape than to begin 2012, hellacious bullpen made even stronger with the addition of Walden and a full year of Luis Avilan, Chipper AND Bourn’s power already replaced with Upton along with a good bit of Bourn’s defense and speed, a full year of Maholm and a full year of Hudson and him not rehabbing from a surgery and a full year of Simmons (lookat Huddy’s numbers with HIM in the lineup instead of Pastornicky). Five players with 25-35 HR p[otential (Heyward, Freeman, Mac, Uggla and Upton) and another 25 added with a platoon involving Gattis/Francisco.
Yep, we’re hurting, no doubt.
We’ll be fine.
Jeff R
December 10th, 2012
11:29 am
Teheran, Gilmartin and Ahmed for Choo.. Do it now!!!!
Whacky-weed isn’t legal everywhere yet, is it?
ncscoots
December 10th, 2012
11:29 am
I put Choo in that category (for reasons hashed out statistically over and over on this blog).
I must have missed that. Could I get the short version as to why Choo would not improve the team?
Rick C
December 10th, 2012
11:29 am
You really can’t bank on Choo receiving a qualifying offer next year and getting draft pick compensation when he signs elsewhere. What if he has a down year and/or gets injured and ultimately is not worth giving a qualifying offer?
Zing
December 10th, 2012
11:29 am
Right, PuddyCat. Same reaction.
TennesseePaul
December 10th, 2012
11:31 am
Are you saying that Medlen will lose some games next year?
Not at all. You know that isn’t possible. Medlen will be tossing no-hitters every time out, but as has been pointed out many, many times, there are too many guys with high strike out rates, so some times the team will just fail to score, and after Medlen hangs in there for the first 13 innings, some middle reliever is bound to come in and allow a run in the 14th. Meds gets a no decision. He’ll end the season 25-0 with the team going 33-2 in his 35 starts.
Efrim
December 10th, 2012
11:31 am
Baseball America Atlanta Braves 2013 Top 10 Prospects
1. Julio Teheran, rhp
2. J.R. Graham, rhp
3. Christian Bethancourt, c
4. Sean Gilmartin, lhp
5. Lucas Sims, rhp
6. Mauricio Cabrera, rhp
7. Alex Wood, lhp
8. Evan Gattis, of/c
9. Zeke Spruill, rhp
10. Jose Peraza, ss
bravesfaninnc
December 10th, 2012
11:31 am
No more moves are going to happen fans – might as well accept that we pretty much have all of the players we are going to see in 2013
That said, I’m guessing that the primary battles in ST will go as follows:
LF Gattis vs 3B Francisco – whoever wins, determines where Prado plays
OF Schafer vs OF Constanza for bench spot / late inning PR
C Pagnozzi vs C Bethancourt for backup to Laird
Delgado vs Teheran for 5th starter
If I was a betting man (which I’m not) I’d say the opening day lineup will be
SS Simmons
LF Prado
RF Heyward
CF Upton
1B Freeman
2B Uggla
3B Francisco
C Laird
P Hudson
Half Empty
December 10th, 2012
11:31 am
sorry, but anybody who thinks that Choo would not significantly improve this club is a baseball idiot, not to say that we should trade Teheran for him
TennesseePaul
December 10th, 2012
11:32 am
Well look at that, Gattis is in the top ten prospect ranking.
Lew
December 10th, 2012
11:32 am
scoots – Nah, he’ll lose one or two games – not as if he’s 6′ 5″or anything. If he were he’d go undefeated.
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 10th, 2012
11:34 am
Choo, Prado, Heyward, Upton, Freeman, Uggla, McCann, Simmons— L/R all the way down. High OBP from the top 2 (maybe 3), and 20HR power from everyone but Prado and Simmons. Could even put Choo 3rd vs. RHP, leadoff vs. LHP. He’d easily be our best OBP machine and masher of RHP. Why he wouldn’t be considered an improvement to this team…. I don’t get it. Premium player, and we still are waiting for one.
BravePack(FreeFan)
December 10th, 2012
11:36 am
nolie
December 10th, 2012
11:16 am
Teheran, Gilmartin and Ahmed for Choo.. Do it now!!!!
Slow down nolie…way too much for a 1 year rental.
