The Atlanta Braves announced the final list of their non-roster invitees for spring training today. The list includes top prospect Jason Heyward, expected to seriously compete for the starting right field job this spring. It's been debated over and over here at Talking Chop as to whether or not the Braves should start Heyward in the majors or give him more time in the minors, but we really have to wait and see how he performs in spring training.
Top first base prospect Freddie Freeman also got an invite for the second consecutive year. It will be interesting to see how he performs in his second major league spring training. Shortstop Brandon Hicks will also be in his second major league spring training.
Top draft pick from 2009, Mike Minor, gets an invite to spring training, as well as top draft pick from 2006, outfielder Cody Johnson. Two interesting pitchers to watch include reliever Craig Kimbrel, who some consider a future closer candidate, and Eric Cordier, a talented oft-injured former second-round pitcher who many expect to turn a corner this year. Diminutive and speedy outfielder Matt Young also received an invite.
The obligatory extra catchers also received invites, Jesus Sucre and Braeden Schlehuber, who join veteran invitees Orlando Mercado and the yearly sighting of J.C. Boscan.
Previous players receiving invites include position players Joe Thurston, Brent Clevlen, and Mitch Jones. Thurston has a chance to earn a role as a utility infielder, and Jones could contribute off the bench or in the outfield if Heyward fails to make the team.
The final three invitees are bullpen candidates Mariano Gomez, Chris Resop, and Scott Proctor, who will likely still be rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.
0 recs | 44 comments
Man gondeee, I love it when I try to get proactive and write up the story, only to check the page and find that you’ve already put it up. This is why you’re the master.
cbwilk - February 8, 2010
Question: Many of us are looking forward to Heyward getting the call to the majors. We’re also excited that Schafer is feeling good about his swing. McLouth is our starting center fielder. So where does that leave Matt Diaz? I would love for Matty to have a starting job. Not to mention Melky… whom I’d rather not mention. So what is our outfield going to look like this season if Heyward gets the job? If he doesn’t?
Gage23 - February 8, 2010
if Jordan started killin it in AAA
He’d move into CF, with Heyward in RF and a dicknasty platoon of MattyD and McLouth would be in LF.
BOIIIING.
Scott Coleman - February 8, 2010
or trade mclouth?
or melky
Doghnut - February 8, 2010
or
trade McLouth and Melky and give Schafer and Matt Young the spots. Pretty far fetched, but if they both tear up AAA, I’d love it. Way too young and inexperienced, I know, but I’d hate to lose Matt Young to the rule 5 draft. Incredible OPS for a slap hitter, plus speed to burn. LF, CF, 2B, and as blocked as a man can get.
bighop - February 8, 2010
Matt Young really isn’t ML-starter material. Excellent guy to have on the bench though, its rare to find a OF/2B guy.
bravesfan91 - February 8, 2010
He did say to use Matt Young as the 4th OFer
drumzalicious - February 8, 2010
See kids? This is what happens when you don’t read. He obviously did, I should have read it better.
bravesfan91 - February 9, 2010
trade Melky, he was a yankee
mexicobraves - February 9, 2010
Not really questioning the decision...
Because it’s really not worth questioning, but I do find it a bit curious that Cordier got an invite to big league camp over guys like Gearrin, Jake Thompson, and Diamond. I really think all three of those guys are more proven and qualified at this point. Cordier posted a 5.00 + FIP last year as a 23 yr old in High-A, and Sickels says his secondary stuff has regressed since high school.
I guess more than anything I’m disappointed that Gearrin isn’t getting a shot at big league camp this year.
timmy3 - February 8, 2010
It feels like he keeps getting suppressed in the system. He was dominating in Myrtle, went up Mississippi, pitched well there, then had to go back down to Myrtle again, then got the call back up the Mississippi right at the end.
The numbers say he’s as good as any relief prospect we have, just a smidge less successful than Kimbrel, but Kimbrel is seemingly on a fast track while he’s kind of plodding along. But he’s got much better control than Kimbrel, seemingly, and that’s despite the side-arm motion. I’d love to see Gearrin get his shot sometime soon.
Bronn - February 8, 2010
I think Gearrin will reach the majors this year anyway. But really the fact that he isn’t in big league camp is a testament to our pitching depth as much as anything.
timmy3 - February 8, 2010
I agree that for whatever reason they seem to be holding him back. He told me that he got sent back to Myrtle Beach because of a numbers thing, which usually isn’t something that happens to guys they value. It does seem odd he didn’t get an invite. Whatever, plenty of relievers have started the year in Minor League camp and finished in the Majors.
cbwilk - February 8, 2010
Which player are you most excited to watch besides Heyward and Freeman?
