Atlanta Braves news and notes from Saturday
There is an added focus on prospects, with the draft upon us and the Futures Game on Saturday, but it’s been a mostly good couple of days for the major league club too, with two wins. Since it is draft day, I will give a few brief takes on the draft from a non-prospect-analyst. I favor a volume approach for finding quantity of prospects with meaningful upside over going huge on one big prospect in the first. Prospects are just so volatile and especially picking in the later first round, there is more value to be had with more dart throws. The Anthopoulos front office has largely struggled in the early rounds of drafts, but has still drafted well by finding a ton of value in later rounds. While there is still room for improvement in their decisions in the first pick or two, that trend illustrates the point that significant value can be had in volume and the Braves have generally been good at saving money for later. Along that same vein, wait to evaluate the draft until it is over and players are signed and don’t judge it by the first round pick, even if that is the one that gets the most PR.
On a less philosophical note, I would love to see the Braves grab a couple of extra high upside position-player prospects, as they have been a bit lacking in that department in the farm system lately, although they may simply see better value in pitching prospects in the draft.
Braves News
Austin Riley hit the 10-day IL with an abdominal strain, as Nacho Alvarez replaces him. Former Atlanta top prospect Joey Wentz also joined the team in place of Nathan Wiles.
One of Atlanta’s top prospects, JR Ritchie started the NL Futures game and impressed, striking out two in his one inning of work.
Garrett took a close look at prospect Rayven Antonio, as he has been making waves in the Braves’ system lately, despite an under-the-radar pedigree.
With the Braves set to pick 22nd in tonight’s MLB Draft first round, check out the history of the 22nd pick.
The Braves snagged a tight win behind their offense in a back-and-forth game in St. Louis to secure the series victory.
MLB News
Cristian Javier began his rehab assignment for the Astros, as he looks to return from Tommy John surgery.
Rafael Devers is playing through a disk injury in his lower back right now, early in his stint as a Giant.
Multiple teams have reportedly shown interest in the recently DFA’d utility infielder DJ LeMahieu.