The Atlanta Braves Chop: Morn on the Cobb

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Nov 2, 2016; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Salt River Rafters outfielder Dustin Peterson of the Atlanta Braves against the Scottsdale Scorpions during an Arizona Fall League game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Braves Top 20 Prospects for 2017

JOHN SICKELS / MINORLEAGUEBALL.COM

The Braves system is very deep, particularly on the mound.

I have read John Sickels’ ratings for a number of years now. I do recommend that you employ the link above for the full treatment from him. But let’s check his rankings against Ben’s from last month (Ben’s rank in parentheses):

More from Tomahawk Take

1. Dansby Swanson (1)
2. Ozzie Albies (2)
3. Kolby Allard (4)
4. Mike Soroka (9)
5. Sean Newcomb (3)
6. Max Fried (7)
7. Ian Anderson (8)
8. Kevin Maitan (6)
9. Ronald Acuna (5)
10. Touki Toussaint (11)
11. Austin Riley (15)
12. Joey Wentz (18)
13. Cristian Pache (14)
14. Robert Whalen (10)
15. Patrick Weigel (12)
16. Max Povse (28)
17. Travis Demeritte (17)
18. John Gant (not sure how he’s still on the list; Sickels questioning that a bit, too; 26)
19. Kyle Muller (20)
20. Lucas Sims (16)

Almost the same names with only 2 changes from their respective Top 20s (Ben added Rio Ruiz [19] and Dustin Peterson [13]).

But Sickels also adds ‘grades’ to his list, and every Top 20 name gets a B- or better report card, which is remarkable. He acknowledges that as well (not the repeated adjective below):

"There is obviously an incredible amount of depth in this system, as is commonly seen. The pitching depth is incredible, though keep in mind the Rule of Five: for every five pitching prospects you have, you’re doing well if you get one actual pitcher."

He’s right on the pitching ratio, of course, which is why that mantra “There Is No Such Thing As A Pitching Prospect” (TINSTAAPP) exists. Yet, the Braves should be acquitted for perhaps a little better odds than normal, given this group.

Anyway: excellent report.

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