I noticed Gattis hasn’t been playing lately. Is he injured again? I would love to give the kid a shot but it doesn’t seem like he can stay on the field and not being out there to improve his skills in LF will hurt his chances to slot in the line up at LF.
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 10th, 2012
11:36 am
figured Graham would be #1… guess Teheran’s last few starts helped him. I’d put Sims and Wood over Gilmartin, Sims 4, Wood 5. Or flop those two, don’t really care… I
Zing
December 10th, 2012
11:36 am
ncscoots: Short version is that Choo rakes against righties and is horrid against lefties. Looking at OPS, a platoon of Reed Johnson/Prado against lefties and Francisco/Prado against righties gets you about .756 OPS for both. Choo is at .920 against righties (awesome) and .600 against lefties (horrid). I think there’s every reason to think that Francisco would be better with more playing time, also.
It’s not so much that he wouldn’t be a helpful addition, just that he doesn’t help enough and doesn’t address the Braves’ woes against lefties–would make it worse, actually. He’s also only under control for 1 year. Therefore, I think it would be a mistake to trade any premium prospect for him, much less the best three (absent Delgado) we have, as nolie suggests.
Efrim
December 10th, 2012
11:36 am
I thought Mauricio Cabrera and Jose Peraza would be close and in the conversation for the Top 10.
Did not expect Ed Salcedo and Nick Ahmed to be off of the list though, and I’d bet they are #11 and #12. “Big” Evan Gattis coming in at #8.
ncscoots
December 10th, 2012
11:36 am
not as if he’s 6′ 5″or anything. If he were he’d go undefeated.
Well, it would be more likely, that’s true.
TennPaul restored my faith in the Medlen Maniacs with his 11:31, though. I think CB was just making trouble, with this fol-de-rol about Medlen actually losing games. Humph.
unbelievable
December 10th, 2012
11:37 am
We should get Choo for LF and Bonifacio for the super util bench role. We need to get the impact bat first so Fredi wont be convinced to just stick with Bonifacio.
Lew
December 10th, 2012
11:38 am
Anyone else getting the feeling that TOBF has moved on from The Usual Supects to Choo?
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 10th, 2012
11:38 am
and why isn’t Ahmed top 10? should be ahead of either Spruill or Peraza (Peraza)
unbelievable
December 10th, 2012
11:38 am
Yanks closing in on Ichiro, to join their all LH’d hitting outfield with Gardner and Granderson.
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
December 10th, 2012
11:40 am
ncbravesfan90, Dan Uggla is likely to rebound in 2013. Jason Heyward is a monster talent about to reward our faith with a truly great season. McCann….healthy for five months is an improvement over 2012. Freddie Freeman is only going to get better. B.J. Upton adds to our defense and offense. Prado is Prado, an overachiever who keeps surprising everybody, and Simmons won’t be a rookie anymore.
That said, we don’t know who our lead off hitter will be next year. The bench is still incomplete, and our starting pitching depth is arguably short on experience and arms.
So Frank Wren has work to do and yes, this team will win in 2013 simply because they can pitch well. As for winning the division…….the sense of urgency needs to go up a notch on everybody’s part.
Efrim
December 10th, 2012
11:40 am
http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/prospects/rankings/organization-top-10-prospects/2013/2614449.html
unbelievable
December 10th, 2012
11:42 am
I think John Sickels did a better job with our prospects. Here is his Top 20 for 2013.
1.J.R. Graham, RHP
2.Julio Teheran, RHP
3.Alex Wood, LHP
4.Luke Sims, RHP
5.Zeke Spruill, RHP
6.Sean Gilmartin, LHP
7.Nick Ahmed, SS
8.Mauricio Cabrera, RHP
9.Tommy LaStella, 2B
10.Jose Peraza, SS
11.Aaron Northcraft, RHP
12.Cody Martin, RHP
13.Evan Gattis, OF
14.Edward Salcedo, 3B
15.William Beckwith, 1B
16.Christian Bethancourt, C
17.David Hale, RHP
18.Luis Merejo, LHP
19.Navery Moore, RHP
20.Todd Cunningham, OF
21.Josh Elander, C
22.Joe Terdoslavich, 3B
Biggest difference is with Bethancourt and Ahmed. Until Bethancourt starts showing some offensive production he shouldnt be ranked in the top 10.
