Did the Atlanta Braves Just Voice Their Confidence in Freddie Freeman?

After belting an organization-high 18 home runs in 2008, Freddie Freeman entered the 2009 season ranked as the 38th best prospect in baseball by MLB.com.

He has not disappointed with a very strong 2009 season split between Myrtle Beach and Mississippi.

Batting a fine .303 with eight homers, 52 RBIs, and 31:47 BB:K ratio, Freeman has shown why he is one of the better prospects in the Braves' organization.

While he's no Jason Heyward (but, who is???), Freeman is a guy who projects into a big-bodied first baseman with power that should develop as he adds bulk to his 6'5" frame.

Did I mention he's only 19?

Yeah.

He and Heyward are, no ifs, ands, or buts (okay, maybe a few when he kicks some in the Bigs—I know, bad joke) about it, the future of this franchise.

But how close is he to being ready?

Well, based on a certain deadline deal that sent an arbitration eligible 1B (Casey Kotchman) to Boston for a free-agent-to-be (Adam LaRoche).

Provided, LaRoche stands a chance of being re-signed by the Bravos this offseason, but without having to make any real commitments to any 1B currently on AA or AAA, the Braves appear to have cleared the path to the Majors for young Frederick.

Once again, Freeman is NOT Heyward, but these two have been called up together at every level they've played at and absolutely CRUSHED opposing pitchers.

Hitting a combined .315 with 22 homers, 101 runs driven in, and a 65:86 BB:K.

That's called dominating.

Earlier this month, I asked if the Braves should give Jason Heyward a look in September and if he should be the Opening Day right fielder.

After examining the statistics and the move the Braves made minutes before the deadline, I am now asking the latter question about Freddie Freeman.

He's got the talent and has performed thus in his Minor League career.

He an Heyward have the potential to be the Bash Brothers minus the steroids.

Eventually, they'll be playing side-by-side in the Majors, the only question is how soon?

My guess would be mid-2010 at the earliest and 2011 at the latest.

The future is very bright for the Braves whenever this finally goes down—Hanson, Heyward, McCann, and Freeman will be the centerpieces to the next run of Braves' dominance.