By Adam Forsyth
The DYNASTY
Jason Heyward – Outfield
Some guys, you can just tell they possess the “It” factor. Meet Jason Heyward.
Recently turning 20, Heyward has been tearing it up since joining the Braves farm system, and could be in position to challenge for an OF spot in the 2010 season.
Climbing his way up to AA-Mississippi, Heyward is currently hitting .364 through 130 AB’s, launching six long balls and adding an addition 15 extra base hits (12 doubles and three triples) to round out a .643 SLG. Percentage.
With Garret Anderson only under contract for this season, Heyward will at least post a challenge, along with other super prospect Jordan Shafer for a roster spot. Not overly powerful, he seems to have a bit of everything and being a fairly complete player and will hit for a solid average. Has a touch of speed that will allow the Braves to become a more aggressive team on the base paths.
Expect his arrival sometime in 2010, with the potential to make it out of camp (a la Shafer this season) in a move that may hinder his development. The Braves have been making moves that may provide a little clearance for him to jump in early, so don’t be surprised if he is given every opportunity to lose the roster spot, rather than earn it.
The Deep
Alcides Escobar - Shortstop
Speed, speed and more speed? Yes, that is what you will be getting in this sure-handed shortstop that was originally drafted for his range and glove in the toughest infield position in baseball.
This undrafted Venezuelan has risen to the ranks of above average when it comes to using the stick after the Brew Crew took a chance on a skinny kid that couldn’t really hit much turning into an offensive threat. Now, we’re not going to suggest that he is going to hit .300 anytime soon; however, he could slip into the .280 range and with his stellar glove keeping him in the Brewers line-up, the rest of the talking shows up in the stolen base column.
Swiping 176 bases in five and a half minor league seasons, Escobar currently only has one stolen bag since being called-up; however, with the Brewers not typically known as a running team, (2nd last in the league with 43 SB’s) this slick running middle infielder can be the one to introduce them to that type of game.
With J.J. Hardy out of the mix, it’s been made abundantly clear that the Brewers are ready to move forward with Escobar as their future man at Short.
