bd811
12-13-2003, 12:56 PM
By Bill Ballew
November 12, 2003
Disappointment has become commonplace for the Braves over the past several Octobers, but the dejection they experienced after losing to the Cubs in the 2003 National League Division Series might have topped the charts.
After tying the Yankees for the major league lead with 101 victories only to come up short of the World Series yet again, Atlanta is expected to face another overhaul at the major league level. The Braves face budget limitations while many of their important contributors from 2003-including Javy Lopez, Greg Maddux and Gary Sheffield, whose salaries totaled $32.75 million, roughly one-third of Atlanta's payroll-await free agency.
Despite the potential storm clouds on the horizon, the situation in Atlanta is more sunny than gloomy. The team picked up a $6.2 million option on righthander Russ Ortiz, who led the National League with 21 wins after coming from the Giants in an offseason trade for Damian Moss and Merkin Valdez. The payroll could be cut to the mid-$80 million range in 2004, but that would still put the Braves among the top third in baseball in salary.
A deep farm system, bolstered in large part by four straight strong drafts under scouting director Roy Clark, also has the Braves in an enviable position. Help is on the way at a variety of key positions, beginning in 2004 at catcher (Johnny Estrada), and followed at third base (Andy Marte) and right field (Jeff Francoeur).
If the Braves can combine those prospects with such established standouts as Rafael Furcal, Marcus Giles, Andruw Jones and Chipper Jones, they could field a championship-caliber lineup dominated by homegrown players. And throughout the team's unprecedented run of success, mixing new players in each year has been standard operating procedure.
Clark and the Braves continue to maintain the philosophy of drafting high school players, particularly in the first 10 rounds, with a heavy emphasis on pitching. They also have worked to upgrade the team's catching. In addition to acquiring Estrada from Philadelphia last winter, Atlanta nabbed Brian McCann and Jarrod Saltalamacchia in the first two rounds of the past two drafts. Cuban Brayan Pena has continued to develop. The organization is also building a solid crop of outfielders, though the infield positions aren't as strong as the others.
Atlanta was uncharacteristically successful in the lower minors in 2003, winning its first low Class A South Atlantic League title since 1979 and its first Rookie-level Gulf Coast League championship since 1964. That's another sign that the organization is succeeding with its commitment to drafting and developing younger players.
One reason the Braves feel confident with that approach is the longevity of its minor league staff. Rick Albert, Randy Ingle and Brian Snitker all have spent at least a quarter-century in the Atlanta farm system. The Braves also brought back veteran pitching coach Bill Fischer this fall after shocking many observers by firing roving pitching coordinator Rick Adair.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Top Prospect: Andy Marte, 3B
Age: 20 Ht.: 6-1 Wt.: 185. Bats: R Throws: R
Signed: Dominican Republic, 2000.
Signed by: Rene Francisco/Julian Perez.
Background: After leading the low Class A South Atlantic League with 105 RBIs in 2002, Marte jumped to high Class A and continued his emergence as one of the top infield prospects in the game. He overcame a rough start that included a .200 batting average during April to pace the Carolina League in doubles and extra-base hits. That type of turnaround was no surprise, for Marte never has had difficulty staying focused. In his first pro season after signing with the Braves for $600,000, he struggled to make contact and batted just .200 at Rookie-level Danville. He learned from that experience and hasn't looked back since.
Strengths: Marte has a quick, line-drive stroke that continues to add power as his body matures. His pitch recognition is as good as anyone's in the system, and he has the uncanny ability to make adjustments with his swing while the ball is on the way to the plate. For a young player, he already understands the importance of drawing walks and made significant strides in that area in 2003. While defense was once a struggle for Marte, hard work and experience have paid off for him at third base. He has improved on charging slow rollers and on making accurate throws. He has average speed, and is a smart and effective baserunner. Marte's desire to succeed is strong, yet he never lets his emotions get the best of him. His ability to stay on an even keel and separate the different aspects of the game has put him on the fast track to the major leagues.