Zing
December 10th, 2012
11:42 am
Wow, surprised Ahmed didn’t crack the top ten…
ncscoots
December 10th, 2012
11:42 am
Looking at OPS, a platoon of Reed Johnson/Prado against lefties and Francisco/Prado against righties gets you about .756 OPS for both
Man, I’m sorry, but when you start looking at players’ OPS as additive, you lose me altogether. Just doesn’t work that way.
As for Choo, you are viewing his weakness against lefties in the wrong context, as if he were supposed to hit in the middle of the order to offset the current weakness against LHP. His low OPS against LHP is more than offset by his good OBP in the same split, considering that he would probably hit near the top of the order.
Thus, I think I’ll disagree that Choo would be a bad acquisition.
As to the price for him, that’s another matter altogether.
CB
December 10th, 2012
11:42 am
Actually, I was thinking Medlen was going to be so good they would give him a 2 month vacation mid season. No losses,for sure.
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 10th, 2012
11:43 am
.340 OBP against lefties isn’t terrible…. he keeps his eye, and loses his power. Hits .249 against them. Not even Freeman and Heyward do that. Choo is better. Hits RHP better than anyone we’ve got on this team, and gives us L/R balance all the way down.
sorry, but anybody who thinks that Choo would not significantly improve this club is a baseball idiot
Agree. 132 OPS+ for Choo, or go with the 64 OPS+ of Constanza… or even worse, Schafer (66)
raleighbravefan
December 10th, 2012
11:43 am
Choo would be a good addition. He is not worth Teheran, IMO. At least, not for just 1 year.
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
December 10th, 2012
11:45 am
10Pauls 11:31 made me smile.
I’m out, ya’ll have a great Monday and stay warm, it’s a stiff negative -5 outside up here in Minnesota.
Lew
December 10th, 2012
11:45 am
Agreed on Bethancourt – not seeing much to recommend him so far except a good arm. Rather have Mac.
Efrim
December 10th, 2012
11:45 am
10. Jose Peraza, ss Born: Apr 30, 1994 B-T: R-R Ht.: 5-11 Wt.: 167
Signed: Venezuela ‘10. Signed by: Rolando Petit
Background: The Braves signed both Peraza (for $350,000) and Mauricio Cabrera at the start of the international signing period in 2010. The organization’s Rookie-level Dominican Summer League player of the year in his 2011 pro debut, Peraza played well at two more Rookie stops in the United States last summer.
Scouting Report: Peraza’s strengths are his plus-plus speed and outstanding hand-eye coordination. He relishes the role of leadoff hitter, looking to get on base by any means necessary. He can beat out bunts and barrels the ball consistently when he swings away. He could use more patience to draw more walks, however. Peraza has surprising pop and may reach double digits in home runs, but he stands out most with his quickness and basestealing instincts, which could result in 50 steals on an annual basis. He also has excellent first-step quickness at shortstop, where he has plus range and soft, sure hands. He has solid arm strength, but his throwing mechanics need work in order to improve his accuracy.
The Future: Though he’s nestled in an organization with plenty of depth at shortstop, Peraza has a higher ceiling than anyone the Braves have at the position—including Andrelton Simmons. Atlanta believes Peraza has the makeup to handle a jump to low Class A at age 19.
Efrim
December 10th, 2012
11:48 am
I think John Sickels did a better job with our prospects. Here is his Top 20 for 2013.
Could not disagree more. I’m not a scout, but anyone who belies William Beckwith is a higher rated prospect than Christian Bethancourt is off their rocker. I have never been impressed with Sickels or his process of rating prospects at all.
Lew
December 10th, 2012
11:48 am
19 at Low A doesn’t seem all that young.
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 10th, 2012
11:48 am
unbelievable… I like that list, but once again, Spruill and Gilmartin need to move down imo. Bethancourt should be top 5. Like seeing Ahmed up there though…
Graham
Teheran
Sims
Wood
Bethancourt
Ahmed
LaStella
Spruill
Gattis
Cunningham
CB
December 10th, 2012
11:48 am
Wow on the higher ceiling than Simmons.
