Tartans Roster Depth Analysis (Hitters)

Position: (ML player, top prospects)



Catcher: Esteban Macias ML, Clyde Bloomquist ML
- Macias can hadle the majority of the catching responsibility for the future, though Atlanta will be wise to have a strong backup and should look for a prospect Catcher.
First Base: Gary Bellhorn
- Tartans really lake a young first baseman. This is area they have struggled to address through the draft and may try to fill through the draft.
Second Base: Teddy Lofton, Fergie Perry AA, Fausto Cruz LoA
- There is no secret here. Perry a future leadoff hitter, will be in the bigs as soon as he matures defensively.
Short Stop: Steve Jacquez, Max Cabeza AAA, Raul Cortes AA
- While Cabeza is the top prospect at short, Cortes possess a better glove and more power and could potential push Cabeza over to 3B.
Third Base: Lonnie Farrell, Julius Rocker AA, Brad Perry AAA
- Rocker might be a couple of years away but he has All-Star potential though other players (Cabeza/Gibson) may challenge for this spot.
Left Field: Rolando Martinez, Tony Encarnacion AA
- Like 1B, Atlanta lacks a true slugger to plug in here long term. With few teams willing to trade an offensive beast it increasingly attractive for Atlanta to seek one with the 5th pick.
Center Field: Julio Maduro, Cyrus Gibson AAA, Vernon Belle AA
- Gibson is ready now, but Belle possess the defense to thrive here in the bigs.
Right Field: Juan Machado ML
- Machado has already claimed the #3 spot in this lineup, though his defense may move him to LF during the next couple of seasons.
Designated Hitter: Kareem Sheldon, Don Lawrence AA, Willie Canseco HiA
- Lawrence has the bat to play DH and can fill in as a catcher, though his injury risk will leave ABs for a someone else

Analysis: Atlanta has needs for a power hitter, so adding a RF/LF and(or) a 1B with pop would be wise. The focus for other high picks should be around adding pitching depth and perhaps a young catcher through the draft.