Weaknesses: His defensive footwork could stand some upgrading, especially when going back on balls and to his left. But the Braves are confident Marte will develop into no worse than an average defender at the hot corner.
The Future: While spending full seasons at both Class A stops, Marte has made rapid progress and shows no sign of slowing down on his way to the big leagues. He's the best third-base prospect in the minors and unquestionably the Braves' long-term answer at the hot corner. The Braves want Marte to spend most of the upcoming season at Double-A Greenville, but his progress and the needs in Atlanta could accelerate his ETA. He should make his big league debut no later than a September callup.
TEAM G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB AVG OBP SLG
Myrtle Beach (Hi A) 130 463 69 132 35 1 16 63 67 109 5 .285 .372 .469
2. Jeff Francoeur, of
Age: 20. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 205.
Drafted: HS--Lilburn, Ga., 2002 (1st round).
Signed by: Al Goetz.
Background: Many long-time members of the organization consider Francoeur to be the most complete outfielder the Braves have developed since Dale Murphy. The 23rd overall pick in the 2002 draft lived up to the lofty expectations in his first full pro season by ranking as the fourth-best prospect in the South Atlantic League and placing second in the SAL in hits and triples.
Strengths: A high school all-America defensive back who earned a football scholarship to Clemson, Francoeur is the best all-around athlete in the system. He consistently makes solid contact with the barrel of the bat, and his maturing body easily should produce 30 homers annually down the road. He has the speed and instincts to play center field, and his arm strength ranks behind only Adam Stern and Angelo Burrows among Braves minor leaguers. Francoeur also has plus makeup and a strong competitive drive.
Weaknesses: Francoeur's strike-zone judgment could stand some improvement. Otherwise, he simply needs experience against better competition to make some minor adjustments.
The Future: On the verge of becoming one of the premier prospects in the minors, Francoeur is slated to open 2004 at high Class A Myrtle Beach. The organization doesn't want to rush him, but he could reach Double-A in the second half.
TEAM G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB AVG OBP SLG
Rome (Lo A) 134 524 78 147 26 9 14 68 30 68 14 .281 .325 .445
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Adam Wainwright, rhp
Age: 22. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-8. Wt.: 205.
Drafted: HS--St. Simons Island, Ga., 2000 (1st round).
Signed by: Rob English.
Background: Wainwright did nothing to alter his standing as the top pitching prospect in the organization in 2003. In his first season at Double-A, he overcame five straight losses at midseason to go 5-1, 2.14 in his final seven starts and rank 10th in the Southern League in ERA.
Strengths: Wainwright has an ideal combination of size, talent and makeup. He started working off his 92-93 mph fastball more often at midseason and the positive results were immediate. He also throws a hard curveball and a solid changeup, and he mixes his pitches and throws strikes well. He has a great work ethic and is one of the most intelligent pitchers in the organization.
Weaknesses: Wainwright needs to continue to gain confidence and trust his stuff. He tends to be too fine with his pitches instead of challenging hitters. He also needs to add strength to remain strong throughout the season and late into games.
The Future: The Braves were most encouraged by the fact that Wainwright finished the season stronger than he started. He's still climbing the learning curve and will continue to do so at Triple-A Richmond in 2004.
Team W-L SV ERA G GS IP H R ER BB SO AVG
Greenville (AA) 10-8 0 3.37 27 27 149.2 133 59 56 37 128 .241
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Bubba Nelson, rhp
Age: 21. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 200.
Drafted: HS--Fort Washington, Md., 2000 (2nd round).
Signed by: J.J. Picollo.
Background: After leading the minors with a 1.66 ERA in 2002, Nelson made a seamless move to Double-A. He ranked sixth in the Southern League in ERA before dominating in 11 late-season relief appearances at Richmond. He moved to the bullpen in case the Braves needed him for the playoffs.
Strengths: Nelson has impressive life on all his pitches. His heavy heater sits in the 92-93 mph range and shows outstanding movement, not unlike Greg Maddux’ slower fastball. He also has a nasty hard slider that looks at times like a slurve.
