2012 MLB Draft: Atlanta Braves' Biggest Positional Needs Within Organization

The MLB Draft is the time of year when teams salivate over tomorrow's stars, as they hope that just a few of them can make a difference at the Major-League level at some point in their career.

Over the last few years, the Atlanta Braves have been known to either select pitching or outfielders.

And, there's nothing wrong with that because it's netted them left-handed pitchers Sean Gilmartin (2011) and Mike Minor (2009), and outfielders Matt Lipka (2010) and Jason Heyward (2007).

Now, with one of the strongest minor league pitching groups in all of the big leagues, it's time for the Braves to focus on other positions in the early rounds of the draft.

Here's a look at three positions the Braves should focus on, along with a few players who might be available when they pick at No. 21 in the first round.

Second Base

Outside of Dan Uggla, there's no real depth at second base in the Braves' organization.

With no depth, the Braves need to at least look into getting a second baseman that's actually decent in the organization, or they could move recently demoted Tyler Pastornicky over to second to see if he takes to the position.

The Braves could also move Edward Salcedo, who's currently at High-A Lynchburg.

However, depth is still needed and the Braves could go after the likes of Corey Seagar in the first round, or build depth with multiple picks at second base throughout the draft.

Outfield

The Braves did choose Lipka and Heyward recently, but more outfield depth is still needed.

Lipka and Todd Cunningham are projected to be in the outfield with Heyward in the future, but again, depth is very key.

Speed is something I believe the Braves need to target in the early rounds.

Someone like D.J. Davis would be the perfect candidate to fill this position.

The Braves can take time to develop him into a leadoff hitter they can have for many years to come.

Catcher

Brian McCann is going to be a free agent after the 2013 season.

At that time he'll either re-sign with the Braves or move on.

If he re-signs, Christian Bethancourt will be traded. If he goes elsewhere, Bethancourt will be the Braves' catcher for the next few years.

With David Ross also getting up there in age, the Braves need to develop new catching talent, and the draft is a great way to do that.

Stryker Trahan would be a good player to go with in the first round if the Braves decide to go this route.

Then Again...they'll Probably Choose Pitching

Knowing the Braves' history, a pitcher is also very likely in the first round.

One guy they might go with is local product Lucas Sims, who helped lead his school to a runner-up finish in Georgia's highest high school classification.

The Braves have always been enamored with local talent and it wouldn't surprise me to see them go after Sims if he's available when they pick in the first round.