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Atlanta Braves vs. the mock drafts… who will be right?

By Alan Carpenter

Jul 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Volunteer Alvin Peters of Panama City, Florida entertains delegates and the media with his juggling during the Democratic National Convention at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Suchat Pederson/The News Journal via USA TODAY NETWORK
Jul 25, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Volunteer Alvin Peters of Panama City, Florida entertains delegates and the media with his juggling during the Democratic National Convention at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Suchat Pederson/The News Journal via USA TODAY NETWORK /
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May 6, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Detroit Tigers third base coach Dave Clark (25) looks over his shoulder at a heckler during the fifth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
May 6, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Detroit Tigers third base coach Dave Clark (25) looks over his shoulder at a heckler during the fifth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

Let The Mocking Begin

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Yeah…. no pair is alike.  No surprise.

In fact, none of them agree even on the top three picks.

However, there are some observations to be made, particularly about the projected Braves’ picks.

MLB.COM.  For both this mock and previous ones seen on their pages, I have to honestly wonder where these guys are coming from.  Here, they note Atlanta being tied to Haseley.  But they’ve had Atlanta taking Pratto, or Wright.  before this latest chart from Jim Callis and Jonathan Mayo.

I would be shocked to see Atlanta take a college first baseman.  Period.  A high school (Pratto) 1B could be another matter, but unless the Braves plan to join the American League any time soon, this is almost bizarre, for drafting kids of that age who you know are blocked is a terible idea for your first round pick.

BB AMERICA/SPORTING NEWS/SI.com.  In stark contrast to Haseley, Gore has been mentioned a lot in connection with the Braves, and he’s been consistently moving up draft boards all around… with some positing that he could end up as the 1/1 pick.

I can’t say whether Gore is still ‘projectible’ in stature, but that would be one key question I’d have:  if he stays at “just” 6’1″, does he have the leg drive needed to keep from blowing out a shoulder or elbow?  If you believe he does (check his leg kick on videos)… or still has another 1-2″ of height to find… then that reduces the risk.

FWIW, I will add that he actually looks taller than the listed 6’1″ in the video cited above.

CALL TO THE PEN.  This is produced by our Ben Chase, who also has four (so far) TomahawkTake-specific mock drafts that you can read about here.

Royce Lewis is his latest Braves prediction, and he cites multiple source to suggest that Lewis – and Nick Pratto – have been getting long looks from their scouts.

Lewis could be the best overall athlete at the top of the draft, and with his ability to switch from infield to outfield, that could be a convenient help to move his through the system if his considerable bat holds up.

MINOR LEAGUE BALL.  This is John Sickels’ contribution and he goes with Carolina native Austin Beck, an outfielder with easy power to all fields – and a big hitter not tied to first base.

If the Braves are going with a hitter, Beck would be a solid choice and it simply comes down to scouting as to who you’d prefer:  Beck, Pratto, Lewis, or Adell.

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