Top Ten List: Teheran, Minor, Freeman

I found an article on MLB.com that has best prospect lists; top ten left handed pitchers, top ten right handed pitchers and top ten first basemen. These lists include a few Braves.

Mike Minor was ranked number four on the list for left handed pitchers.

-4. Mike Minor, Braves: Minor's stuff was pretty good at Vanderbilt, but he fit more of the sensible lefty mold. As a professional, though, his stuff has been much better than expected. His fastball has gained a few ticks, his changeup is a plus pitch and his curve has improved as well. He can throw all three pitches for strikes. It took him a year to get to Atlanta, and he could very well be there to stay. Braves fans should get excited about having Tommy Hanson, Julio Teheran and Minor in the rotation.

While Minor has already had some time with Atlanta he still has potential to be a #1 or #2 pitcher in a rotation despite his poor performance. Eight games at the Major League level isn't big enough of a sample size to declare anything. He possessed a good k/9 rate throughout the minors and his WHIP was fairly low. He could be a pretty good bargain for a number five starter out of the rotation. Let's hope he has a good spring training. Brandon Beachy could still get the 5th spot.

Julio Teheran was ranked number two in the right handed group.

-2. Julio Teheran, Braves: Teheran jumped on the fast track in 2010, pitching across three levels. He's got a terrific three-pitch mix (fastball, changeup, curve), all of which are at least above-average. Just 20, his command on the mound belies his years and that, combined with his stuff, points to a future at the top of a rotation. Atlanta already has Tommy Hanson and Mike Minor. It may not take too long for Teheran to join them.

Teheran might be a September call up to get some time in this year. Teheran is a lock for the 2012 season, unless he has some crazy horrific year in the minors. Some have compared this guy to a young Pedro Martinez. That is huge considering that Pedro is one of the best pitchers in the history of the game. He will be 20 years old this year, plenty of time to develop even more as he gets older.

The Braves also have Randall Delgado, who is a top pitching prospect who didn't make the list (surprisingly). But lets not get all upset, it's just a writers opinion.

The best part is that no other teams in the NL East are represented on either list for pitching.

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Freddie Freeman appeared at number two on the first baseman list.

2. Freddie Freeman, Braves: He belongs on any list for 2011 National League Rookie of the Year Award candidates, and not just because he'll have the opportunity to play every day for Atlanta. He might not have the best power in this group, but there's plenty more than what he's shown to date (though he did have 35 doubles and 18 homers in 2010). His smooth left-handed swing should allow him to hit for average and drive in runs right out of the gate.

This guy should bring some excitement to the team this year. He will be starting the season without any kid of spring training competition, a rarity. It will be like Jason Heyward all over again, although no one will or should be expecting him to match Heyward's rookie season numbers.

Freeman absolutely raked in Triple A. At 20 years old, he posted 18 home runs, 87 RBI, 35 Doubles, and had a .319Avg/.378Obp/.521Slug line in 124 games. If that doesn't have you optimistic, I don't know what will. He is also supposedly very good with the glove as well.

I'm liking the trend. Heyward (2010), Freeman (2011), Teheran (2012). Throw in Delgado somewhere too.