Atlanta's unprecedented run of consecutive division titles is squarely in the rear-view mirror, but the Braves are still showing that they know how to develop impact young talent. Brian McCann, Jair Jurrjens, and Tommy Hanson have reached the majors, while Jason Heyward and others are close behind. The Phillies seem to have firm control of the NL East, and the Braves will need homegrown talent to overtake them. While they aren't super-deep in the minors, any team would love to have players with ceilings like Heyward and Julio Teheran.
Top Prospects
Jason Heyward, of
Age: 20 Level: Triple-A-MLB
Heyward is the finest prospect in the game today. Despite just turning 20, the lefty tore up the minors en route to capturing the 2009 Baseball America Player of the Year award. Heyward has a polished, thunderous bat, good instincts and aptitude, athleticism, and a strong arm. He has a legitimate chance to be one of the game's next superstars.
Freddie Freeman, 1B
Age: 20 Level: Double-A-Triple-A
Freeman has paired with Heyward to form a fearsome middle-of-the-order duo the last two seasons. The former isn't nearly the caliber of prospect that the latter is, but the California native is talented in his own right. Freeman has a feel for hitting, power potential, and nimble actions at first base. He projects as more of a productive regular than a stud, and he'll return to Double-A in 2010.
Mike Minor, lhp
Age: 21 Level: Low A-Double-A
A personal favorite of mine, Minor went 7th overall in this year's draft after a standout career at Vanderbilt. He doesn't have knockout stuff, as his fastball comfortably resides in the high-80s and touches 92 mph. He balances that out with a plus changeup, solid slider, inchoate curveball, and a knack for pitching. Minor is a good bet to carve out a long career as a mid-rotation starter.
Julio Teheran, rhp
Age: 18 Level: Low A-High A
A gem from the 2007 international signing class, Teheran was hampered by injury problems last year. (Some wonder if they were a result of his unorthodox arm action.) Returning to full health this year, Teheran showed why he is considered a future rotation-topper. The 6-2, 150-pounder hits the mid-90s and displays an advanced swing-and-miss changeup. The Colombia native lacks is a consistent breaking ball, which should come with experience.
Craig Kimbrel, rhp
Age: 21 Level: Triple-A-MLB
Kimbrel was one of the most fascinating prospects to track in 2009. He bombed at High A Myrtle Beach to begin the season, regathered himself in Low A, then pitched so well that he finished the year in Triple-A. Kimbrel recorded mind-boggling statistics, too, with more than 15 strikeouts and 6 walks per 9 innings. The 5-11, 205-pounder will probably never have the control to close, but his high-octane arsenal (fastball that has reached 98 with life, and a vicious slider) makes him an intriguing future set-up man.
Zeke Spruill, rhp
Age: 20 Level: Low A-High A
Spruill flashed a very promising skill set in his first full professional season this year in Low A. The 2008 2nd-rounder handled batters with a low-90s sinker, while making strides with his other deliveries. The Georgia native, loose and projectable at 6-4, 184, put up a 3.25 ERA over 135 IP in 2009. Spruill throws strikes and maintains a healthy groundball-flyball ratio.
Randall Delgado, rhp
Age: 19 Level: Low A-High A
Delgado has an electric arm, but is still refining his craft. He went 5-10, 4.35, with 10.2 K/9 and 3.6 BB/9 this year. The Panamanian throws a 92-94 mph fastball on a downward plane, and flashes a power breaking ball. He's a definite project, but Delgado offers excellent upside.
Brett Oberholtzer, lhp
Age: 20 Level: Rookie-High A
Oberholtzer has 3 pitches that grade out as serviceable or better, and he used them to plow through inferior Appy League competition this season (2.01 ERA, 56-6 K-BB ratio). He's ready to be pushed a little faster.
Brett DeVall, lhp
Age: 19 Level: Low A-High A
DeVall, a sandwich pick in last year's draft, was limited by injuries to 53 innings this season. He is still advanced for a high school pitcher, though, with 3 pitches (his changeup rates the highest) and a feel for pitching. DeVall has the frame to absorb a lot of quality innings, but unless he gains a few ticks on his heater or sharpens his hook, his ceiling won't be all that high.
Todd Redmond, rhp
Age: 24 Level: Triple-A-MLB
The Braves landed Redmond from the Pirates for Tyler Yates in 2008. He has ridden his command and pitchability to the cusp of the big leagues. Redmond posted a 4.41 ERA in Triple-A this year and was stellar for Team USA in the World Cup. He has been durable and dependable throughout his minor league career, but Redmond's lack of a dominant pitch will relegate him to a back-of-the-rotation or middle-relief role in the majors.
Others: RHPs Luis Valdez, J.J. Hoover, and David Hale; OFs Cody Johnson and Adam Milligan
Impact Talent: A
Farm System Depth: C-
2010 Breakout Prospect
Christian Bethancourt, c
Age: 18 Level: Rookie-Low A
Bethancourt played like a much older player this year. He showed all-around skills while hitting an aggregate .277/.342/.446. Bethancourt, who is 6-2, 175, is a long way from the majors, but he could become a household name if he continues to put up numbers in 2010.
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