An annual entry here, with the 1st edition taking place 5 years ago, today we unveil the top 10 Braves prospects as we look for entertainment on a day where the HR Derby gives us none.
1). Christian Bethancourt - The top dog for 2013 is catching phenom Bethancourt. A defensive whiz with an A+ throwing arm, Bethancourt just finished his 2nd appearance in the Futures Game. Overcoming a slow start at the plate, Bethancourt is up to .262/5/25 in 55 games at AA Mississippi. If McCann walks after this year, Bethancourt is certainly in play as a part of the big club in 2014.
2). JR Graham - Has suffered a bit of a setback in 2013 with a mid-May shoulder strain that has kept him out of action the last 2 months, but nonetheless he remains the teams top pitching prospect. The 5'10 RHP went 12-2 In 2012 between High-A Lynchburg with a 2.80 ERA and will hopefully be back in action soon.
3). Lucas Sims - Sims was the Braves 1st round puck out of Brookwood HS in 2012 and has really started to develop into a big time prospect. Lucas was eased into the starting rotation at Class A Rome this year, but since making his 1st start on May 24th, has really performed well. He has thrown 45 innings in his 9 starts and only given up more than 2 runs once. He has a 2.94 ERA in 67 innings on the year and should be on his way to the Lynchburg rotation by the end of the year or the beginning of 2014.
4). Jason Hursh - Hursh just made his Rome debut 10 days ago, but could be on the same path Alex Wood took from Rome to Atlanta last year. The hard throwing righty hasn't given up a run in his limited innings in Rome, but has the stuff to be a big league reliever soon and a big league starter later.
5). Sean Gilmartin - After a solid first 6 weeks at Gwinnett, things have not gone so well for Gilmartin since then. He suffered back to back rough outings in early June and has been on the DL ever since. He's not far removed from a great 2012 though between Mississippi and Gwinnett and could be a nice end of the rotation pitcher in the next year or two when he gets healthy.
6). Matt Lipka - Lipka is a guy I've always liked as a competitor and athlete and he has really got it rolling in 2013. Playing CF for Lynchburgs, Lipka is currently hitting .281/5/34 with 19 SBs in 85 games. Matt has great athleticism and could be a nice piece on future Braves teams.
7). Cody Martin - A mid-season promotion to AAA did not phase the 2011 draft pick out of Gonzaga. A big RHP, Martin started the year in Mississippi, recording a 2.82 ERA in 67 innings with 71 K's. Since being McDonald up to AAA, Martin Is 2-1 with a 2.73 in 5 starts. Martin has really built on his stong 2012 season in Lynchburg and become a big name in the Braves system.
8). Victor Catarini - A 2013 draft pick, Catarini is a switch hitting 3B/C that can really swing it. He has hit .319 his 1st 20 games at Danvile and should end the year in Rome as he progresses.
9). Mauricio Cabrera - 19 year old Cabrera hasn't been lights out at Rome, but good enough at that level given his age to draw attention. Signd 3 years ago, Cabrera posted a 2.97 ERA last year at Danville and has a 4.29 ERA and 81 K's at Rome in 2013. His BB rate is high, but this kid has good stuff and is definitely a top prospect.
10). Robby Hefflinger - Hefflinger is a big power hitting corner outfielder that has really had a breakout 2013 season. A .286/21/52 line in 74 games earned Robby a promotion to Mississippi where he already has added 3 more HRs in 15 games.
There were certainly guys that would have made this list but have been called up to Atlanta in Alex Wood and Joey Terdoslavich but regardless the Braves system looks strong and, as usual, pitching heavy.
Monday, July 15, 2013
SEC Coaches on the hot seat...
Everyone knew going into the 2012 season that Derek Dooley, Gene Chizik, and Joker Phillips were in need of strong seasons to keep their day jobs as coaches in the nations best football conference. Now that all 3, along with interim Arkansas coach John L. Smith have moved on and there are 4 new coaches in the SEC heading into the 2013 season.
