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Atlanta Braves Top 50 Prospects: An Extra Treat

By Benjamin Chase

May 25, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; A general view during sunset in the firth inning of the game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; A general view during sunset in the firth inning of the game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 20, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Florida Gators pitcher Taylor Lewis (16) throws against the Virginia Cavaliers in the sixth inning at the 2015 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Virginia won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 20, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Florida Gators pitcher Taylor Lewis (16) throws against the Virginia Cavaliers in the sixth inning at the 2015 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Virginia won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports /

Carolina and Rome Players Under the Radar

More from Tomahawk Take

Zack Bird, RHP, high-A – The transition to the bullpen has not gone well, but he flashes the stuff. He has incredible stuff for the pen, and he may just be a guy that takes a year to get used to the setup and blows through the system in the role in 2017.

Chase Johnson-Mullins, LHP, high-A – Huge (6’8, near-300 pound) lefty has been incredibly tough on lefties and very good overall. Very raw in his stuff, and he’s had some behavioral stuff in college and is now dealing with a suspension, so may have some off-field things to iron out, but the talent is there to be ridiculous!

Taylor Lewis, RHP, high-A – Very slight (6’1, 170 pound) righty with a sidearm slot comes with low-90s stuff and a tough slider and a “show me” change. Hasn’t allowed a run since being promoted to Carolina.

Philip Pfeifer, LHP, high-A – Acquired as part of the Norris deal, has not allowed a run as a Brave just yet.

Chad Sobotka, RHP, high-A – One of my personal favorites, he’s been doing very well when healthy this year in a transition to the bullpen, where his stuff works similarly to Derek Lowe‘s did in the same role. Towering (6’7) reliever gets a ton of grounders and uses his slider as an out pitch.

Omar Obregon, IF, high-A – Exceptional defender has been hurt a lot of this season, but still putting up good numbers when he’s healthy. No power to speak of, but a ton of speed and defense, and that profile could play him up as a bench guy.

Luis Valenzuela, IF, high-A – Impressed me last year, but hurt all season and not looking comfortable at the plate yet since his return. Able to play all around the infield. 10 HR/10 SB type of guy with decent contact skills if all works out.

Chris Diaz, LHP, low-A – Any word on this guy would be new news to me! Diaz had a very nice first season out of the University of Miami, was hurt, and he hasn’t been seen since, though he remains on the Rome DL, so he’s still part of the organization.

Matt Custred, RHP, low-A – Taken out of Texas Tech last season, most thought Custred would return to school, but he signed, and he’s been a find for the Braves out of the bullpen since. He’s had some control struggles pop up at times this year, but the stuff is incredibly impressive.

Kurt Hoekstra, IF, low-A – I was impressed with Hoekstra’s general feel for the game last season, but he’s been sitting on the DL all season. I look forward to seeing him on the field again soon!

Next: Rookie League Breakthroughs

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