2009 MLB Preview: #11 Atlanta Braves
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Offseason Movement: The Braves brought in former Dodgers’ starter Derek Lowe, as well as a quality (albeit aging) bat in Garret Anderson, formerly of the Angels. The club also traded for pitcher Boone Logan and signed Japanese pitcher Kenshin Kawakami.
Top Prospect: Tommy Hanson, RHP
Some consider outfielder Jason Heyward the Braves’ top prospect – and for good reason. But he’s only 19 and has a couple years to go before reaching the big leagues and therefore Hanson gets the nod here. Hanson has the opportunity to crack the Opening Day roster this season, although Tom Glavine would probably have to start the year on the DL for that to happen. Hanson dominated Class-A, Double-A and Arizona Fall League hitters and so far has looked decent in spring training. He probably isn’t a future ace, but Hanson appears to be a solid No. 2 in the making.
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Tags: 2009 MLB Predictions, 2009 MLB Preview, 2009 MLB Projections, 2009 MLB Team Previews, Boone Logan, Brian McCann, Chipper Jones, Derek Lowe, Garret Anderson, Jair Jurrjens, Javier Vazquez, Kelly Johnson, Kenshin Kawakami, MLB Preview 2009, MLB Season Predictions, NL East Predictions, Tommy Hanson, Yunel Escobar