Fans of Kentucky, Tennessee, Auburn, and Arkansas are all fired up about their new coaches but will certainly give them time before expecting SEC titles. Here is where other coaches in the league stand when it comes to their fanbases.
1). We have the greatest living coach (Bama, SC)
2). We have the next Saban (A&M, Ole Miss)
3). We are happy with our guys results but he's not the greatest (Mizzou, UGA, Florida, LSU)
4). He's won at a better rate than anyone we've ever had, please stay (Vandy)
5). He better win this year or I'm done (Miss St)
There's your hot seat ladies and gentlemen. Dan Mullen was the next big thing in college football in 2010. Gator fans wanted him to replace Urban Meyer. Georgia fans wanted him to replace Mark Richt. After knocking off #22 Florida and destroying mighty Michigan in the Gator Bowl, Mississippi State fans were thrilled their team was relevant again and saw bigger things in years to come.
However, 2011 was a disappointing 7-6 with only 2 SEC wins and after a fast start last year,
the Bulldogs limped to a 8-5 season by dropping 5 of their final 6, capped off by a 2 TD loss to Northwestern.
So Coach Mullen has found himself in that spot where he has a lack of signature wins or won/loss improvement, and the feeling in Mississippi that the Rebs are about to be leaps and bounds ahead of the cow bell ringin' Bulldogs from Starkville.
Another fast start isn't likely, with an opener against Oklahoma State, a trip to Auburn, and a home date with LSU in the seasons first 6 weeks. But Coach Mullen may need that again to help offset a stretch of at South Carolina, at A&M, and vs Alabama in November.
I don't think Dan Mullen gets fired this year as I expect the Bulldogs to be much improved this year and his recruiting class is in good shape being led by monster recruit Chris Jones. However, there are a lot of fans wanting to take that next step and the pressure will certainly start to mount without another fast start.
Losing that opener to the Pokes won't cost Mullen his job, but it can definitely make it more secure.
Fans of Kentucky, Tennessee, Auburn, and Arkansas are all fired up about their new coaches but will certainly give them time before expecting SEC titles. Here is where other coaches in the league stand when it comes to their fanbases.
1). We have the greatest living coach (Bama, SC)
2). We have the next Saban (A&M, Ole Miss)
3). We are happy with our guys results but he's not the greatest (Mizzou, UGA, Florida, LSU)
4). He's won at a better rate than anyone we've ever had, please stay (Vandy)
5). He better win this year or I'm done (Miss St)
There's your hot seat ladies and gentlemen. Dan Mullen was the next big thing in college football in 2010. Gator fans wanted him to replace Urban Meyer. Georgia fans wanted him to replace Mark Richt. After knocking off #22 Florida and destroying mighty Michigan in the Gator Bowl, Mississippi State fans were thrilled their team was relevant again and saw bigger things in years to come.
However, 2011 was a disappointing 7-6 with only 2 SEC wins and after a fast start last year,
the Bulldogs limped to a 8-5 season by dropping 5 of their final 6, capped off by a 2 TD loss to Northwestern.
So Coach Mullen has found himself in that spot where he has a lack of signature wins or won/loss improvement, and the feeling in Mississippi that the Rebs are about to be leaps and bounds ahead of the cow bell ringin' Bulldogs from Starkville.
Another fast start isn't likely, with an opener against Oklahoma State, a trip to Auburn, and a home date with LSU in the seasons first 6 weeks. But Coach Mullen may need that again to help offset a stretch of at South Carolina, at A&M, and vs Alabama in November.
I don't think Dan Mullen gets fired this year as I expect the Bulldogs to be much improved this year and his recruiting class is in good shape being led by monster recruit Chris Jones. However, there are a lot of fans wanting to take that next step and the pressure will certainly start to mount without another fast start.
Losing that opener to the Pokes won't cost Mullen his job, but it can definitely make it more secure.
Hawks filling out roster
Well, the revamping of the Hawks roster is almost complete with today's signing of Elton Brand and it is apparent that GM Danny Ferry has a true method to his madness. I believe, contrary to most, that Jeff Teague was coming back no matter what. Ferry just wanted the rest of the NBA to set Teague's market value rather than doing so himself. The signing of 2 versatile forwards in Paul Millsap and Brand along with bringing back Kyle Korver shows what Ferry is looking for in his roster.
