Arizona Fall League Braves updates

November 9, 9:34 PMAtlanta Braves ExaminerRyan Harings

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Freddie Freeman
Braves-Nation.com

The end of the World Series, doesn't mark the end of professional baseball for the calendar year. Set amid the rugged landscape of the Arizona desert, the Arizona Fall League, features some of the top prospects in the minor leagues. The Braves sent seven players to the AFL, I thought it would be a good time to check on their progress.

Jason Heyward - OF

Heyward left the AFL early due to a minor leg injury. The Braves decided to play it safe with their top prospect and shut him down for the league.

Brandon Hicks SS

58 AB, 1 2B, 1 3B, 0 HR, 8 BB, 9 S0, .293 AVG, .388 OBP, .345 SLG

Hicks came to the AFL to cut down his strikeouts and increase his OBP. He's made strides in those areas, but it seems as if his power is suffering because of it.

Freddie Freeman 1B

45 AB, 3 2B, 0 3B, 1 HR, 4 BB, 15 SO, .267 AVG, .353 OBP, .400 SLG

The Braves consider Freeman to be their first-baseman of the future. The big question is how soon will that future be. It appears that the big lefty will need at least one more season in the minors before he's ready for the big stage.

Lee Hyde RP

8 IP, 3.38 ERA, 4 BB, 10 SO, 1.25 WHIP

Hyde is an older reliever that's been in the system for awhile now. He's not a big name, but has a chance to contribute as a lefty in the Atlanta bullpen.

Craig Kimbrel RP

7 IP, 3.86 ERA, 7 BB, 9 SO, 1.57 WHIP

Kimbrel is a flamethrower that needs to refine his command - the results seem so-so but he's playing against very strong competition. He made big strides this year.

Jeff Lyman RP

10.1 IP, 6.97 ERA, 5 BB, 9 SO, 1.74 WHIP

Lyman was once a highly thought of minor league starting pitcher, but has since been moved to the bullpen and has continued to struggle with consistency. It hasn't been a great showing in the desert for him so far.

Mike Minor SP

11.2 IP, 2.31 ERA, 5 BB, 9 SO, 1.46 WHIP

Last year's 7th pick in the draft is having a strong showing in the hitter heavy AFL. Minor is a finesse lefty that should move quickly through the system - although his upside is limited.

Arizona Fall League statistics