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March 26, 2008

Future Shock

State of the Systems, NL East

by Kevin Goldstein

Atlanta Braves

2008 Rookies: Josh Anderson is in the lead for a backup outfield spot. With speed, the ability to play all three positions, and a contact-oriented approach, he's ideal for the role, but if he's pressed into full-time duty when the annual Mark Kotsay injury arrives, the holes in his game will be exposed. A far better prospect, outfielder Brandon Jones has been sent to Triple-A to play consistently, but he should be up during the season. It looks like right-hander Jair Jurrjens has done enough to earn one of the final rotation slots, but that decision isn't officially final.

Minor League Road Trip: The Braves' talent is pretty spread out, which is a good thing. Triple-A is worth watching for the performances of Jones and shortstop Brent Lillibridge, while the squad a Low-A Rome will likely feature Jeff Locke and Cole Rohrbaugh in the rotation, with resurgent slugger Cody Johnson in the outfield.

Pivotal Season: After collapsing at Double-A with a miserable .223/.298/.340 showing, it's unlikely that 24-year-old third baseman Van Pope will get more than one chance to turn things around.

I Like Him Better Than Most: While he's a bit blocked at the moment, Brent Lillibridge is far greater than the sum of his parts, as he can get on base in a variety of ways, has gap power, runs very well, and plays a fine shortstop.