After hosting the Atlanta Braves most successful affiliate in 2016, what can the Rome Braves do for an encore?
The Atlanta Braves had to be pleased with their South Atlantic League affiliate in 2016.
While Rome got off to a slow start, they quickly moved to the front of the pack as far as play in the SAL, and by the end of the season, they were crowned the league champions and selected as Baseball America’s minor league team of the year.
How do you follow that up?
Well, how about three highly-touted pitchers drafted in the first 40 picks of the 2016 draft that should find their way to Rome in 2017 (even if not right away), two very highly regarded international signings, and the coaching staff that put that Rome Braves team together to help it all mesh?
Hitters
Catchers – Brett Cumberland, Lucas Herbert, Wigberto Nevarez
Infielders – Derian Cruz, Matt Gonzalez, Gabe Howell, Alex Lee, Darien McLemore, Marcus Mooney, Ryan O’Malley, Ramon Osuna, Juan Yepez
Outfielders – Anthony Concepcion, Matt Hearn, Bradley Keller, Tyler Neslony, Cristian Pache
The big name in prospect circles right now is Pache, who has become a trendy guy at the end of top 100 discussion. While his talent will be fun to track, there may be more intriguing story lines to watch in Rome as well.
Yepez has been discussed as a third base option after some hard work over a rehab last season from injury and the previous offseason. He could be a guy who bumps up a level to work at third if Ruiz ends up in the major leagues, causing a chain reaction down the minor league chain, but if not, I’d assume the Atlanta Braves would prefer Yepez to at least open the season in Rome if he’s playing the hot corner.
Cruz will be intriguing to watch, and the presence of Gonzalez and Mooney as college “old guys” around him could help him either slot into short or decide he’s a better fit elsewhere, allowing him to move for the influx of shortstops from the 2016 international signing period, including Kevin Maitan, who could make a Rome appearance this season.
Next: Pitchers