Atlanta Braves: Breaking Down the Top 5 Prospects in the Braves' Farm System

The Atlanta Braves finished the 2011 season on a down note thanks to injuries and poor performances from almost all of their key players. Hope is still high for this season, thanks to their rotation and a return to form from Jason Heyward. 

Their system has been churning out quality Major League players for the last few years. Players like Heyward, Craig Kimbrel, Freddie Freeman, Tommy Hanson have all graduated to the big leagues. Others, like Julio Teheran, were given tryouts last year. 

Their Top 4 prospects could make their presence felt in Atlanta at some point this season, depending on need and their development. 

Here are the Top 5 prospects in the Braves farm system entering the 2012 season. 

1. Julio Teheran, RHP, 21

Teheran pitched in five games for the Braves last season and struggled, posting a 5.03 ERA with 21 hits allowed in 19.2 innings pitched. He will get a longer look with the team in 2012, and should be much better than that when he gets acclimated to big league hitters. 

Strengths

Teheran has a smooth, easy delivery that allows him to get good velocity on his fastball. He is a hard working young man who is always striving to get better and learn from his mistakes. He is also very mature for his age, which should prevent him from getting rattled on the mound when he struggles. 

Weaknesses

Despite having great stuff, Teheran still has to figure out how to command his pitches in the strike zone. He can miss bats in the minors, but he will have to tighten things up to get big league hitters out. His curveball is still a work-in-progress, and if he can't figure it out, he won't reach his ceiling.

Report: Teheran throws a low-90's fastball that can touch 95-96 mph. His changeup already has great fade and will be a weapon against left-handed hitters. His curveball is still coming along, though it is easily his worst pitch and he doesn't command it well. He has No. 1 starter ceiling, but his breaking ball has to develop for him to reach his full potential. 

ETA

2012

2. Arodys Vizcaino, RHP, 21

Vizcaino was acquired from the New York Yankees in the Javier Vazquez trade before the start of the 2010 season. He made his Major League debut in 2011 pitching 17.1 innings out of the bullpen for the Braves down the stretch. 

Strengths

Vizcaino has a great arm with power stuff that can miss bats. He is not afraid to throw any pitch in any situation, which will help him keep hitters off balance. 

Weaknesses

His stuff is great, but he is still working on commanding all of his pitches. He is still learning how to pitch instead of just getting by overpowering hitters. His changeup is not great because he doesn't have a good feel for it yet. 

Report

Depending on how his changeup comes along, Vizcaino could be a No. 2 starter or a dominant reliever. He mixes a low- to mid-90s fastball with a sharp breaking curveball. If he can get a feel for his changeup and improve his command, he will be a top-of-the-rotation starter. If not, he will be in the back of the bullpen with Kimbrel and Jonny Venters.

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2012

3. Randall Delgado, RHP, 21

The third of the Big 3 pitching prospects in the system. Delgado doesn't have a ceiling as high as Teheran or Vizcaino, but he could get close if he can just fix a few things in his repertoire this season. His short stint in Atlanta last season was successful as he posted a 2.83 ERA and 1.23 WHIP in just 35 innings, though his strikeout-to-walk ratio of 18-14 is not conducive to long-term success. 

Strengths

Delgado gets easy velocity on his fastball thanks to a smooth delivery. His maturity and composure on the mound will benefit him as he gets integrated into the majors. 

Weaknesses

The biggest knock against Delgado right now is that he lacks the command necessary to start in the big leagues. You could see signs of it during his short stint with the Braves in 2011, and unless he can figure it out, he is going to be relegated to the bullpen.

Report

Delgado has a hard fastball that sits in the 92-94 range. His curveball is a swing-and-miss pitch right now, and his changeup is starting to come alone. If he can figure out a way to command all of his pitches consistently, he could be a No. 3 starter. 

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2012

4. Andrelton Simmons, SS, 22

The only question about Simmons' future with the Braves is when do they decide to call him up. He finished the 2011 season at high Class A, hitting .311/.351/.408 while earning rave reviews for his defense at shortstop. 

Strengths

Simmons is a terrific defensive shortstop already thanks to his range, rocket arm and soft hands that allow him to swallow up anything hit around his direction. 

Weaknesses

As good as Simmons' defense is, there are some questions about how good his bat will be. He has good plate discipline and the ability to hit for average, but he has to take more walks if he wants as he gets more comfortable against better pitching. 

Report

There is no doubt that Simmons is the Braves shortstop of the future. His defense is Major League ready right now. He has the tools to hit for a high average and shows good bat speed which should allow him to hit for some power. 

ETA

2013

5. Edward Salcedo, 3B, 20

Salcedo started as a shortstop, but his body eventually pushed him to third base. His results on the field don't match his potential yet, though he is still learning to hit better pitching and the physical tools are still intact to keep his ceiling high. 

Strengths

Mixing a smooth, easy swing with great bat speed and improving strike-zone judgment, Salcedo should hit for plenty of power with a high average and on-base percentage if he puts it all together. 

Weaknesses

Salcedo is still learning how to play third base, and it shows. He made 40 errors in 100 games at the hot corner in 2011. He has the skills needed to play the position, it is just a question of whether he is able to make some adjustments when he throws the ball. 

Report

Wherever Salcedo winds up playing, he is going to hit. His swing is so smooth and fluid that more power is going to come as he moves up through the minors. He is going to have to show some improvement on the field if he wants his stock to remain high, as he posted just a .248/.315/.396 slash line in 2011. 

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2014

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