Braves Add Minor League Arms

It was a busy Monday for the Braves. Today they traded Juan Francisco to the Brew Crew for Tom Keeling as Alan reported earlier.  David O’Brien of the AJC Tweeted that they had also signed right-hander Mitch Atkins, from  the Somerset Patriots of the Atlantic League.

Drafted in the 7th round (216th overall) by the Cubs in 2004 Baseball America’s predraft report (subscription required) said there were mixed feeling about his potential and described his pitches like this.

"“…He throws an 88-92 mph fastball from a three-quarters slot that gives him good sink. The arm angle also makes his 77-80 mph breaking ball rather slurvy, and at times he struggles to stay on top of it. His feel for a changeup comes and goes, but teams that like him see him as a power sinker/slider pitcher down the line. “"

He remained in the Cubs system through 2010, signed with the Orioles as a minor league FA, stayed there a year then did the same with the Nats last year but they too let him walk after 2012.

The now 27 year old Atkins had a cup of coffee with both the Cubs and Os between 2009-2011 but threw only 22 2/3 innings more than likely due to a 6.73 ERA and 1.897 WHIP over that time. At Somerset he had a more reasonable 3.98 ERA and 1.279 WHIP in 43 IP. Atkins will be assigned to Double-A Mississippi.

Like Keeling he’s minor league depth for now. While Keeling might have a shot at being a Loogy if he can recapture the heater and control his slider, Atkins was thought to be at the edge of his potential when drafted. Turning him around would be a coup for the Braves vaunted minor league pitching program.