As the days before baseball dwindle down, front offices are shifting their focus from what they want to what they have. Depth charts start to become a little more clear, rotations start to gel into place, and the ink begins to dry on recently signed free agent contracts.
That doesn't make things any easier though, especially in Atlanta.
If you thought that Dansby Swanson, Ozzie Albies, or Sean Newcomb aren't getting enough press coverage, then I would invite you to check that your internet connection didn't stop working around New Years. It has become apparent to those who follow the team that these are the cornerstones (among others) of a franchise that is shifting gears towards a new phase of the grand rebuilding, and will be for some time in the future. There are many names, however, that are not getting the attention that might be warranted, and it would only be fair to point them out...
Jholys Chacin:
If I told you that we had a pitcher that was at one point the ace of the Colorado Rockies, had a decent strikeout rate, and a career ERA under 4, despite pitching his entire career in Coors Field, that might actually be impressive. Except it's Jholys Chacin, and for some reason, THAT is why he's been completely overlooked as a pitcher primed for a comeback. There is a history of injuries, no doubt about it, and his ERA and FIP don't exactly flatter each other (3.76/4.01), one has to take in to account that the level of competition this guy has faced in the past, was far elevated over what he could see in the NL East. The sinkerball pitcher will likely start the year in AAA, but received an invite to play with the big boys this spring, I would look for him to make a serious run at joining the rotation if not right away, then early on if Williams Perez or Bud Norris struggle.
Rio Ruiz:
This could be an interesting fork in the road for Rio, once a high ranking prospect in a barren farm system, he now is struggling to find his footing, and at possibly the worst time. With the fresh injection of highly talented, "destined for the show" prospects flooding the Braves farm system, Rio's lack of offense and sub par defense over the past year (plus) have been accentuated, and he will have to prove that he can hit for an average higher than .233 against big league arms, and make himself a viable option for the big league club. A strong spring could eventually mean a bench or corner utility spot for him. Anything less, could stamp him for a career in the minors.
Aaron Blair:
Blair has gotten some press that the previous two haven't, but with good reason. As part of the infamous Shelby Miller deal, Blair brings MLB ready talent to the team. There is still a good chance that he starts the year in AAA Gwinnett, but of anyone on the invitees list (even the big names), he has the greatest probability of cracking the big league roster. He doesn't wow with Newcomb like velocity or Toussaint break on his curve, but he is a solid pitcher with plus control and has little else to prove in the Minor Leagues anymore.
There are many names to watch this year, and for years to come in the Braves system, both on the mound and at the plate, so we continue to watch the maturation of what Keith Law of ESPN ranked as the best farm system in MLB, so as time goes on, we will keep our eyes towards the future, and with a system as deep as this, it's not just the names that make the papers that will one day make a difference in Cobb County.
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