While the Braves may have a fair amount of high-ceiling prospects in the lower levels of their farm system, their current crop in the upper levels is a tad more barren. Only a few players in the latter category seem to have the ability to become above-average big leaguers, and none appear to have anything close to “star” talent. Because of this, it would be no surprise if next year’s Braves Top 5 is a much stronger version of this year’s edition once again.
1. Jason Heyward, OF (8/9/89)
When
Jason Heyward unexpectedly fell to the Braves in the 2007 Draft, they
didn’t waste any time grabbing him with the No. 14 overall selection. A
hometown kid from McDonough, Ga., Heyward holds plus-power potential
and brings an advanced approach to the plate
for someone of his age. Despite having only 43 at-bats after being
drafted, Heyward still managed six extra base hits (five doubles and
one home run). Considering also that the 6-foot-4, 220-pounder started
his pro career as a 17-year-old, his future looks very bright as the
Braves right or left fielder of the future.
2. Jair Jurrjens, RHP (1/29/86)
Jair Jurrjens was the key piece in the Edgar Renteria deal, and someone who should be able to provide the Braves with some immediate help for the upcoming season. Making his second Double-A stint in 2007, Jurrjens increased his strikeout rate (18.7% in ’06 vs. 20.0% in ’07). The 6-foot-1, 160-pounder had mixed results in his first 30.2 innings in the Majors, posting a 5.33 FIP to go along with a 1.18 K/BB rate - and he did that with an unsustainable .217 BABIP. Jurrjens stuff is not the problem. He had some trouble with injuries this past year (groin injury in July; shoulder issue that shut him down in September), but he should be ready assume a slot in the Braves starting rotation as early as they find room for him.
3. Cole Rohrbough, LHP (5/23/87)
Taken
in the 22nd round of the 2006 Draft, Cole Rohrbough could be one of the
last draft and follow steals. A 6-foot-3, 205-pounder, Rohrbough has a
power fastball from the left side, as well as a hammer curve. While he
does need to work on another pitch, Rohrbough flat out dominated the
lower levels of the Braves system, posting stellar strikeout numbers
(44.6% in rookie ball and 35.2% in Low-A) along the way. Despite his
lack of polish, Rohrbough’s upside is quite considerable. His low-level
dominance makes him a clear breakout candidate in 2008.
Few
players improved their respective stocks more than Jordan Schafer did
this season. Schafer crushed Low-A Rome pitching to tune of a
.372/.441/.636 vital line, and faired quite well after his early-May
promotion to High-A Myrtle Beach, too (.294/.352/.477). Schafer,
however, also carries some red flags. The Winter Haven, Fla. native
struck out a combined 20.0% of the time between the two levels and had
a ground ball rate near 50%. These rates, paired with his speed,
probably led to a more than unsustainable BABIP at both levels (.462 at
Rome, .356 at Myrtle Beach). So while Schafer did have an impressive
year, it was not quite as impressive as his numbers might have
indicated. Schafer does possess the ability to roam centerfield in the
bigs and his bat could flourish in a more hitter-friendly environment
than Myrtle Beach.
5. Cody Johnson, OF (8/18/88)
Outfield
continues to be the name of the game for the Braves farm system, as
Cody Johnson is the third outfield er to land in our Top 5. Johnson
crushed Appalachian League pitching, posting an
impressive .305/.374/.630 vital line. His power potential has become
quite obvious. He smacked 40 extra-base hits in 243 at-bats (.325
isolated power). He had an impressive line drive rate (18%) and walked
almost 9.6% of the time, as well. However, like most sluggers, Johnson
has some trouble making contact (26.7% strikeout rate). But considering
his good combination of power and discipline, that number could decline
as he matures. Look for the 6-foot-4, 195-pounder to be challenged with
his first full-season assignment this year. He's another guy with a lot
of breakout potential in this system.
Honorable Mentions:
Brent Lillibridge (SS, 9/18/83) is the only infield prospect to note as of now. He has some pop, but needs to work on his discipline if he wants to be a big-league starter. Gorkys Hernandez (OF, 9/7/87) came over in the Edgar Renteria deal with Jurrjens. He’s a speedster who lacks power and patience. He could be in the Kenny Lofton mold, or the next Denard Span mold. Brandon Jones (OF, 10/10/83) has the patience and power to be an effective major league player, he'll enter 2008 as a 24-year-old with limited success above Double-A. Moving to the mound, New Hampshire’s own Jeffery Locke (LHP, 11/20/87) has about as much potential as any pitcher in the Braves system. He was not as dominant as Rohrbough, but has more polish on his pitches. Julio Teheran (RHP, 1/28/91) is the wild card of the group. Signed this summer as a 16-year-old, he was one of the highest paid international free agents in his class. But he has yet to throw a regular season, professional pitch and will likely be held in Extended Spring Training before joining a short-season team.
BJ Pivonka can be reached at bj.pivonka@gmail.com.