Juan
December 10th, 2012
11:49 am
Found it!!!! the link of the Dominican game yeterday
http://www.licey.com/multimedia/television.html
Efrim
December 10th, 2012
11:50 am
9. Zeke Spruill, rhp Born: Sep 11, 1989 B-T: B-R Ht.: 6-5 Wt.: 190
Drafted: Kell HS, Marietta, Ga., 2008 (2nd round). Signed by: Brian Bridges
Background: Spruill has overcome off-field issues and a broken right hand (from punching a dugout wall) early in his career to become a reliable, durable starter the last two seasons. He led the Southern League in starts (27) and innings (162) in 2012. He cemented a spot on the Atlanta’s 40-man roster by performing well in the Arizona Fall League.
Scouting Report: Spruill uses his tall frame to pitch on a downhill plane, pounding the lower half of the strike zone while pitching to contact. His 91-94 mph fastball has good sink, and he uses it to get ahead in the count. His changeup also features nice sink and fades away from righthanders. He sells it well by throwing it with the same arm speed he uses with his fastball. The key to Spruill’s future is the consistency of his slider, which isn’t particularly tight. He can get strikeouts with his slider when it’s working, but it also flattens out and hangs up in the strike zone at times. He doesn’t miss a lot of bats, but he also doesn’t beat himself by giving up walks or home runs.
The Future: Counting the AFL, Spruill has made 61 starts and worked 359 innings in the last two years. He profiles as an innings-eater who can fill the No. 4 or 5 spot in a contender’s rotation. He’ll get his first Triple-A opportunity in 2013.
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 10th, 2012
11:50 am
i like the top of that list…
Half Empty
December 10th, 2012
11:51 am
oh c’mon, everybody here knows that gattis is the best prsopect in baseball, not just in the Braves system. get it right guys….
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 10th, 2012
11:51 am
Peraza has a higher ceiling than anyone the Braves have at the position—including Andrelton Simmons.
So how long til he’s ready? Simmons for Justin….
Efrim
December 10th, 2012
11:52 am
19 at Low A doesn’t seem all that young.
Still young for the level, but for a prospect that you have high expectations for – it’s probably right on where he should be in the development path.
A.P.
December 10th, 2012
11:53 am
I don’t post on here often, but to see sending out our number one prospect for a one year rental of anyone is laughable. At 20 he dominated AAA. Last year was a bi-product of him developing the curve and us tinkering with his mechanics. He has Ace stuff, you never trade that for a player that will walk in a year.
Zing
December 10th, 2012
11:53 am
Choo would be, as I said, a helpful addition but wouldn’t be worth a premium prospect. Period. Over and out.
Efrim
December 10th, 2012
11:54 am
8. Evan Gattis, of/c Born: Aug 18, 1986 B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-4 Wt.: 230
Drafted: Texas-Permian Basin, 2010 (23rd round). Signed by: Gerald Turner
Background: Gattis took a four-year hiatus from baseball before surfacing at NCAA Division II Texas-Permian Basin in 2010 and signing for $1,000 as a 23rd-rounder that June. He won the low Class A South Atlantic League batting title (.322) in his first full pro season, then slugged 18 homers in 74 games while battling tendinitis in his right wrist in 2012.
Scouting Report: Gattis possesses more raw power than any hitter in the system. He generates impressive bat speed with lightning-quick wrists and tremendous strength, producing power from foul pole to foul pole. He controls the strike zone and barrels the ball with consistency. Gattis’ layoff shows with how raw he is as a catcher. He has solid arm strength and threw out 39 percent of basestealers in 2012, but he’s rough as a receiver and awkward behind the plate. He has enough athleticism to become adequate in left field, where he saw most of his action in Double-A. He has below-average speed but moves well for his size and runs the bases aggressively.
The Future: Gattis could follow the path of Josh Willingham, who tried to make it as a catcher and didn’t establish himself in the big leagues until age 27. A strong winter in Venezuela should prepare Gattis to advance to Triple-A in 2013, and he could make his major league debut later in the year.
Love it. GO GATTIS!!!
Efrim
December 10th, 2012
11:56 am
7. Alex Wood, lhp Born: Jan 12, 1991 B-T: L-L Ht.: 6-4 Wt.: 215
Drafted: Georgia, 2012 (2nd round). Signed by: Brian Bridges
Background: The Braves liked Wood so much that they were leaning toward drafting him in the first round last June if Lucas Sims hadn’t been on the board. A Georgia redshirt sophomore who has Tommy John surgery before his college career started, Wood went 88th overall and signed for $700,000. He made a seamless transition to low Class A, helping guide Rome to the playoffs before a pulled back muscle sidelined him.
