It's hard to believe that Jason Heyward started this year in A-ball, but after tearing up double-A for two months to the tune of a .352 average, the Braves will test his skill in triple-A. The promotion gives Heyward a chance to play in the playoffs for Gwinnett, should the G-Braves win tonight (or tomorrow). Heyward is the Braves' top prosepct, and he was ranked as the number-1 prospect by Baseball America in their mid-season rankings. He will also participate in the Arizona Fall League in several weeks, so it is uncertain if the Braves will call him up to the majors after the Gwinnett season is over. That is unlikely however, as the Braves would have to create a roster spot and risk starting Heyward's arbitration clock.
0 recs | 16 comments
That picture is f'ing sick.
Scott Coleman - September 5, 2009 via mobile
This.
Lizziebeth - September 5, 2009
About damn time!
Time to see how he’ll do against the best AAA has to offer.
BigG1392 - September 5, 2009
Congrats Jason next stop is the bigs!
jamanningusmc - September 5, 2009 via mobile
I don’t remember the Braves ever hesitating to call up a prospect who was ready for arbitration reasons. I’m sure management would like to get a glimpse of what Heyward can do against major league pitching in games that count so it can head into the offseason with confidence RF is taken care of for next year.
redwards95 - September 5, 2009
Tommy Hanson?
eaheckman10 - September 5, 2009
i think there's a difference between Tommy and Jason and their respective situations
At the start of the season, we could afford to let Tommy stay down in AAA. With all the early off-days and our pretty damn solid rotation w/o Hanson, I think we had the luxury of keeping him down at Gwinnett thus delaying his clock.
I dont think our offense is good/going to be good enough to keep Jason down in Gwinnett for a very long time. We only have 1 true, every day OF and thats McLouth (MattyD is a stud hitter, but he’s finally coming back down to Earth and I want him to play 150 games at this level or so before i’m 100% sold on him). Jason Heyward solidifies our OF, and that’s why I don’t think its smart to keep him in AAA just to delay his clock. If he’s turns out to be as good as many people think, Im sure the Braves won’t find it a problem to reward him for his excellent play.
Scott Coleman - September 5, 2009
Unless the Braves are absolutely sure Heyward will have an immediate impact at the major league level, like a “reach the playoffs” type impact, I really doubt he comes up this month.
beeswax - September 5, 2009
Oh, I agree.
I was referring to 2010 in my previous comment.
Scott Coleman - September 5, 2009 via mobile
finally!!
i guess this pretty much means we’ll see him in the bigs next season YAY!!
bravesfan1047 - September 5, 2009
don't bother calling him up
being around this inconsistent bunch will do nothing to help his development
nuftjedi - September 5, 2009
Congrats JayHey- at least he should get some kind of playoff experience
GoBravesNY - September 5, 2009
He looked good Friday night!
Went to the M-Braves game with Carolina Mudcats (Reds’ affiliate) last night (9/4) in Zebulon, NC, E of Raleigh. Heyward looked fairly awesome with the bat — 3 frozen ropes up the middle, 2 1B & a 2B plus a walk and a strikeout in the 9th. I was impressed. But the Braves lost 8-7 (relief pitching failed). Glad I got a chance to see him.
rawleigh - September 5, 2009
SWAG. ON. DECK.
nick9314 - September 5, 2009
Personally, I’m kind of pissed at the timing. I mean, Gwinnett is here in Norfolk for the last three days, and he’s with Mississippi, then today I drive down to Zebulon to see Mississippi, and they promote him. WTF, mate?
cbwilk - September 6, 2009
That does suck.
Lizziebeth - September 8, 2009
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