First, by using a 2013 1st round pick on Dennis Schroder to team up with Teague, the Hawks now have 2 blazing fast point guards to push the tempo and penetrate. The front court rotation of Horford, Millsap, and Brand along with another 2013 1st round pick in Lucas Nogueira is full of good size and versatility.
What goes well with versatile bigs and quick guards? Shooters. From the beginning of his tenure as GM, Ferry has brought in guys who could shoot the basketball. Now, with Korver, 2012 1st round pick John Jenkins, and Louis Williams, there is a solid group of shooters to knock down shots as Teague and Schroder break down the defense and the frontcourt rotation keeps the D honest in the paint.
Finally, the Hawks brought in veteran small forward DeMarre Carroll to provide a defensive presence on Eastern forwards and you get a sense of what the plan has been from the beginning.
Now, I don't see this as an Eastern Conference Finals team, but there is some potential with the young guys and the ability to shoot the 3 if healthy.
The best part of Ferry's roster though, is the deals are very manageable (or trade-able if you will) should the team not perform up to standards. With the next few drafts looking to be loaded with talent, February deals for picks are definitely a possibility if the wins are not coming at a fast enough rate.
Either way, Hawks fans should be excited about this new roster, by rule you must use at least 90% of the new salary cap of 58.68 million, so simply signing small 1 year deals to tank for ping-pong balls wasn't a realistic possibility.
However, signing smart contracts that are moveable and don't hinder future cap space was not just a possibility, it was the right
thing to do.
First, by using a 2013 1st round pick on Dennis Schroder to team up with Teague, the Hawks now have 2 blazing fast point guards to push the tempo and penetrate. The front court rotation of Horford, Millsap, and Brand along with another 2013 1st round pick in Lucas Nogueira is full of good size and versatility.
What goes well with versatile bigs and quick guards? Shooters. From the beginning of his tenure as GM, Ferry has brought in guys who could shoot the basketball. Now, with Korver, 2012 1st round pick John Jenkins, and Louis Williams, there is a solid group of shooters to knock down shots as Teague and Schroder break down the defense and the frontcourt rotation keeps the D honest in the paint.
Finally, the Hawks brought in veteran small forward DeMarre Carroll to provide a defensive presence on Eastern forwards and you get a sense of what the plan has been from the beginning.
Now, I don't see this as an Eastern Conference Finals team, but there is some potential with the young guys and the ability to shoot the 3 if healthy.
The best part of Ferry's roster though, is the deals are very manageable (or trade-able if you will) should the team not perform up to standards. With the next few drafts looking to be loaded with talent, February deals for picks are definitely a possibility if the wins are not coming at a fast enough rate.
Either way, Hawks fans should be excited about this new roster, by rule you must use at least 90% of the new salary cap of 58.68 million, so simply signing small 1 year deals to tank for ping-pong balls wasn't a realistic possibility.
However, signing smart contracts that are moveable and don't hinder future cap space was not just a possibility, it was the right
thing to do.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Final Falcons thoughts and trying to be positive...
Just a few bullet points from Sunday's NFC Championship Game and I have to move on to positive thoughts for my own health.
There are a few reasons to believe that the 2013 Braves are in excellent position to get into the post-season and hopefully at that point, some luck will maybe start to venture into Georgia.
1) Good regular season teams have strong, deep pitching staffs. The rotation of Hudson-Medlen-Minor-Maholm-Teheran/Delgado with Beachy due back around July gives the team flexibility in case of injury and really good young talent that is prime to blossom.
2) Deep staffs also include bullpens, and Frank Wren was able to turn Tommy Hanson, who was no longer needed, into a power right-handed bullpen arm to break up O'Flaherty and Venters. Put those 3 with Kimbrel and Gearrin and that's quite a bullpen.
