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Atlanta Braves low-A Affiliate Rome Braves 2017 Roster Prediction

By Benjamin Chase |
Jul 21, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; A baseball, baseball glove and baseballs are shown on the infield during batting practice before the game against the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 21, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; A baseball, baseball glove and baseballs are shown on the infield during batting practice before the game against the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
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Jul 21, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; A baseball, baseball glove and baseballs are shown on the infield during batting practice before the game against the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 21, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; A baseball, baseball glove and baseballs are shown on the infield during batting practice before the game against the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

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

Pitchers

Starters – Ian Anderson, Jaret Hellinger, Jhon Martinez, Kyle Muller, Jeremy Walker, Joey Wentz

This rotation should be incredible to watch from top to bottom. I could see Muller opening in extended for a bit but joining Rome very quickly, but I am a big believer in Walker, who I see as 2017’s Patrick Weigel-type breakout.

Relievers – Dalton Carroll, Dalton Geekie, Connor Gilmore, Jordy Lara, Bladimir Matos, Adam McCreery, Luis Mora, Zach Rice, Cameron Stanton, Jacob Webb, Brandon S. White

The arms here aren’t likely well known names – yet. However, you should get to know at least Mora and Webb. Mora is probably the next Mauricio Cabrera in the system, for all the positive and negative that entails, with a fastball that can run over triple digits and not a whole lot else. Webb just struck out 31 out of the 39 outs he recorded in 2016 – that’s all!

Stanton did work as a starter in 2016, and I could see the Braves working him as a starter to open 2017 as well, but his stuff is such that I think he quickly moves to a dominant reliever in the bullpen, and Rice could be an elite guy from the left side as well.

Next: Braves Minor League Database

So, there are a few names fairly notable that you may have been waiting to see. I do believe the Atlanta Braves will open with Isranel Wilson, Alex Jackson, and Bryse Wilson in extended spring training, but any or all of them could follow a similar path to what Kolby Allard did in 2016, opening the year in Rome after spending time in extended spring training.

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