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January 22, 2013

Minor League Update

Potential Impact Rookies (NL EAST)

by Jason Martinez

When we talk about "impact" rookies, it's important to note that several rookies will be getting the call to the majors and failing to help their team in any way shape or form. Coming up with a few big hits or making a couple of quality starts, however, could make a big difference at the end of a 162-game season. Beginning in the NL East, I'll be taking a look at each team and picking out some rookies who I think will make an impact on their team's success in 2013. 


Atlanta Braves

• Evan Gattis, OF: Barring a trade or a return of free agent Michael Bourn, the 26 year-old Gattis is expected to compete for the left field job this spring. His right-handed power (34 HR in 467 at-bats between Hi-A, Double-A, and the Venezuela Winter League in 2012) is intriguing but he's less than a full season removed from being moved to the outfield from the catcher position. A few months in Triple-A will allow him to work on his defense and allow the Braves to assess whether it's at least good enough to get his bat in the lineup. His bat should help whenever he does arrive, even if it's just as a pinch-hitter.
• Julio Teheran, RHP: After Teheran's dominating finish to the Dominican Winter League (0 ER, 2 H, 4

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