The Atlanta Braves Minor League Roster Report: Myrtle Beach

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Class A advanced affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, will start the year in with more talent than any Braves affiliated minor league team.

The pitchers are: Cole Rohrbaugh, Jeff Locke, Micheal Broadway, Cory Gearrin, Lee Hyde, Craig Kimbrel, Caros Rivas, Chris Vines, Tyler Wilson, Tommy Palica, Jose Ortegano, and Michael Mehlich.

Locke is a controlled speed-changing lefty that needs to learn to use his secondary offerings better.

Kimbrel was simply dominating in 2008 as a closer. He gave up two earned runs in 35 innings pitched across three levels of play. His size may be a deterrent for some, but his stuff cannot be denied.

He reminds me a lot of Kris Medlen.

Rohrbaugh has a big, looping curveball that he can throw in any count, and uses it as his out pitch. His fastball sits in the low 90's and moves well, although some scouts don't see it ever being a pitch he relies on.

The outfielders are: Quentin Davis, Jason Heyward, and Cody Johnson.

Heyward is the big dog on this team. The guy hits a ton and has plate discipline well beyond his years. He also has a strong throwing arm and moves well in right field.

Johnson can match anyone in the minors, power for power. The question is will he stop swinging at anything and everything?

Pitchers have realized that they do not need to throw strikes to get him out.

The infielders are: Randy Gress, Freddie Freeman, Chad Lundahl, Robert Marcial, Benji Johnson, Cole Miles, Steven Shults, Donnell Linares, and Michael Fisher.

Freeman is the most interesting athlete on this roster, in my opinion. He has the kind of charm that makes him an instant crowd favorite. He hustles at all times, a rare sight for such a big guy. 

Lundahl, Chris Vines, and Erik Cordier are all currently on the disabled list.  Adam Coe will join the team after his rehab is complete in Orlando.