Scouting Report: Wood pounds the strike zone on both sides of the plate with a low-90s fastball that touches 96 mph. He does a good job of working off his heater, then destroys hitters’ timing with his above-average changeup. He can fall in love too much with his changeup at times. Scouts have two concerns with Wood: his breaking ball and mechanics. He struggles to throw his below-average slider for strikes and may need a better third pitch in order to remain a starter. He also employs a funky delivery in which he hops backward on his right leg after landing on it, though he does throw strikes.
The Future: Wood’s strong debut showed why Atlanta was so high on him. He should move quickly through the system and likely will finish his first full pro season in Double-A. With a better breaking ball, he could become a solid No. 3 starter.
Half Empty
December 10th, 2012
11:56 am
he may not be worth Teheran for just one year, but just cause you say “period, over and out” doesn’t mean diddlysquat unless you are doing a coach imitation. your opinion, that’s all
Enquiring Minds Want To Know
December 10th, 2012
11:59 am
I just find it hard to believe that the Braves have the most money to spend this offseason than they have had in several years and some people here think they will only sign one big piece.
You know, this isn’t some sort of government bureaucracy where you have to use up your budget in order to get more next year. Where is the virtue in spending money on suspect players just to meet a projected number? If the deals aren’t there for the players you want, sit on the money so its available when opportunity arises.
Efrim
December 10th, 2012
11:59 am
6. Mauricio Cabrera, rhp Born: Sep 22, 1993 B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-2 Wt.: 180
Signed: Dominican Republic ‘10. Signed by: Roberto Aquino
Background: After a lull, the Braves have pursued Latin American talent more aggressively in the last few years. Their latest top prospect from the region is Cabrera, who signed for $400,000 in 2010. He bypassed the Gulf Coast League and went to the system’s more advance Rookie affiliate in Danville for his U.S. debut in 2012, leading the Appalachian League in opponent average (.213). His older brother Alberto reached the majors with the Cubs last season.
Scouting Report: Cabrera has above-average arm strength and a strong frame for a 19-year-old. His 94-96 mph fastball has impressive cutting action and shows good sink when he stays on top of the pitch. He has the makings of a second plus offering in a low-80s slider that breaks down and in on lefthanders. He also has advanced feel for a changeup that could give him a third plus pitch. Cabrera is still learning to command all of his pitches, his slider in particular. He has a wrist wrap that makes that task more difficult. He has a solid mound presence and isn’t afraid to challenge hitters.
The Future: How well Cabrera can refine his secondary pitches and command will determine if he winds up in the rotation or bullpen. He has the upside of a No. 2 starter and will pitch alongside Lucas Sims in the Rome rotation in 2013.
unbelievable
December 10th, 2012
12:00 pm
Thats cool. Im not a scout either but Bethancourt put up a .566OPS last year in AA and a .603OPS in high A ball the year prior. He has a .297 OBP in 5 MILB seasons. He hasnt transitioned to new levels. Defensively they say he’s as good as it gets, but he’s not ready at this point to replace Bmac in 2014. A catcher that doesnt hit becomes the next Todd Pratt
ncscoots
December 10th, 2012
12:00 pm
Choo would be, as I said, a helpful addition but wouldn’t be worth a premium prospect. Period. Over and out.
On that, we mostly agree. With the caveat that, if the status quo exists on Feb 1, I’d have to at least consider Delgado in a package.
Efrim
December 10th, 2012
12:01 pm
5. Lucas Sims, rhp Born: May 10, 1994 B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-2 Wt.: 195
Drafted: Brookwood HS, Snellville, Ga., 2012 (1st round). Signed by: Brian Bridges
Background: The 21st overall pick in the 2012 draft, Sims represents a return to the Braves’ tradition of selecting local high school products and high-ceiling pitchers. Atlanta kept him on a tight pitch count after he turned down a Clemson commitment to sign for $1.65 million, but he struck out 39 in 34 pro innings.
