Atlanta Braves: Randy Ventura an underrated speedster at low-A Rome
In an Atlanta Braves farm system packed full of speedy young talent, its not surprising that some players aren’t as highly touted as others, even though they should be.
One player that sticks out as a future possibility for the Atlanta Braves when looking at this year’s low-A Rome Braves team is speedster Randy Ventura, who is among the best in the South Atlantic League.
On a team that started the 2017 season packed with jets, Randy Ventura found himself lost in the crowd along with top Braves prospects Anfernee Seymour and Christian Pache.
Seymour and Pache deserve their top prospect rankings, but Randy Ventura would likely be rated among the best speedy young talent in nearly any other organization this season.
Speedster Randy Ventura among the best in the SAL through mid-July: T2nd SB (26), 3rd H (97), 8th AVG (.297). pic.twitter.com/n023NFcko9
— Blake Silvers (@JBlakeSilvers) July 17, 2017
While Anfernee Seymour earned a much deserved promotion to the advanced-A Florida Fire Frogs, Ventura remains at Rome with Pache, both among to top of the Sally League in stolen bases and batting average.
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Through mid-July, Randy Ventura is eighth in the SAL in batting average (.297), tied for second in stolen bases (26) and third in hits (97). He’s only been caught stealing nine times on the season as well.
Ventura, currently a right fielder for Rome, was an international signee in 2015 out of the Dominican Republic. He just turned 20 earlier in July.
Signed to a deal with Atlanta in February of 2015, Ventura started his professional career with the Dominican Summer League Braves that season, and then played for the Gulf Coast League Braves in 2016. He started with 2017 season at Rome where he has thrived from the start.
While Ventura has certainly caught the attention of a few, he can still be considered a dark horse who is currently flying somewhat under the radar in a farm system overflowing with top talent.
Next: Who to keep, who to trade?
Perhaps it’s a wait-and-see approach to his youth, or steady numbers without bursts of streaks, but whatever the reason, Randy Ventura deserves far more attention within the Braves organization.