Weaknesses: Command, particularly with his fastball, remains Nelson’s greatest need. While he keeps his pitches down, he must improve the location of all his pitches in the strike zone. Though his changeup continues to develop, it's still inconsistent.
The Future: The Braves believe Nelson is on the verge of reaching the majors. He'll return to the rotation in 2004 in Triple-A, and could see some big league action by the end of the season. Atlanta's bullpen is unsettled, so that could be where he gets his first opportunity.
Team W-L SV ERA G GS IP H R ER BB SO AVG
Greenville (AA) 8-10 0 3.18 23 20 119.0 106 47 42 45 77 .240
Richmond (AAA) 0-1 0 1.88 11 0 14.1 10 3 3 5 7 .222
5. Dan Meyer, lhp
Age: 22. B-T: R-L. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 210.
Drafted: James Madison, 2002 (1st round supplemental).
Signed by: J.J. Picollo.
Background: In his first full pro season, Meyer split 2003 between two Class A clubs and pitched as consistently as anyone in the organization. He gave his team a chance to win every time he took the mound, allowing three earned runs or fewer in 24 of his 28 starts.
Strengths: Meyer has above-average stuff and outstanding command. He throws a low-90s fastball with plus movement. His slider is also on the verge of becoming an above-average pitch. His strikeout-walk ratio is a gaudy 4.7-1 in pro ball. Meyer's focus and concentration level are assets, and he wants the ball with the game on the line.
Weaknesses: Meyer needs to polish his changeup and become more consistent with the pitch. He also needs to do a better job against lefthanders, who hit a surprising .306 off him in 2003. Righties batted just .220.
The Future: With a promotion to Double-A on the immediate horizon, Meyer is moving as quickly as any pitcher in the organization. He could push to join the big league rotation at some point in 2005.
Team W-L SV ERA G GS IP H R ER BB SO AVG
Rome (Lo A) 4-4 0 2.87 15 15 81.2 76 35 26 15 95 .248
Myrtle Beach (Hi A) 3-6 0 2.87 13 13 78.1 69 29 25 17 63 .236
November 12, 2003
Disappointment has become commonplace for the Braves over the past several Octobers, but the dejection they experienced after losing to the Cubs in the 2003 National League Division Series might have topped the charts.
After tying the Yankees for the major league lead with 101 victories only to come up short of the World Series yet again, Atlanta is expected to face another overhaul at the major league level. The Braves face budget limitations while many of their important contributors from 2003-including Javy Lopez, Greg Maddux and Gary Sheffield, whose salaries totaled $32.75 million, roughly one-third of Atlanta's payroll-await free agency.
Despite the potential storm clouds on the horizon, the situation in Atlanta is more sunny than gloomy. The team picked up a $6.2 million option on righthander Russ Ortiz, who led the National League with 21 wins after coming from the Giants in an offseason trade for Damian Moss and Merkin Valdez. The payroll could be cut to the mid-$80 million range in 2004, but that would still put the Braves among the top third in baseball in salary.
A deep farm system, bolstered in large part by four straight strong drafts under scouting director Roy Clark, also has the Braves in an enviable position. Help is on the way at a variety of key positions, beginning in 2004 at catcher (Johnny Estrada), and followed at third base (Andy Marte) and right field (Jeff Francoeur).
If the Braves can combine those prospects with such established standouts as Rafael Furcal, Marcus Giles, Andruw Jones and Chipper Jones, they could field a championship-caliber lineup dominated by homegrown players. And throughout the team's unprecedented run of success, mixing new players in each year has been standard operating procedure.
Clark and the Braves continue to maintain the philosophy of drafting high school players, particularly in the first 10 rounds, with a heavy emphasis on pitching. They also have worked to upgrade the team's catching. In addition to acquiring Estrada from Philadelphia last winter, Atlanta nabbed Brian McCann and Jarrod Saltalamacchia in the first two rounds of the past two drafts. Cuban Brayan Pena has continued to develop. The organization is also building a solid crop of outfielders, though the infield positions aren't as strong as the others.
