Talking Chop ranks the top-25 Braves prospects for 2011. Here are the bottom five. For an introduction and an explanation of how this list was compiled, go here.
21. Andrelton Simmons, SS
The Skinny: 2010 second-round draft pick had a solid debut season with Danville as a shortstop, despite the Braves initial desire to make him a pitcher.
The Good: Could already be in the Major Leagues based on his defense. Amazing arm in the field; throws 98 mph off the mound. Above average speed with great baserunning instincts. True leader on the field and in the clubhouse.
The Bad: Skinny frame leads to a lack of ability to drive the ball. Questionable whether or not he'll be able to hit at the higher levels.
In a perfect world: Simmons becomes a Gold Glove defender at shortstop who holds his own with the bat at the bottom of the order. Failing that, he becomes a dominant reliever with a well above average fastball.
ETA: Late 2014, either as a shortstop or a pitcher. The Braves will likely give him two more seasons to prove himself in the field, and even if he fails he should move fast as a pitcher.
22. Todd Cunningham, OF
The Skinny: 2010 second-round selection had a decent debut with Rome. Won the 2009 Cape Cod League batting title.
The Good: Excellent fundamental hitter with a great approach. Above average speed and a smart baserunner. Good speed in the outfield. Confident college player.
The Bad: Tends to slap the ball to the opposite field which leads to a lack of power, his biggest deficit as a hitter. Currently he doesn't really have a position in the field, but is athletic enough to learn any outfield position.
In a perfect world: Cunningham develops into a top of the order center fielder with a league average bat.
ETA: Mid to late 2013. With a solid 2012 he could earn a September callup to Atlanta, but a debut the following season is more likely.
23. Adam Milligan, OF
The Skinny: After dominating in his first season in 2009, he missed most of 2010 after injuring his shoulder in the second week of the season.
The Good: Absolutely crushes the ball, with ability to hit for power and average.
The Bad: Injury prone; missed all of 2008 after signing, the start of 2009, and almost all of 2010. Hasn't shown much ability to take walks (could be a Cody Johnson clone), but hasn't played enough to know if this is really a deficiency. At best an average defender.
In a perfect world: Milligan overcomes his injuries, learns the strike zone better, and develops into a slugging, middle of the order left fielder.
ETA: Late 2012, early 2013. He has the kind of bat that could carry him to the majors quickly, but he'll need to play a full, healthy season first.
24. Abraham Espinosa, RHSP
The Skinny: A highly touted signing out of Panama (Randall Delgado also hails from there) Espinosa spent the season as a 17 year old dominating older competition in the Dominican Summer League.
The Good: He is very young and was very good this year showing excellent control of his pitches and inducing a lot of groundballs.
The Bad: His strike out rate was not where you like to see a guy who is dominating the competition. Without solid scouting reports out of the Dominican it is hard to say what he does and doesn't do well. Spring training will tell us more as we will have a chance to see him in minor league camp.
In a perfect world: He becomes the next Julio Teheran or Randall Delgado.
ETA: 2015. While exciting, he is still a long way away.
25. Tyler Pastornicky, SS
The Skinny: The shortstop acquired from the Blue Jays along with Alex Gonzalez in exchange for Yunel Escobar and Jo-Jo Reyes. After the trade he more than held his own as a 20 year old with Mississippi.
The Good: Above average speed and excellent baserunning instincts. Solid defender capable of playing either middle infield position. Improving hitter who focuses on contact. Good on base skills. Played AA at only 20 years old. Smart player.
The Bad: Little natural power. Doesn't make enough contact yet to be overly effective at the top of the order. Isn't special in any one area.
In a perfect world: Pastornicky develops into a solid, everyday shortstop or second baseman, though not a star an any position.
ETA: Late 2011. In 2012, Pastornicky could be the Braves best in-house option to replace Alex Gonzalez.