3) A second big contract next to BJ Upton would have financially strapped the team until the off-season. By not throwing tons of money at a late 30's Shane Victorino or giving up prime prospects for a guy that put up big numbers in a hitters park like Dexter Fowler or Josh Willingham, Wren can really pin-point who he wants as the list of available LF/3B players will only increase once the season starts.
4) On that note, I am definitely OK with using a rotation of RJohnson/Francisco/Schafer/Constanza in the 8 hole until the LF/3B situation is solved, which not making a move could be a viable option if the match-ups with these 4 guys works out.
5) So, what's the biggest concern? Easy. The staff is a strong mix of experience/youth/talent and the bullpen will more than likely be one of the best in the game. The lineup includes several All-Star calibur guys that are either in their prime or just entering it in Prado, Heyward, and Freeman. The concern lies in the seasons of 3 players: Upton, McCann, and Uggla. Expect Simmons to be good, but not great offensively. Expect the platoon players to be streaky and very solid at times. But this franchise/city/team needs these 3 guys to step up more than anything. The lack of production from Uggla and McCann in 2012 was the main reason the Braves ended up in the dreaded WC Game instead of as division champs. So, a hopefully healthy McCann getting back up over .280 with power, Uggla hovering around .250 with a move back to 30+ HRs, and Upton giving the team that RH bat with speed that can put out a .270/25/85 season would make this a 98+ win team. If one of these 3 struggles to a .215/15/55 season, look for a 92/93 win team that may be division champs or host the WC game again, if 2 of them struggle in 2013, get ready for another WC game or no playoffs. All 3, and the trade deadline will be interesting for the wrong reasons...
That said, I am very optimistic about the Braves chances in 2013. I have to be, it's all I got right now.
- As much as I want to go back and nit-pick so many things from the 2nd half, it's hard to get past the notion that the Birds blew a 17 point lead at home in such a big game.
- The D has to get better at certain things, and I think Dmitroff will address these (slowing down the run, covering the TE)
- I think Dmitroff may go after a potential big-play RB in the draft and try to strengthen both lines through FA
- Decoud made the Pro-Bowl, but his angles and tackling against SF was very below average
There are a few reasons to believe that the 2013 Braves are in excellent position to get into the post-season and hopefully at that point, some luck will maybe start to venture into Georgia.
1) Good regular season teams have strong, deep pitching staffs. The rotation of Hudson-Medlen-Minor-Maholm-Teheran/Delgado with Beachy due back around July gives the team flexibility in case of injury and really good young talent that is prime to blossom.
2) Deep staffs also include bullpens, and Frank Wren was able to turn Tommy Hanson, who was no longer needed, into a power right-handed bullpen arm to break up O'Flaherty and Venters. Put those 3 with Kimbrel and Gearrin and that's quite a bullpen.
3) A second big contract next to BJ Upton would have financially strapped the team until the off-season. By not throwing tons of money at a late 30's Shane Victorino or giving up prime prospects for a guy that put up big numbers in a hitters park like Dexter Fowler or Josh Willingham, Wren can really pin-point who he wants as the list of available LF/3B players will only increase once the season starts.
4) On that note, I am definitely OK with using a rotation of RJohnson/Francisco/Schafer/Constanza in the 8 hole until the LF/3B situation is solved, which not making a move could be a viable option if the match-ups with these 4 guys works out.
5) So, what's the biggest concern? Easy. The staff is a strong mix of experience/youth/talent and the bullpen will more than likely be one of the best in the game. The lineup includes several All-Star calibur guys that are either in their prime or just entering it in Prado, Heyward, and Freeman. The concern lies in the seasons of 3 players: Upton, McCann, and Uggla. Expect Simmons to be good, but not great offensively. Expect the platoon players to be streaky and very solid at times. But this franchise/city/team needs these 3 guys to step up more than anything. The lack of production from Uggla and McCann in 2012 was the main reason the Braves ended up in the dreaded WC Game instead of as division champs. So, a hopefully healthy McCann getting back up over .280 with power, Uggla hovering around .250 with a move back to 30+ HRs, and Upton giving the team that RH bat with speed that can put out a .270/25/85 season would make this a 98+ win team. If one of these 3 struggles to a .215/15/55 season, look for a 92/93 win team that may be division champs or host the WC game again, if 2 of them struggle in 2013, get ready for another WC game or no playoffs. All 3, and the trade deadline will be interesting for the wrong reasons...
