rico43
<B>Director of Minor League Reports</B>
Off-season developments: Traded away: Kyle Kubitza (8), Kyle Wren (23), Aaron Northcraft (24), Chasen Shreve (25). Also, we opted not to include Arodys Vizcaino as a prospect because of his MLB service time (including DL).
FEBRUARY LIST
1. Jose Peraza (6-0, 165 get winter league) 2B (1) His leg problems late last season meant that the Braves valued recovery over playing time this winter, so expect a well-rested Peraza in the spring ready to compete for the second base job. The reality, however, is that no one in the organization expects him to win the job over Callaspo or perhaps even Gosselin. In fact, it is no sure thing that he even makes his MLB debut in 2015. If the Braves try to delay his FA clock from starting, it would be consistent with other prospects of his stature in other organizations.
2. Lucas Sims (6-2, 195) RHP (2) With hype and circumstance causing all the talk about new Braves farmhands, none has been acceptably rated higher than their homegrown Lucas Sims. Now 20, his tools all came together when he threw most of a no-hitter for Lynchburg. Rated with a ridiculously good fastball and a curve that can keee up, Sims is still the Alpha Dog among the young guns.
3. Christian Bethancourt (6-2, 210) C (3) The Braves think he’s ready. They hope he’s ready. But there are signs Bethancourt may not be fully ready to assume the mantle that has awaited him for over four seasons. His bat has improved as he matured; his communicates with pitchers 100 percent (learning English, duh). He will be given every chance to succeed. Or fail.
4. Mike Foltynewicz (6-4, 220) RHP (NR) Owner of a consistent 100 mph fastball, and he’s a starter. He’s NOT a TJ patient (yet) and will be getting spring starts for the big club. The numbers aren’t as important as the progress, and Astros fan sites expected him to contend for a starting job in the spring. He’s had a brief turn as a closer, but he has more than one pitch.
5. Max Fried (6-4, 185) LHP (NR) Although he won’t be ready to pitch in 2015, such is his potential. He has been healthy for so little of his pro career, each healthy outing will be heavily scouted and evaluated. We’re coming down on the optimistic side for now.
6. Ozhaino Albies (5-9, 155) SS (7) The switch-hitter’s 2014 season, at age 17, was highlighted by unheard-of numbers. Which is the most remarkable is a healthy debate, but here they are: .364 average (.393 against lefties), 72 hits in 57 games, .446 OBP, 22 SBs, .890 OPS
7. Manny Banuelos (5-10) LHP (NR) Not sure if there’s ever been a wider gulf between the best and worst possible scenarios from the former Yankee. Figure first that he’s a starter or a minor leaguer, then try to get the Mariano Rivera quote that ManBan was “the best pitching prospect I’ve ever seen
FEBRUARY LIST
1. Jose Peraza (6-0, 165 get winter league) 2B (1) His leg problems late last season meant that the Braves valued recovery over playing time this winter, so expect a well-rested Peraza in the spring ready to compete for the second base job. The reality, however, is that no one in the organization expects him to win the job over Callaspo or perhaps even Gosselin. In fact, it is no sure thing that he even makes his MLB debut in 2015. If the Braves try to delay his FA clock from starting, it would be consistent with other prospects of his stature in other organizations.
2. Lucas Sims (6-2, 195) RHP (2) With hype and circumstance causing all the talk about new Braves farmhands, none has been acceptably rated higher than their homegrown Lucas Sims. Now 20, his tools all came together when he threw most of a no-hitter for Lynchburg. Rated with a ridiculously good fastball and a curve that can keee up, Sims is still the Alpha Dog among the young guns.
3. Christian Bethancourt (6-2, 210) C (3) The Braves think he’s ready. They hope he’s ready. But there are signs Bethancourt may not be fully ready to assume the mantle that has awaited him for over four seasons. His bat has improved as he matured; his communicates with pitchers 100 percent (learning English, duh). He will be given every chance to succeed. Or fail.
4. Mike Foltynewicz (6-4, 220) RHP (NR) Owner of a consistent 100 mph fastball, and he’s a starter. He’s NOT a TJ patient (yet) and will be getting spring starts for the big club. The numbers aren’t as important as the progress, and Astros fan sites expected him to contend for a starting job in the spring. He’s had a brief turn as a closer, but he has more than one pitch.
5. Max Fried (6-4, 185) LHP (NR) Although he won’t be ready to pitch in 2015, such is his potential. He has been healthy for so little of his pro career, each healthy outing will be heavily scouted and evaluated. We’re coming down on the optimistic side for now.
6. Ozhaino Albies (5-9, 155) SS (7) The switch-hitter’s 2014 season, at age 17, was highlighted by unheard-of numbers. Which is the most remarkable is a healthy debate, but here they are: .364 average (.393 against lefties), 72 hits in 57 games, .446 OBP, 22 SBs, .890 OPS
7. Manny Banuelos (5-10) LHP (NR) Not sure if there’s ever been a wider gulf between the best and worst possible scenarios from the former Yankee. Figure first that he’s a starter or a minor leaguer, then try to get the Mariano Rivera quote that ManBan was “the best pitching prospect I’ve ever seen
