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Atlanta Braves Mock Draft Monday!

By Benjamin Chase

Jun 22, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Virginia Cavaliers catcher Matt Thaiss (21) makes a catch for an out during the sixth inning against the Vanderbilt Commodores in game one of the College World Series Finals at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Virginia Cavaliers catcher Matt Thaiss (21) makes a catch for an out during the sixth inning against the Vanderbilt Commodores in game one of the College World Series Finals at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 22, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Virginia Cavaliers catcher Matt Thaiss (21) makes a catch for an out during the sixth inning against the Vanderbilt Commodores in game one of the College World Series Finals at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Virginia Cavaliers catcher Matt Thaiss (21) makes a catch for an out during the sixth inning against the Vanderbilt Commodores in game one of the College World Series Finals at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Braves Mock Draft Monday: The Braves’ Picks

3. Riley Pint, RHP, Kansas HS

At the #3 spot, the Braves in this scenario are left with the options of the top high school pitchers, Pint and Groome, along with a host of hitting options. Many fans will likely be after the front office for not taking a mature hitter like Ray or Senzel. Others will wish for the young hitting talent of Rutherford, Perez, or Moniak. Yet, I believe the real choice will be between Pint or Groome in this scenario. As more and more reports begin to come out, the worries about Pint as a simple power arm have been lessened.

Pint has a solid mix of a fastball that runs into the triple digits, seeing as high as 102 this spring, a change up that runs in the 88-91 range with good arm movement and deception, and also a curve ball and slider that work well as well.

Depending on which person sees him on which day, I’ve read reports on his slider as a plus pitch, and I’ve seen reports on the curve as a plus pitch. Regardless, both are regarded as above average. So, unlike Tyler Kolek of the Marlins a couple seasons ago, who was 100 mph without much else, Pint has a four pitch mix of at least above average pitches, with a plus-plus fastball, plus changeup, and possible plus slider or curve.

He also gets tremendous marks for his athleticism as Pint is a legit basketball player – not a guy who happened to sit the bench on his high school’s team, but a guy who could possibly play some college ball if he had continued pursuing the sport. At 6’6 and a reported 210-225 pounds, he’s a well-developed athlete with very good marks for his personality and coachability, which are the two major knocks on Groome.

40. Heath Quinn, OF, Samford University

Many will wonder why I went Quinn with Reynolds still on the board. As I’ve looked deeper into the draft, Reynolds is a guy who I could see being a guy who is a perfect Cardinals type of pick, a “safe” guy who will make it to the majors and hit for a decent average, but not hit for much power. I did consider that his teammate being in house could sway things, but instead I went the direction of Quinn.

As I look, I’m not sure the 6’3, 225-pound will even last to the Braves. He’s been getting a lot of look lately due to his big time power from the right side, but he is from a small school in Alabama, and it sounds like the Braves are more and more on him. Quinn has big power from the right side, and while he may not be a guy who will ever be a .300 hitter, he has enough athleticism and arm to be a solid left fielder with big power potential and a good eye.

Being from a small school, he could be a perfect fit to allow the Braves to pay at or even a bit below slot to ensure they can afford Pint at #3.

Next: Who Is Left?

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