That said, I am very optimistic about the Braves chances in 2013. I have to be, it's all I got right now.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Final Poll
At least Ohio State got caught lying and cheating so we don't have to have it shoved at us for 37 days that Ohio St-Notre Dame is the national championship game when we clearly saw the 2 best teams in the country play in the Georgia Dome Saturday afternoon. But I digress...
Notice that Ohio State has dropped this week even without playing as the team they beat that was their signature win gave up 70 to a 5-loss team that couldn't move the ball on Utah State. Sorry Buckeyes, the 11 teams ahead of you would have been 12-0 too with that schedule (no top 20 teams) and you lie and cheat. Now I digress...
1. Alabama
2. Notre Dame
3. Georgia
4. Florida
5. Oregon
6. LSU
7. Texas A&M
8. South Carolina
9. Kansas St
10. Stanford
11. Oklahoma
12. Ohio St
13. Florida St
14. Oregon St
15. UCLA
16. Vanderbilt
17. Texas
18. Clemson
19. Nebraska
20. Michigan
21. Northwestern
22. Penn St
23. Mississippi St
24. Wisconsin
25. Oklahoma St
Notice that Ohio State has dropped this week even without playing as the team they beat that was their signature win gave up 70 to a 5-loss team that couldn't move the ball on Utah State. Sorry Buckeyes, the 11 teams ahead of you would have been 12-0 too with that schedule (no top 20 teams) and you lie and cheat. Now I digress...
1. Alabama
2. Notre Dame
3. Georgia
4. Florida
5. Oregon
6. LSU
7. Texas A&M
8. South Carolina
9. Kansas St
10. Stanford
11. Oklahoma
12. Ohio St
13. Florida St
14. Oregon St
15. UCLA
16. Vanderbilt
17. Texas
18. Clemson
19. Nebraska
20. Michigan
21. Northwestern
22. Penn St
23. Mississippi St
24. Wisconsin
25. Oklahoma St
Sunday, November 25, 2012
BCS Predictions and Final Heisman Ballot
Well, the Irish squashed any further controversy over who will play for the BCS Title, but will have to wait 43 days before they can play the winner of the SEC Title Game. K-State can win the Big 12 with a win over Texas or an Oklahoma loss at TCU. Rutgers can clinch the Big East with a win over Louisville Thursday, but Louisville and Cincinnati are still in play if Louisville can win. The ACC, Pac 12, and Big 10 Championship games are this week, and Florida and Oregon just about locked up at-large spots. So...here is what we are looking at as far as potential BCS match-ups...
BCS Title Game
Notre Dame vs Alabama/Georgia
Sugar Bowl
Florida vs Oklahoma
Rose Bowl
Stanford vs Nebraska
Fiesta Bowl
Oregon vs Kansas State
Orange Bowl
Florida State vs Rutgers
Final Heisman Ballot
1. Johnny Manziel
2. Braxton Miller
3. Marquise Lee
4. Colin Klein
5. Manti T'eo
Poll Leading up to Championship Saturday
1. Notre Dame
2. Alabama
3. Georgia
4. Florida
5. Oregon
6. Kansas State
7. LSU
8. South Carolina
9. Ohio St
10. Texas A&M
11. Stanford
12. Oklahoma
13. Nebraska
14. UCLA
15. Florida St
16. Oregon St
17. Michigan
18. Northwestern
19. Vanderbilt
20. Texas
21. Clemson
22. Penn St
23. Mississippi St
24 Oklahoma St
25. TCU
BCS Title Game
Notre Dame vs Alabama/Georgia
Sugar Bowl
Florida vs Oklahoma
Rose Bowl
Stanford vs Nebraska
Fiesta Bowl
Oregon vs Kansas State
Orange Bowl
Florida State vs Rutgers
Final Heisman Ballot
1. Johnny Manziel
2. Braxton Miller
3. Marquise Lee
4. Colin Klein
5. Manti T'eo
Poll Leading up to Championship Saturday
1. Notre Dame
2. Alabama
3. Georgia
4. Florida
5. Oregon
6. Kansas State
7. LSU
8. South Carolina
9. Ohio St
10. Texas A&M
11. Stanford
12. Oklahoma
13. Nebraska
14. UCLA
15. Florida St
16. Oregon St
17. Michigan
18. Northwestern
19. Vanderbilt
20. Texas
21. Clemson
22. Penn St
23. Mississippi St
24 Oklahoma St
25. TCU
Sunday, November 18, 2012
BCS Chaos and Heisman update
Just when you think you've got it figured out, college football happens. The pressure of being in those top two spots coupled with a strong Stanford D/no show by K-State D has completely changed the BCS for the 2012 season.
