Here's some of the interesting Q&A from the Braves' chat on Baseball America.
You can read the whole chat here:
http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/atlanta-braves-top-10-prospects-chat-2/#FC7vl8xe9VvpCyAM.97
Q): It seems like the biggest question about Dustin Peterson is how much power he'll have. What's your projection? Enough to stick in a corner outfield spot?
Bill Ballew: If I had to guess I think he will hit for enough power to be a solid offensive left fielder. He has shown flashes of plus power in the recent past and started to display that in games last year. After all the change he has gone through in his career, I believe he started to form a foundation last year at Mississippi that will allow him to make the final two steps to the big leagues.
Q): I assume Touki came just short of making this list? What did you think of his year as a whole?
Bill Ballew: You are correct, he missed it by that much. But Touki made some impressive strides this year. The dude had a hard time throwing the ball anywhere close to the plate at times at the beginning of the year and by the end of the season he was looking like the guy the D’backs drafted out of high school. The Braves broke down his mechanics and he went back to doing some of the things he did as an amateur. The combination and tweaking started to show results. Everything is there and he could take off next year.
Q): Who do you think will be the fastest riser to next year?
Bill Ballew: Touki Toussaint could be that guy if he continues to make the progress he showed at Rome. Acuna could take off into that stratosphere of prospects if he stays healthy. I’d also keep a close eye on Cristian Pache, who turned 18 in November.
Q): Would it be safe to assume that Austin Riley is the Braves' number 11 prospect? I saw him during the Sally League playoffs and his raw power was off the charts. Is he trade bait, or do the Braves view him as the third baseman of the future? Thanks as always for the chat!
Bill Ballew: That’s a very safe bet. Truth be told, some of us (ie, me) like him higher than 11, but there are multiple voices that contribute to the ranking. Then again, look at the depth of the top 30 and it is crazy deep. Still, Riley had a great second half after a little bit of a slow start and his power potential is off the charts. He has a canon at third and he made some progress with his footwork, but some scouts really see him as a first baseman. But he who hits, plays, and Riley projects to hit big-time.
Q):
Are there any top-30 type catchers in the Braves system at this point? If not, which one are you the most optimistic about?
Bill Ballew: The Braves have quite a few catchers with promise, including Scivique, Lucas Herbert, Tanner Murphy and Brett Cumberland. I’m most optimistic about Herbert because of his stellar defensive skills and potential to hit for a decent average. Murphy has not hit at all, and Cumberland may not remain behind the plate. So I’d say Herbert and Scivique have the highest upside.
