The Rise Of Touki

[BeanieAntics]

I noticed that Touki is starting tonight for Gwinnett so I decided that I was going to dig in to his stats a little bit to see just how good he has been this year. This guy has gone from an intriguing pitcher prospect with good stuff to a force of nature this year that looks like one of the best RHP prospects in the game. I'm really starting to buy in to Keith Law ranking him 22nd, and I hardly ever agree with that guy. In fact I think he is currently a better prospect than Wright is. It has taken him a few years, but picking up Bronson Arroyo's contract is finally starting to pay off.

He has a 2.82 ERA across AA-AAA right now as a 22 year old. He has outpitched his FIP which is currently around 3.50, but that is still very good. He is striking out 29.3% of the hitters he is facing right now for a 10.9 K/9 and has gotten his BB/9 down to a reasonable 3.77 number. All of his numbers look fantastic at the moment. Based on the reports I've read on him the fastball is still sitting in the mid 90s while occasionally riding up into the upper 90s. His curveball is still one of the most impressive pitches in the organization. And his changeup has finally caught up to be a good 3rd pitch.

I don't know if I'm getting hyped for him a little too early or maybe I've had too many posi-braves rub off on me and I need to go take a shower. But Touki has taken the mantle of my favorite prospect currently. I hope we keep him down until next year, but I think he is currently our best bet in the farm system of having a dominant starter in the rotation.

I swear I'm still not a pozzy, but it's Touki Time

[Julio3000]

I’ve always been high on Touki, but his youth and rawness combined with the inherent volatility of SP prospects convinced me not to let my expectations run wild. Wow, what a promising year he’s having, though.

[bravesfanMatt]

Nope. Some scout said he is just average guy who can’t miss enough bats.

[Enscheff]

I know I’m guilty of constantly forgetting how young Touki is. I’m not sure why that is, but I’m guessing it has to do with the fact he came over with a group of older prospects and I lump them together mentally.

[OcalaBrave]

I know I’m guilty of constantly forgetting how young Touki is. I’m not sure why that is, but I’m guessing it has to do with the fact he came over with a group of older prospects and I lump them together mentally.

He played HS ball in Florida. Drafted at 17 as a very raw talent. Thankfully, Dave Stewart wanted no part of trying to develop him.

There are so many arms in this system it is absurd. Wright, Touki, Allard, Soroka, Gohara, Anderson, Wentz, Weigel, Fried, Muller, Wilson. That's a tremendous amount of currency when we are ready to go all in. A great time to be a Braves fan.