Atlanta was uncharacteristically successful in the lower minors in 2003, winning its first low Class A South Atlantic League title since 1979 and its first Rookie-level Gulf Coast League championship since 1964. That's another sign that the organization is succeeding with its commitment to drafting and developing younger players.
One reason the Braves feel confident with that approach is the longevity of its minor league staff. Rick Albert, Randy Ingle and Brian Snitker all have spent at least a quarter-century in the Atlanta farm system. The Braves also brought back veteran pitching coach Bill Fischer this fall after shocking many observers by firing roving pitching coordinator Rick Adair.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Top Prospect: Andy Marte, 3B
Age: 20 Ht.: 6-1 Wt.: 185. Bats: R Throws: R
Signed: Dominican Republic, 2000.
Signed by: Rene Francisco/Julian Perez.
Background: After leading the low Class A South Atlantic League with 105 RBIs in 2002, Marte jumped to high Class A and continued his emergence as one of the top infield prospects in the game. He overcame a rough start that included a .200 batting average during April to pace the Carolina League in doubles and extra-base hits. That type of turnaround was no surprise, for Marte never has had difficulty staying focused. In his first pro season after signing with the Braves for $600,000, he struggled to make contact and batted just .200 at Rookie-level Danville. He learned from that experience and hasn't looked back since.
Strengths: Marte has a quick, line-drive stroke that continues to add power as his body matures. His pitch recognition is as good as anyone's in the system, and he has the uncanny ability to make adjustments with his swing while the ball is on the way to the plate. For a young player, he already understands the importance of drawing walks and made significant strides in that area in 2003. While defense was once a struggle for Marte, hard work and experience have paid off for him at third base. He has improved on charging slow rollers and on making accurate throws. He has average speed, and is a smart and effective baserunner. Marte's desire to succeed is strong, yet he never lets his emotions get the best of him. His ability to stay on an even keel and separate the different aspects of the game has put him on the fast track to the major leagues.
Weaknesses: His defensive footwork could stand some upgrading, especially when going back on balls and to his left. But the Braves are confident Marte will develop into no worse than an average defender at the hot corner.
The Future: While spending full seasons at both Class A stops, Marte has made rapid progress and shows no sign of slowing down on his way to the big leagues. He's the best third-base prospect in the minors and unquestionably the Braves' long-term answer at the hot corner. The Braves want Marte to spend most of the upcoming season at Double-A Greenville, but his progress and the needs in Atlanta could accelerate his ETA. He should make his big league debut no later than a September callup.
TEAM G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB AVG OBP SLG
Myrtle Beach (Hi A) 130 463 69 132 35 1 16 63 67 109 5 .285 .372 .469
2. Jeff Francoeur, of
Age: 20. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-4. Wt.: 205.
Drafted: HS--Lilburn, Ga., 2002 (1st round).
Signed by: Al Goetz.
Background: Many long-time members of the organization consider Francoeur to be the most complete outfielder the Braves have developed since Dale Murphy. The 23rd overall pick in the 2002 draft lived up to the lofty expectations in his first full pro season by ranking as the fourth-best prospect in the South Atlantic League and placing second in the SAL in hits and triples.
Strengths: A high school all-America defensive back who earned a football scholarship to Clemson, Francoeur is the best all-around athlete in the system. He consistently makes solid contact with the barrel of the bat, and his maturing body easily should produce 30 homers annually down the road. He has the speed and instincts to play center field, and his arm strength ranks behind only Adam Stern and Angelo Burrows among Braves minor leaguers. Francoeur also has plus makeup and a strong competitive drive.
Weaknesses: Francoeur's strike-zone judgment could stand some improvement. Otherwise, he simply needs experience against better competition to make some minor adjustments.
The Future: On the verge of becoming one of the premier prospects in the minors, Francoeur is slated to open 2004 at high Class A Myrtle Beach. The organization doesn't want to rush him, but he could reach Double-A in the second half.
TEAM G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB AVG OBP SLG
Rome (Lo A) 134 524 78 147 26 9 14 68 30 68 14 .281 .325 .445
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Adam Wainwright, rhp
Age: 22. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-8. Wt.: 205.