Scouting Report: Though Sims struggled at times with his mechanics and release point during his pro debut, his arm works well and generates above-average velocity. His fastball sits in the low 90s and touches 95 mph with good running action. His velocity could continue to increase as he gains strength and becomes more efficient in his delivery. His 73-78 mph curveball has tight spin and is a plus pitch. Sims’ changeup wasn’t effective last summer, but he has shown solid feel for it in the past. He’ll need to learn to do a better job of repeating his delivery so he can throw more strikes. He’s an excellent athlete for a pitcher—he also played shortstop in high school—which should help him accomplish that goal.
The Future: A potential contributor in the front half of a major league rotation, Sims should spend his first full pro season at low Class A Rome. The Braves’ pitching depth in the upper levels means they can give him as much time as he needs to develop.
DAP
December 10th, 2012
12:01 pm
TOBF he’s still in his prime. He leaves after the year, we collect that top40 pick and go sign Pence longterm for LF.
just wondering…why have you latched onto pence for next year? there are several really good corner outfielders available. why him?
DAP
December 10th, 2012
12:03 pm
zing Choo is at .920 against righties (awesome) and .600 against lefties (horrid).
you should lookat some career splits, man. choo isnt THAT bad against lefties. i think he is probably one of the best remaining options, but i also think Cleveland knows what they have. who knows? maybe they think that have a shot at winning that division too. they were right there for about the first half of the season. they might keep him and try to make a run.
Efrim
December 10th, 2012
12:04 pm
On that, we mostly agree. With the caveat that, if the status quo exists on Feb 1, I’d have to at least consider Delgado in a package.
If you’re Antonetti and Shapiro, that has to be the ask right now, no? Especially after seeing/hearing the willingness of the Braves to include him in deals during the summer.
ncscoots
December 10th, 2012
12:04 pm
He also employs a funky delivery in which he hops backward on his right leg after landing on it,
I thought the minor league guys were working on him to change that?
Efrim
December 10th, 2012
12:05 pm
4. Sean Gilmartin, lhp Born: May 8, 1990 B-T: L-L Ht.: 6-2 Wt.: 190
Drafted: Florida State, 2011 (1st round). Signed by: Hugh Buchanan
Background: The No. 1 starter for three years at Florida State, Gilmartin went 28th overall in the 2011 draft and signed for $1,134,000. He lived up to his billing as an advanced college pitcher in his first full pro season, leading the Double-A Southern League in WHIP (1.15) and earning all-star honors there before a July promotion to Triple-A.
Scouting Report: Considered by some scouts to be a poor man’s Mike Minor, Gilmartin is a finesse lefthander who knows how to set up hitters and pitch to his strengths. His best pitch is a plus changeup with depth and fade. His 89-91 mph fastball has good movement, and he creates deception with a low-80s slider that has late break. He throws all three pitches for strikes and with the same arm speed. Gilmartin will need to get stronger after his fastball dipped to 86-88 mph late in the season. He remained effective even with diminished velocity because he continued to work the corners and pitch down in the strike zone. He’s a good athlete who repeats his smooth delivery and fields his position well.
The Future: Gilmartin is moving just as fast as the Braves expected, and he could see his first big league action in 2013. He’ll open the season back in Gwinnett, however. His ultimate ceiling is as a No. 3 or 4 starter.
Heee…….
CB
December 10th, 2012
12:08 pm
DAP, I’m not sure about Cleveland’s chance to win the division with Reynolds at 1B and Chisenall at 3B and pitching limited. They got to make several more moves to be a contender.
ncscoots
December 10th, 2012
12:08 pm
If you’re Antonetti and Shapiro, that has to be the ask right now, no?
I read somewhere that any trades have to include returns that add to their 0-3 core and give them at least a chance at some 2013 performance. So, I’d say “yes”, they are looking for a ready or close guy in return, even for one year of Choo.
I don’t know how realistic that is, but there you go.
Efrim
December 10th, 2012
12:10 pm
3. Christian Bethancourt, c Born: Sep 2, 1991 B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-2 Wt.: 219
Signed: Panama ‘08. Signed by: Luis Ortiz
Background: Highly touted since starring for Panama in the 2004 Little League World Series, Bethancourt signed for $600,000 four years later. He rode his defense to a berth in the Futures Game in 2012, but he had his worst offensive performance as a pro and played in just 71 games because of a strained hamstring and broken hand.
