Sean Newcomb and Kolby Allard named to MLBPipeline's Top 10 LHP Prospects List

The common narrative we often hear is that the Braves saw what had become of the farm system in recent years and sought a drastic overhaul of it. To say that they have succeeded is a bit of an understatement, as they have turned a system where you almost squint and turn your head to see any MLB regulars to a system that seems stocked with guys who could compete at the major league level.

However, if there is a criticism of the system, its that it doesn't have the marquee names that you often associate with the best farm systems in baseball. There is no questioning the Braves have an incredibly deep system, but other than Dansby Swanson (who has his own detractors since he was from a 'weak draft class') the system doesn't have guys that get much attention outside of devoted Braves.

This appears to be changing, though, as larger publications and media outlets start to notice the talent beginning to accumulate in the system

Here are @MLB's 2016 Top 10 LHP Prospects, led by @Dodgers' Urias & @RaysBaseball's Snell: https://t.co/rUg5Zzocyr pic.twitter.com/rdHT4qMbDg

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) January 20, 2016

MLB Pipeline is often referenced when prospects are talked about, in particular on MLB-controlled networked. While their rankings are not the end-all-be-all, they are very useful in getting a general idea on the state of a farm system and their rankings get a lot of coverage. Leading up to their Top 100 prospects list coming out at the end of the month, they are ranking the top 10 prospects at each position. While no Braves prospects were among the top 10 RHP prospects (its a loaded position in their top 100), two Braves prospects were among their top 10 LHP prospects. Sean Newcomb, who was acquired in the Andrelton Simmons trade, was 4th while Kolby Allard, the Braves top pick in 2015 draft and just out of high school, was ranked 10th. Given that several of the players near the top of the list should be graduating to the majors soon, it seems likely that their rankings could improve in short order.

Newcomb pitched for the Angels minor league affiliates and has post a sub-3 ERA over 2 seasons while striking out well over a batter per inning pitched. Allard, despite being limited due to a lingering back injury, dominated rookie league in a small sample size and appears to be poised for a breakout this coming season.

This next season will be very important in regards to the strength and timeline of the rebuild the Braves have put in to place. If these rankings and others like them, the Braves are off to a good start.