I’ll go with Cody Johnson and Craig Kimbrel. And to see how Glaus does at 1B for the first time in his career.
Scott Coleman - February 8, 2010
You must not be local
Because both Heyward and Freeman played quite a bit in ST last season. Both guys played very well last year, Heyward made a spectacular catch to rob a guy of a HR last season. If your not local then I highly recommend MLBTV I get it and it awesome.
Jay212033 - February 9, 2010 via mobile
who is this Jason Heyward you speak of?
Swo12bv - February 8, 2010
He is
Jeff Francoeur except he is good at baseball and doesn’t suck
Erihury - February 8, 2010
AAA filler most likely
Scott Coleman - February 8, 2010
i heard he's
the son of Zeus and he’s been raised to toss steers into neighboring counties.
then he picked up a tree and hit water towers with it.
apoxonbothyourhouses - February 9, 2010
Where is Adam Milligan?
I like all the invites except that the Braves should have invited Adam Milligan.
I really like them inviting Matt Young, who I think should be given a shot. I like Mitch Jones’ power and I like Cody Johnson’s potential.
vernbickford - February 8, 2010
this
If CJ got an invite, so should Milligan.
Scott Coleman - February 8, 2010
I hope that’s sarcasm. Cody has four years in the system working his butt off. Milligan has four months on his resume. And before anybody gives me some Mike Minor nonsense, he’s a first rounder, they’re just different. It was probably in his contract that he’d get an invite.
cbwilk - February 8, 2010
eh
I forgot about the resume of CJ compared to Milligan…Idk, maybe I just wanna see Adam there since he’s a personal favorite? CJ def deserves a spot tho.
Scott Coleman - February 8, 2010
Have you seen a picture of Milligan? That dude has a huge head. He’s the second coming of Kevin Mench.
cbwilk - February 9, 2010
No I haven't...
But I’m sure you probably have one lol.
Scott Coleman - February 9, 2010 via mobile
I got his Danville baseball card. It’s all head!
cbwilk - February 9, 2010
could be
that Cody has been progressing for the last few years in the system and Milligan just really came on the radar.
drumzalicious - February 8, 2010
could it be
that Milligan is old for his level and most scouts view him as nothing more than a 4 OF type while Johnson, if things pan out, could be a .260/40/120 guy.
apoxonbothyourhouses - February 9, 2010
if Mlligan isnt a LF than he isnt an OFer at all…especially not a 4th OF….you dont keep a 4th OF that can’t play any other position in the OF, unless u have some flexibility elsewhere…and I’ve never heard the 4th OF comment until now…
Swo12bv - February 9, 2010
RBI? Really?
timmy3 - February 9, 2010
Did
Schafer get an invite?
acie4mvp - February 8, 2010
I *think*
he is on the 40 man, which means he automatically gets an invite.
Doghnut - February 8, 2010
If he’s not invited, it seems rather presumptuous of him to show up at Turner Field to work out with everyone else ;)
But yes, he’s on the 40 man.
Bronn - February 8, 2010
40 man roster is here.
Non-roster invitee list is here.
fandave - February 8, 2010
or you could just look on the TC homepage :)
Doghnut - February 8, 2010
Shh! We can’t let people realize that there’s actually information on the internet! It will ruin the plan!
Bronn - February 8, 2010
oh
i thought the internet was used for looking at something else…
Scott Coleman - February 8, 2010
Resop has a cannon.
TradeAndruw - February 8, 2010
Chris Resop=LF
lock it up
Swo12bv - February 8, 2010
I saw him play a lot as an outfielder when he was with Greensboro, he was actually pretty good.
cbwilk - February 8, 2010
Why haven’t they made Boscan a bullpen coach yet?
Bmacbandwagon - February 9, 2010
He kind of is though. He’s basically like having an extra coach on the team. Everybody respects him, especially the other Latino players. I don’t doubt that when he’s finally done playing he’ll end up coaching with the Braves. And you know what’s crazy? He’s only 30, he could play another 8 or 10 years.
cbwilk - February 9, 2010
I’d have like to see Wes Timmons invited for the utility IF/ emergency catcher spot.
Drom John - February 9, 2010
I agree, although he’s never caught before. The good news is that just because you didn’t get an official invite doesn’t mean they won’t call you over. Every year there are a few guys who basically spend all of ST with the big league team even though they’re officially with the minor leaguers.
cbwilk - February 9, 2010
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