Scouting Report: Bethancourt is a premier athlete behind the plate, with soft hands and one of the strongest arms among minor league catchers. He threw out 39 percent of basestealers last season. He moves well and does a good job of blocking pitches in the dirt, though he tends to get lazy and backhand balls on occasion. He has improved his game-calling ability and the way he works with pitchers. Bethancourt’s bat lags considerably behind his defense, and he has hit just .253/.276/.304 above low Class A. His approach needs a lot of work, as he chases too many pitches far outside the strike zone and can’t handle sharp breaking balls. He has raw power but doesn’t tap into it because he has a flat swing. He runs well for a catcher.
The Future: With Brian McCann recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, Bethancourt could make his major league debut in April. He’ll likely spent most of 2013 in Triple-A after joining the 40-man roster in November.
I hope he starts in Double-A and hits his way to Gwinnett.
Efrim
December 10th, 2012
12:12 pm
2. J.R. Graham, rhp Born: Jan 14, 1990 B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-0 Wt.: 185
Drafted: Santa Clara, 2011 (4th round). Signed by: Tim Moore
Background: A two-way player early in his career at Santa Clara, Graham didn’t make his first college start until his draft year in 2011. He has thrived as a full-time starter in pro ball, leading the Appalachian League with a 1.72 ERA in his debut, then going 12-2, 2.80 while reaching Double-A Mississippi in his first full season.
Scouting Report: A fierce competitor who attacks hitters, Graham succeeds by generating a plethora of groundouts. His four-seam fastball has good movement while residing at 93-97 mph, but his best offering is a low-90s two-seamer with heavy sink. He does an impressive job of keeping hitters off balance with his sharp 82-85 mph slider and a changeup that has made steady progress. Graham is a quick-twitch athlete who repeats his delivery well, giving him the best command in the system. He’s not big for a starter, yet he made 26 starts and worked 148 innings without missing a turn in 2012.
The Future: The Braves believe Graham could fill one of several roles in the major leagues, depending on the team’s needs. He’ll continue to start in 2013 and has a ceiling of a No. 3 starter. He could open the year in Triple-A, and making his major league debut later in the season isn’t out of the question.
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 10th, 2012
12:12 pm
I’d still move Teheran over Delgado… Both have the same potential, RD has done it at the MLB level.
DAP: He’s the youngest option, and imo is the best. .800 vs RHP, .850 vs LHP. Wanted him since last summer…
Efrim
December 10th, 2012
12:13 pm
1. Julio Teheran, rhp Born: Jan 27, 1991 B-T: R-R Ht.: 6-2 Wt.: 175
Signed: Columbia ‘07. Signed by: Miguel Teheran/Carlos Garcia
Background: Expectations never have been a problem for Teheran. Signed as a 16-year-old out of Colombia in 2007 for $850,000, the largest bonus given to any international pitcher that year, he overcame a bout of shoulder tendinitis in the Rookie-level Appalachian League in 2008 to rank as that circuit’s top prospect a year later. He then garnered the same recognition in the high Class A Carolina League in 2010 before earning pitcher and rookie of the year honors in the Triple-A International League in 2011. He also made his major league debut that year and entered last spring as a leading candidate to break camp in the Atlanta rotation. Instead, Teheran struggled with leaving pitches up in the strike zone and allowed nine homers while in big league camp. He performed well in the first two months at Triple-A Gwinnett and tossed the first nine-inning complete game of his career on June 3 before making an emergency start for the Braves. After returning to the IL, he wasn’t the same pitcher, going 2-7, 6.46 in his final 15 starts. Though Teheran was just 21 and was trying to incorporate some mechanical adjustments, his downturn still was stunning.
Scouting Report: Teheran has an electric arm, but his delivery had some violence that the Braves wanted to iron out in order to reduce his risk of injury. In 2012, they decided to reduce the bend on his back leg during his windup. He had been turning and coiling his body to generate more momentum toward the plate, placing additional strain on his right knee and elbow. Atlanta worked with Teheran on keeping his back leg straighter in order to create a better center of balance, particularly in his core. The alterations not only led to less initial success, but also to a reduction in fastball velocity. After sitting at 93-95 mph and reaching 97 in 2011, Teheran operated mostly at 90-93 last season. To his credit, he stuck with the changes and showed signs of regaining his previous velocity during the latter weeks of the campaign. He still has above-average fastball command and the ability to work both sides of the plate. His changeup remains the best in the system, a 79-81 mph offering with outstanding depth and fade. Teheran continues to search for a consistently reliable breaking ball. His curveball has good rotation but he hangs it too often, and he trusts his slider even less than his curve. After struggling with his confidence for most of 2012, he regained his swagger as he became more comfortable with the way he was throwing the ball. He has an impressive knowledge of how to set up hitters, along with impeccable work ethic and determination.
