LOOK: Amazing Underwater Photos Of Dogs
Best In Show Winner Declared
Wondering which young players could have an impact in the majors this year? Let MLB FanHouse guide the way in Better Know a Prospect. In this edition we look at three players from the generally localized Atlanta system. Tommy Hanson, SP: The questions surrounding Atlanta's top pitching prospect don't revolve around his ability to make it to the majors, but there is something inherently obvious about the Braves' offseason behavior that tells you they'd prefer to give him a year in Triple-A before bringing him up. Adding Derek Lowe, Javier Vazquez and Kenshin Kawakami makes it seem that Hanson won't be in Atlanta regardless of how he performs in Spring Training. He can't be far away; Hanson posted a 0.90 ERA in seven starts at Double-A Mississippi striking out 49 in 40 innings, not to mention throwing a no-hitter. He shredded the Arizona Fall League in an even more impressive fashion, striking out 49 in 28 2/3 innings and winning the AFL MVP award. He'll be in Atlanta sooner rather than later, particularly depending on how healthy the rotation is.
Jordan Schafer, CF: Schafer had an, ahem, fairly up and down season in 2008. He was, if you recall, suspended for HGH, charges he later denied. This came after a meteroric rise to the top of the Braves' prospect charts. Of course, the fact that he managed to post 10 homers, 51 RBI, 12 steals and a .378 OBP amid all that controversy should make him all that much more impressive. Gregor Blanco and Josh Anderson appear to be immediately ahead of him on the depth chart. Schafer's an all-around talent though, and projects, along with Heyward and Gorkys Hernandez, to complete the Atlanta outfield in the future.
Jason Heyward, OF: I tried to bid, via eBay, on a Heyward jersey from the 2008 SAL All-Star Game. Why didn't I win it? I wasn't willing to shell out $500. Now granted, part of that is because the cash went to charity, but it's also because Heyward is a talent of tremendous proportions. Heyward's power -- 11 homers -- is a little bit lacking at the moment, but his batting eye mean there's no need to worry. It'll show up eventually. He's still got plenty of development time -- he is, after all, only 18 -- but it's fairly obvious judging by his early Spring Training invite that the Braves are firmly aware that they have a future outfield stud.
For comprehensive coverage of the minor leagues, visit John Sickels at Minor League Ball and Baseball America. For minor league statistics, visit Baseball-Reference and Minor League Splits.
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