Braves Rookies Impress In GCL

Baseball America released its top 20 prospects on the Gulf Coast League today and it was nice to see two Braves rookies in the list.

Braves rookie league stars

It’s nice to be number one

For the Braves this year that was Braxton Davidson.  Taken 32nd in the draft the choice of the big first baseman was obviously done with a strong eye on his bat.  IN BA’s predraft scouting report they described him like this.

(Davidson) has at least plus raw power and hit three home runs in four games at the Tournament of Stars. He showed swing and miss tendencies on the showcase circuit . . . (but since then) has become a much better hitter, to the point that his above-average hit tool is likely better than his power in game action. Davidson, who is strong and quick to the ball, has shown the ability to drive the ball with authority to the opposite field. He is an intelligent hitter with strong awareness of the strike zone. . . first base is probably his best defensive position.

The Braves have a first baseman for the foreseeable future so it’s no surprise that they moved him to left field. He seems to have made the transition well as his stay in with the GCL Braves and at  Danville earned him the 12th spot in BA’s top 20 GCL prospect list.  This is how they described their choice.

. . . (he) He has impressive bat speed and strength, so his plus raw power should be his calling card.. . . Davidson has improved his contact rate and hitting ability over the course of the last year, and he can sting the ball to the opposite field. His over-the-fence power didn’t show up in games in his pro debut, as he went homerless in 50 games between the GCL and the Rookie-level Appalachian League and had trouble getting the ball in the air. His patient hitting approach helps him draw plenty of walks to boost his on-base percentage.. . With his fringy arm strength and restricted running ability, left field and first base are his only defensive options.

The transition from high school to professional ball will take some time and I for one am pleased that he’s concentrated on hitting the ball instead of seeing how far he can hit the ball. He won’t turn 19 until next June so he has time to improve. Davidson’s 12th place on  the list wasn’t the best by a Braves rookie however.

Size doesn’t always matter

In the past few years the Braves rookie classes have included some very good shortstops. While Andrelton Simmons is obviously the man everyone knows the Braves have also had Nick Ahmed who went to Arizona as a part of the Justin Upton trade, Elmer Reyes and Jose Peraza. The number three spot on the BA list belongs to another one, Ozhaino Albies.

Albies is as close as we get to a guy the size of Jose Altuve. Standing just 5’9” (1.045 Altuves) and weighing in at a generously listed 150 pounds the diminutive 17 year old native of Curacao (thank you Andruw Jones for your academy) was overlooked by others who may come to regret that later. He cruised through the GCL and continued to excel when moved to Danville.  BA described his play this season like this.

Albies is an advanced hitter for his age with a quick, simple swing, terrific bat control and a mature understanding of the strike zone. He makes consistent contact and takes advantage of his plus-plus speed to hit for a high batting average. With his plate patience, he could hit at the top of the order.Albies has minimal power, with a swing geared for hitting the ball on the ground and using his speed to help him get on base. He impressed GCL observers with his defense at shortstop, where he shows plenty of range, a good arm and a sound internal clock.“You talk about smooth, this guy plays with no panic,” Phillies manager Roly De Armas said. “He was very impressive—range, arm, accuracy. This guy’s got all the tools to be a really good shortstop.”

Oh yea and Albies had a home run while Davidson signed for his thunder did not. I’m sure that lead won’t last forever.

That’s a Wrap

Braves rookies haven’t been appearing on top 20 lists nearly as often as the team and their fans would like. It’s nice to see Davidson and Albies representing the Tomahawk so well. Of course we expect this to be a regular thing so keep it up guys; no pressure.