Now, the front runners to get to Miami are Notre Dame, the lone unbeaten team, and the SEC Champion. But, there are obstacles as always. The Irish must get by USC and the SEC teams must get by their main rivals, which won't be easy now that the BCS pressure is on all 3 teams.
Should ND slip up, the SEC Champ could have a variety of possible opponents, including Oregon, Florida State, or Kansas State. Too bad Ohio State lies and cheats or they'd be in prime position this year. Would have been a big story with Meyer going up against his former employer.
Florida State is going to have issues with their case because their loss is against a team that was blown out by an 0-7 SEC team. K-State lost at home to a likely 5-6 win team. Oregon still has a good shot in my opinion due to the value of a possible Civil War win and a top 20 UCLA team in the PAC-12 title game (if UCLA knocks off Stanford this week.)
Heisman Ballot for 11/18
1. Johnny Manziel - Texas A&M
2. Marquise Lee - USC
3. Braxton Miller - Ohio State
4. Colin Klein - Kansas State
5. Jonathan Franklin -UCLA
Top 25 heading into rivalry week
1. Notre Dame
2. Alabama
3. Georgia
4. Oregon
5. Florida
6. LSU
7. South Carolina
8. Ohio State
9. Kansas State
10. Texas A&M
11. Florida State
12. Clemson
13. Oklahoma
14. Stanford
15. UCLA
16. Oregon State
17. Nebraska
18. Texas
19. Oklahoma State
20. Michigan
21. Mississippi State
22. Northwestern
23. Rutgers
24. Louisville
25. Washington
Now, the front runners to get to Miami are Notre Dame, the lone unbeaten team, and the SEC Champion. But, there are obstacles as always. The Irish must get by USC and the SEC teams must get by their main rivals, which won't be easy now that the BCS pressure is on all 3 teams.
Should ND slip up, the SEC Champ could have a variety of possible opponents, including Oregon, Florida State, or Kansas State. Too bad Ohio State lies and cheats or they'd be in prime position this year. Would have been a big story with Meyer going up against his former employer.
Florida State is going to have issues with their case because their loss is against a team that was blown out by an 0-7 SEC team. K-State lost at home to a likely 5-6 win team. Oregon still has a good shot in my opinion due to the value of a possible Civil War win and a top 20 UCLA team in the PAC-12 title game (if UCLA knocks off Stanford this week.)
Heisman Ballot for 11/18
1. Johnny Manziel - Texas A&M
2. Marquise Lee - USC
3. Braxton Miller - Ohio State
4. Colin Klein - Kansas State
5. Jonathan Franklin -UCLA
Top 25 heading into rivalry week
1. Notre Dame
2. Alabama
3. Georgia
4. Oregon
5. Florida
6. LSU
7. South Carolina
8. Ohio State
9. Kansas State
10. Texas A&M
11. Florida State
12. Clemson
13. Oklahoma
14. Stanford
15. UCLA
16. Oregon State
17. Nebraska
18. Texas
19. Oklahoma State
20. Michigan
21. Mississippi State
22. Northwestern
23. Rutgers
24. Louisville
25. Washington
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