Drafted: HS--St. Simons Island, Ga., 2000 (1st round).
Signed by: Rob English.
Background: Wainwright did nothing to alter his standing as the top pitching prospect in the organization in 2003. In his first season at Double-A, he overcame five straight losses at midseason to go 5-1, 2.14 in his final seven starts and rank 10th in the Southern League in ERA.
Strengths: Wainwright has an ideal combination of size, talent and makeup. He started working off his 92-93 mph fastball more often at midseason and the positive results were immediate. He also throws a hard curveball and a solid changeup, and he mixes his pitches and throws strikes well. He has a great work ethic and is one of the most intelligent pitchers in the organization.
Weaknesses: Wainwright needs to continue to gain confidence and trust his stuff. He tends to be too fine with his pitches instead of challenging hitters. He also needs to add strength to remain strong throughout the season and late into games.
The Future: The Braves were most encouraged by the fact that Wainwright finished the season stronger than he started. He's still climbing the learning curve and will continue to do so at Triple-A Richmond in 2004.
Team W-L SV ERA G GS IP H R ER BB SO AVG
Greenville (AA) 10-8 0 3.37 27 27 149.2 133 59 56 37 128 .241
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Bubba Nelson, rhp
Age: 21. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 200.
Drafted: HS--Fort Washington, Md., 2000 (2nd round).
Signed by: J.J. Picollo.
Background: After leading the minors with a 1.66 ERA in 2002, Nelson made a seamless move to Double-A. He ranked sixth in the Southern League in ERA before dominating in 11 late-season relief appearances at Richmond. He moved to the bullpen in case the Braves needed him for the playoffs.
Strengths: Nelson has impressive life on all his pitches. His heavy heater sits in the 92-93 mph range and shows outstanding movement, not unlike Greg Maddux’ slower fastball. He also has a nasty hard slider that looks at times like a slurve.
Weaknesses: Command, particularly with his fastball, remains Nelson’s greatest need. While he keeps his pitches down, he must improve the location of all his pitches in the strike zone. Though his changeup continues to develop, it's still inconsistent.
The Future: The Braves believe Nelson is on the verge of reaching the majors. He'll return to the rotation in 2004 in Triple-A, and could see some big league action by the end of the season. Atlanta's bullpen is unsettled, so that could be where he gets his first opportunity.
Team W-L SV ERA G GS IP H R ER BB SO AVG
Greenville (AA) 8-10 0 3.18 23 20 119.0 106 47 42 45 77 .240
Richmond (AAA) 0-1 0 1.88 11 0 14.1 10 3 3 5 7 .222
5. Dan Meyer, lhp
Age: 22. B-T: R-L. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 210.
Drafted: James Madison, 2002 (1st round supplemental).
Signed by: J.J. Picollo.
Background: In his first full pro season, Meyer split 2003 between two Class A clubs and pitched as consistently as anyone in the organization. He gave his team a chance to win every time he took the mound, allowing three earned runs or fewer in 24 of his 28 starts.
Strengths: Meyer has above-average stuff and outstanding command. He throws a low-90s fastball with plus movement. His slider is also on the verge of becoming an above-average pitch. His strikeout-walk ratio is a gaudy 4.7-1 in pro ball. Meyer's focus and concentration level are assets, and he wants the ball with the game on the line.
Weaknesses: Meyer needs to polish his changeup and become more consistent with the pitch. He also needs to do a better job against lefthanders, who hit a surprising .306 off him in 2003. Righties batted just .220.
The Future: With a promotion to Double-A on the immediate horizon, Meyer is moving as quickly as any pitcher in the organization. He could push to join the big league rotation at some point in 2005.
Team W-L SV ERA G GS IP H R ER BB SO AVG
Rome (Lo A) 4-4 0 2.87 15 15 81.2 76 35 26 15 95 .248
Myrtle Beach (Hi A) 3-6 0 2.87 13 13 78.1 69 29 25 17 63 .236