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Atlanta Braves 2016-2017 Top 100 Prospects: 11-20

By Benjamin Chase

Apr 4, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; The teams lineup and the flag is pulled across the outfield prior to the game between the Washington Nationals and the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; The teams lineup and the flag is pulled across the outfield prior to the game between the Washington Nationals and the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 15, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; American team Carter Kieboom (22) is greeted by Joey Wentz (17) after scoring a run against the National team during the first inning in the Under Armour All America Baseball game at Wrigley field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; American team Carter Kieboom (22) is greeted by Joey Wentz (17) after scoring a run against the National team during the first inning in the Under Armour All America Baseball game at Wrigley field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

18. Joey Wentz, LHP

Those of you who follow my writing on Tomahawk Take know that I was cultivating as many opinions as I could get about the draft as I could find this spring. One of the rumors that began to come strong as early as late March was that the Braves were likely going to leverage their first two picks in order to get one of a deep crop of high school arms with their selection at #40.

When I was first talking with folks about this, the Braves were known to be very strong into two friends, Kansas high schoolers Riley Pint and Joey Wentz. I believe I put the combination of those two as my selections for 3 & 40 in at least one of my mock drafts, if not more. Well, I had half of that equation right.

One of the big concerns heard in the pre-draft process with Wentz was that his velocity had “taken a step back.” That was really not true whatsoever. Wentz was primarily a hitter, even early summer 2015’s showcase season, even winning a home run contest at one of the Under Armour All-American games. Late in summer showcase season, Wentz began throwing in showcases, using really only his fastball and curve, which allowed him to play up his fastball significantly.

Wentz sits with his fastball in the low 90s, but in short stints he can touch 96 with good plane from his 6’5 frame. He also has a curve with very nice break. What drastically played up in his pro time was his change that he definitely had some feel issues with going in and out during his time in Danville, but I got one report from GCL that Wentz’s change was his best showing in that scout’s view of Wentz.

Wentz did get hit around a bit in Danville, but a big part of that was working on his change and getting his arsenal right.

He will be going to Rome most likely to open 2017, and while he was the second pitcher selected in the 2016 draft, it wouldn’t surprise me if Wentz moves more quickly than Ian Anderson through the system, though I do believe Anderson has the higher upside.

Jul 10, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; World runner Jorge Bonifacio (bottom) is forced out by USA infielder Travis Demmeritte during the All Star Game futures baseball game at PetCo Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 10, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; World runner Jorge Bonifacio (bottom) is forced out by USA infielder Travis Demmeritte during the All Star Game futures baseball game at PetCo Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

17. Travis Demeritte, 2B

Demeritte is a guy that may be the most volatile pick I had within my top 20. I feel like I could look back in a year and feel silly for either having him way too low OR way too high!

Demeritte has ridiculous athleticism with plus power and plus speed. He also has very good pitch recognition, but he also has a very interesting approach swing. He’ll frequently go up to the plate attacking, and he’ll end up flailing at poor curves and fastballs in the dirt.

Demeritte is an elite defender at second base. I believe that he could be elite at third base as well due to his arm strength. He’s been playing both positions in the Arizona Fall League and reports have been excellent on him.

I wrote up a report on Demeritte that I still believe strong in that compared Demeritte to Alfonso Soriano. I see this so much more as I watch him in the AFL facing a fairly elite pitcher consistently.

If you do have an opportunity to watch Demeritte in the AFL, please do. MLB.com has been playing a number of games on the website.

Demeritte will likely start 2017 in Mississippi, but the interesting question will be whether he will be at second base or third base. His ability to make consistent contact will be what determines how quickly he launches to the major leagues.

Next: #16 & #15

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