Atlanta Braves Minor League Review: Rome Braves
The Rome Braves finished the season with a rough record, but there was an impressive amount of talent that took the field in Rome this year. Today, we’ll focus on the hitters:
Infielders
Considered by some the top prospect in the Braves’ system coming into the year, Ozhaino Albies did nothing but prove those praising his skills right. Albies spent the season at 18 years old, and the switch-hitting shortstop from Curacao put up a very solid .310/.368/.404 line on the season. Albies made an appearance in the Futures Game during All-Star week, and reportedly made quite an impression. Albies has blazing speed, and his 29 steals and 8 triples showed plenty for Braves fans to be excited about. Sadly, Albeis’ season was ended by injury, but Braves fans will probably be going to Carolina to see him in 2016.
Luke Dykstra was a 7th round selection in 2014 out of high school in California. The infielder is the son of Lenny Dykstra, and he’s shown some of his dad’s abandon for his own safety on the field, which has led to time missed for injury. After starting solid at Danville, Dykstra was promoted to Rome and did nothing but rake. His final combined line was .318/.353/.422, but his line in Rome was .348/.378/.478. Dykstra only had 223 at bats on the season over 58 games. He did not hit a single home run and only stole 3 bases, but he showed very solid gap power, rapping 19 doubles and 2 triples, including a tremendous 10 doubles and a triple over 92 at bats in Rome. Dykstra has primarily played 2B so far, but due to his injury issues, it’d be likely he’s starting again at Rome, but continued hitting like he did this year would make a move to Carolina a mere formality.
Omar Obregon was signed before 2012 from Nicaragua. He’s moved up step by step through the system, but he found a niche in 2015 hitting second behind Albies. His final line was .274/.336/.317, which likely doesn’t inspire much, but Obregon was noted many times for his willingness to sacrifice and hit to a side in order to move a runner along. While he did lead the team in stolen bases, Obregon also only had a success rate of 62%, which is quite poor, especially for a guy allowed to run 50 times in a season. Obregon may not turn into a big leaguer, but he’s got defensive skills and speed that could lead him to a solid career as a backup if he can keep making solid contact.
Luis Valenzuela was acquired by the Braves from the Royals in the Jonny Gomes trade. Valenzuela was signed before 2012 by the Red Sox, but he was then oddly released June 25th of that year. Kansas City picked him up that November and he’s been in their system since, just getting to A ball this year. While Valenzuela’s line of .365/.387/.506 for the season would spark plenty of intrigue on its own, he really sparkled after the trade – .429/.455/.619 in 21 at bats. Valenzuela is 22 and a lefty bat, but he’s shown the ability to play around the infield already, and he’s got power and speed, having hit 5 home runs and stolen 9 bases this year. Valenzuela will likely get a bump to Carolina this year, and he will be interesting to watch going forward.
Next: Rome Outfielders