Atlanta Braves Draft Day 2 Live Tracking Thread
By Fred Owens
Bryse Wilson
Wilson is a RHP was the ace of the Orange HS team and threw thrown three no-hitters – including a perfect game in the first round of the state playoffs. At 6’1″, 215 pounds he has a body that confirms his football chops
His fastball has been clocked at 96 mph but averages low 90s and runs into RHH. His long arm actions makes some scouts think he won;t be able to throw a good breaking pitch making him project as a reliever rather than a starter. He has however flashed a good slider at times showing just how unpredictable such things are . He’s committed to North Carolina but seems likely to sign.
Ben Chase’s view of Wilson
Very intriguing pick; Wilson has been incredible this spring, throwing 3 no-hitters, including one perfect game. He was a recruited high school linebacker, so he’s got a good build and that build shows on the mound in good and bad ways.
He has a heavy fastball that induces plenty of ground balls but he can try to “muscle” through it, flattening it out and making it hittable. He’s also struggled to hold his arm slot as he tends to dip to about a 5/8 slot when he’s pushing rather than his normal 3/4.
He has a habit of jumping forward as he pushes toward the mound when he gets “psyched” as well, which puts him in bad fielding position possibly extra strain on the chain from his knee to his obliques. Very intriguing prospect with a high ceiling, but a low floor as well, but fits the Braves mold of loving multi-sport guys.
Jeremy Walker
Walker was a slow developing pitcher but made it into the rotation as a Junior He’s a 6’5″, 200-pounder with an old fashioned windup that ends a slightly higher three-quarters arm slot. His fastball runs 89-93 touching 94, a low 80s sweeping slider with early break. in the low 80s, and a soft 70s curveball. Scouts think he could add velocity with better mechanics and pitching regularly.
The video is team highlights and there are only glimpses of Walker pitching but you can see him being effective with coaching and more work.
Ben Chase’s Evaluation
Walker is the rare college pitcher with projection. He’s 95-96 at the top end now, but at 6’5 , 200 and still growing into his frame, he could add more velocity. He has a solid sweeping slider and looping curve to offset the heat, but his change needs to work if he;s going to start long-term. Mechanics are very solid for a guy still growing, though, so this could be a projection pick that the Braves can build up well.
Matthew Gonzalez
Matt Gonzalez is a nominally a second baseman but looks like a utility man. In his four years at Gereogia Tech he’s posted a .318/.356/.450/.806 LIne in 949 PA. His senior year that line improved to .378/.419/.577/.996 in 277 PA but before you get too excited he also posted a .408 BAbip.
He played in the Cape Cod league the last three years – the first year with the Bourne Braves – with a career line of .248/.275/.365/.640 in 330 PA including 85Ks and 12 walks. The MLB John Mayo and Jim Callis suggest he projects as a utility man.
Ben Chase on Gonzalez
Gonzalez is a guy I really like. He’s had a prolific career at Georgia Tech, finishing 3rd in the school’s history in hits. He profiles as a utility guy as he’s really not a great defender anywhere, playing mostly left field, but also getting run at third base and second base. He’s actually shown more power in his bat this year, and he could build on that to be a surprising value as a senior sign.
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