The Future: Though Teheran couldn’t crack the Braves rotation in 2012, he remains firmly in their long-term plans and has as much upside as any starter in the organization—including the big league club. He won’t be a No. 1 starter without a better breaking ball, but he definitely has the package to become a No. 2 or 3. He’ll compete for a starting job again this spring, and Atlanta won’t be concerned if he winds up back at Gwinnett to open the season. Either way, he should see a decent amount of time in the big leagues in 2013.
PuddyCat
December 10th, 2012
12:13 pm
Teheran inning by inning. He went 6 innings and i deleted the offense so the fans, cynics and haters could all see yesterdays results Yes, the boxscore doesn’t tell you as much, but the play by play or the recap gives you results
Just gotta know where and what to look for so enjoy
Estrellas
Top of the 1st
Michael Martinez flies out to left fielder Jordany Valdespin.
Leandro Castro strikes out swinging.
Luis Jimenez strikes out swinging.
Estrellas Top of the 2nd
Miguel Sano doubles (2) on a line drive to left fielder Jordany Valdespin.
Jerad Head grounds out, shortstop Erick Aybar to first baseman Donell Linares. Miguel Sano to 3rd.
Eliezer Mesa called out on strikes.
Alfredo Marte grounds out, second baseman Anderson Hernandez to first baseman Donell Linares.
Estrellas Top of the 3rd
Argenis Reyes flies out to left fielder Jordany Valdespin.
Jhonatan Arias called out on strikes.
Michael Martinez flies out to center fielder Yordany Ramirez.
Estrellas Top of the 4th
Leandro Castro pops out to shortstop Erick Aybar.
Luis Jimenez pops out to second baseman Anderson Hernandez.
Miguel Sano called out on strikes.
Estrellas Top of the 5th
Jerad Head strikes out swinging.
Eliezer Mesa flies out to right fielder Luis Terrero.
Alfredo Marte hit by pitch.
Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner Jonathan Galvez replaces Alfredo Marte.
With Argenis Reyes batting, Jonathan Galvez steals (2) 2nd base.
Argenis Reyes strikes out swinging. Wild pitch by pitcher Julio Teheran. Jonathan Galvez to 3rd. Argenis Reyes to 1st.
Jhonatan Arias flies out to center fielder Yordany Ramirez.
Estrellas Top of the 6th
Michael Martinez strikes out swinging.
Leandro Castro grounds out softly, pitcher Julio Teheran to first baseman Donell Linares.
Luis Jimenez flies out to left fielder Jordany Valdespin.
TheOnlyBravesFan
December 10th, 2012
12:15 pm
Mike Minor light…. but both have #3 potential… ha. Lowend 4 for Mr. Gilmartin
He has improved his game-calling ability and the way he works with pitchers.- Bethancourt
Hillbilly
December 10th, 2012
12:16 pm
It’s not so much that he wouldn’t be a helpful addition, just that he doesn’t help enough and doesn’t address the Braves’ woes against lefties–would make it worse, actually.
Coincidentally, I just noticed that Evan Gattis is getting dominated by lefties in winter ball (.125/.263/.156) Does anybody know if this is the norm for him or just a sample size thing? Minor League splits seem to be harder to find than a right-handed power hitting left fielder.
ncscoots
December 10th, 2012
12:18 pm
Both [Delgado and Teheran] have the same potential
You can type this as much as you like, but it simply isn’t true. Teheran may go bust and Delgado end up the better pitcher, when all is said and done, but “potential”? Huh-uh. That is an assessment of performance given both pitchers excel, and on that scale, Teheran is the superior prospect.
Zing
December 10th, 2012
12:18 pm
I hope not. It really seemed like Delgado was right on the cusp before he was sent back down last year.
Half Empty: I said over and out, because I’ve discussed this issue about 10 times on this blog over the last few days, and I’m just tired of it. I wouldn’t be surprised if Wren pulled the trigger, but I hope not.