Scouting Reports

[Grant]

Please post only scouting reports from reputable sources. We are not looking for the "I was at the game once and that dude was awesome" variety.

Also, please indicate the players position and what level he is (A, AA, AAA).

[Grant]

Jason Heyward - RF - AAA/MLB
Source: mlb.com

Scouting report: Heyward has a big, strong and athletic frame and an excellent left-handed swing with plus power potential. An advanced approach at the plate is highlighted by excellent patience. He runs well, especially for his size, and is an excellent baserunner. A strong outfielder with an above-average arm, he can play well in right. His work ethic and attitude are huge advantages.

Upside potential: All-Star-caliber right fielder in the Dave Parker mold. He's also drawn comparisons to Willie McCovey.

They said it: "At 18 years old playing his first long season, he achieved the goals we set for him this season. His work ethic and the way he brought it to the park every night, he put up statistically good numbers and was an All-Star. We were very pleased with his progress. Hopefully that set the foundation with his first season as he makes the next step up. He hit for average, hit some home runs, did a great job in the outfield and really came to play every single night. His desire and work ethic stand out. His ability and physical package along with the mental makeup really stand out." -- Braves Farm Director Kurt Kemp

[Grant]

Freddie Freeman - 1B - AAA
Source: mlb.com

Scouting report: Has an advanced idea of what to do at the plate, especially considering his age. Good pitch recognition leads to an ability to drive the ball, and he seems to be even better with runners on base. Should hit for average and more power in the future. Good defensive first baseman with an above-average arm (he was a pitcher in high school).

Statistically speaking: Playing all year at age 18, Freeman hit a respectable .285 with a .339 on-base percentage and .484 slugging percentage in the first half of the 2008 season. In the second half, he jumped to .349/.418/.562 to finish second in the South Atlantic League in slugging and fourth in average, hits, extra-base hits and RBIs.

Upside potential: Outstanding defensive first baseman who will hit for average and power while driving in plenty of runs in the middle of a big-league lineup.

They said it: "The thing that stands out this year is what he accomplished in his first full season at age 18 throughout the entire year. He put up good average and power numbers and was consistent all year long. He got his hits, he got his hits when there were runners in scoring position and drove runs in. That's what stood out, his ability to sustain that through his first long full season at age 18." -- Braves Farm Director Kurt Kemp

He said it: "It's nice to break records, but it would have been a lot better to get a win. The records will be special to me after the season." -- Freeman on breaking the Rome Braves' single-season hits record

[Grant]

1) Jason Heyward, OF, Grade A: A complete prospect, perfect Five Tool/Seven Skill player.

2) Freddie Freeman, 1B, Grade B+: We'll have to see if the wrist injury cuts into his power development, but given his age he gets some slack.

3) Julio Teheran, RHP, Grade B: I still worry about his health and durability.

4) Randall Delgado, RHP, Grade B: A rare thing, an Atlanta pitching prospect that might be underrated. Usually Braves guys get too much hype.

5) Arodys Vizcaino, RHP, Grade B: Acquired from the Yankees in the Vazquez deal, Vizcaino provides another outstanding young arm for the lower levels of the system.

6) Craig Kimbrel, RHP, Grade B: If his command holds up he can be a bullpen force.

7) Mike Minor, LHP, Grade B-: Borderline Grade B. Excellent pitchability with pretty good stuff. I hope I get to see him in Arizona Fall League.

8) Christian Bethancourt, C, Grade B-: Grade includes a lot of projection.

9) Zeke Spruill, RHP, Grade B-: Younger and more projectable than Hoover, but I worry about his durability.

10) J.J. Hoover, RHP, Grade C+: A personal favorite. Need to see him at higher levels, but I love the K/IP and K/BB ratios.

11) David Hale, RHP, Grade C+: Power arm from Princeton, another possible relief mainstay if the command is there.

12) Mycal Jones, SS, Grade C+: Good speed, strikeout rate is rather high, will he hit at higher levels?

13) Brett DeVall, LHP, Grade C+: Would rank higher if not for questions about health.

14) Cody Gearrin, RHP, Grade C+: Another possible bullpen reinforcement.

15) Adam Milligan, OF, Grade C+: Great numbers in his pro debut, scouting reports are mixed, poor BB/K ratio is a caution flag. Could rank as high as 11th.

16) Michael Dunn, LHP, Grade C+: Acquired from the Yankees in the Vazquez deal, Dunn provides a power arm to help in the 2010 major league pen.

17) Jose Ortegano, LHP, Grade C+: Could fit as fifth starter or swingman.

18) Robinson Lopez, RHP, Grade C+: Good rookie ball arm, a long way from being ready but worth watching.

19) Cody Johnson, OF, Grade C+: Enormous power potential but with huge holes in his game.

20) Luis Valdez, RHP, Grade C+: Older prospect, scouts don't love him, but has been great in the upper minors and could help in the pen. Might knock him down to a Grade C.