Our State of the Atlanta Braves is Gone

Sep 8, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher

(36) pitches during the fifth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Draft:

As John Hart was quick to note in his press release yesterday, the Braves now have 5 of the first 75 picks of the entire 2015 draft. That is absolutely astonishing. He was also quick to note the retooled scouting department, which also received an obviously less headline grabbing overhaul this offseason. They even received more money for the international draft from the Cubs (the real reason behind that trade, don’t bother with the Arodys Vizcaino suspension knocks).

The Braves are now set to start revamping the basement level of their farm system this very year. It’s likely anyone taken this summer, even a potential new Jason Heyward, wouldn’t reach the big leagues until 2019 at the earliest. Today is the start of the next generation of Atlanta Braves, and it’s about closing the very gap the Braves were left with in recent history. The farm system was in shambles as recently as October thanks to years of busts in the draft, irresponsible development, and somewhat just bad scouting. Don’t believe me? Let’s look at the entire Braves’ first round draft picks under the Frank Wren regime.  Keep in mind, these aren’t the only ones who have busted, but it’s very telling of how well the team has drafted over recent history.

• Mike Minor. Ok, a quality arm that has had some consistency and injury issues. This one wasn’t all bad. But prepare for Minor to be gone by the July 31st trade deadline.
• Matt Lipka. Lipka was shortstop who was soon converted to center field. He has slashed .253/.311/.334 in 5 seasons in the Braves system, only making it as far as double A. Yikes.
• Sean Gilmartin. A Mike Minor clone who never performed and also has an injury history.  Was traded for Ryan Doumit.  Ouch.   He might pan out as a lefty reliever for the Mets this year. Might.
• Lucas Sims: The one home grown arm the Braves have on the verge of potentially making the bigs. There’s still hope.
• Jason Hursh: He still has a bit to go, but development looks promising.

Inconsistency has plagued the organizations top picks over the past 7 to 8 years. Lack of depth has crippled it. The Braves are striding this season to begin changing that.

Next: The Prospects