Who will get the "Call"?

Among the Atlanta's deep hitting prospect crops are three 23 year olds currently at AAA. RF Juan "Gone" Machado, SS Max "Laser" Cabeza, and CF Cyrus Gibson.

Between these three there has been an ongoing debate about not who will get called to the Big Leagues first, but who will be the first All-Star once all three arrive.

It is no secret that the three have star potential.



RF Machado .322 with 68 HRs and 185 RBIs last season in AA, plus an additional 35 doubles and 4 triples.

SS Cabeza hit .291 with 113 Runs scored and 35 SBs, and even tossed in 68 XBHs.

CF Gibson hit .306 with 21 HRs and 120 Runs, and 45 doubles and 23 SBs.

All three made the AA All-Star team last season,

Machado and Gibson won Silver Slugger awards, and Machado won the AA MVP award.

Only time will tell how the careers of these promising prospects pan out, but right now the sky is the limit.

Tartans Acquire Big League DH Off Waivers

Remaining busy this off-season. The Tartans acquired a second DH from the Seattle Rainiers last night, this time for nothing in return. DH/C Kareem Sheldon was claimed off waivers and immediately had his contract arbitrated. Now an Atlanta Tartan, Sheldon will make $1,295,000 this season.

Last season Sheldon hit .313 with 12 HRs and 82 RBIs at AAA. He possesses good vision at the dish, with good pitch recognition from both lefties and righties. However, for a DH he lacks plus power and contract. But for a Tartans franchise with only 10 players on their Big League roster, "He will do," as put by team owner Randy Benoit.

Tartans Acquire DH Prospect

Say goodbye 22 yearold pitcher Steve Donovan, and hello to Designated Hitter Don Lawrence. The Tartans and Seattle Rainiers agreed late last night to swap the two minor league prospects.

The well-rounded lefthand bat, Lawrence is 23 years old and hit 25 HRs in AAA last season. While Donovan pitched in HiA and maintained a 3.01 ERA with 6 wins and 6 losses,

The Tartans were able to acquire Lawrence cheaply from the Rainers due to injury concerns of the DH. (He spent 7 days on the DL last season with a low back strain.) In fact many in the Branch Rickey community believe Lawrence's health will continue to be an issue, but the Tartans are will to take the risk to add that coveted bat to their young pool of hitters.

Finally, this acquisition is great news for Tartans fans as Lawrence could impact the Big League club much sooner than Donovan would have.

Atlanta Starts Off-Season off With Another Deal

Earlier this evening the Tartans agreed to unload CF Charles Eckenstahler to the Santa Cruz Slugs in return for a minor starting pitcher. Eckenstahler who is under contract for the next two seasons will make $5.8 million this season, of which the Tartans agreed to pay $1.8 million. In return Atlanta will receive pitching prospect Kevin Pratt.

The soft throwing righthander went 11-4 last season with a 2.97 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. He possesses excellent controll of both the fastballs (split and 4-seamer) and the curveball, and occasionally adds-in a below average change-up.

It should be noted that Pratt did spend 7 days on the DL last season with a sprained elbow, likely from exaggerating the break on his curveball early last season.

The loss of Eckenstahler leaves the Tartans short a 1/2 hitter, though any replacement will likely be better in CF.

After 61-101 Season, Fans Anxious to see Tartans Approach this Season

After suffering through a painful season in Atlanta that saw the home team clear the bench of all talent at the big league level it will be interesting to see the Tartans strategy as they approach this season.

The current roster has very few bright spots on it heading into next season. 1B Gary Bellhorn surprised many with his 45 HR, 122 RBI performance a year ago. CF Charles Eckenstahler did as expected with 92 runs scored and 48 SBs. While, Ernie Waltman largely disappointed hitting only .244 and scoring only 60 runs. From the mound Armando Gonzalez has two years remaining on his current contract, but the closer disappointed last year with a 4.79 ERA and 6 blown saves.

The remainder of the roster is filled with one year contract scrubs that the team would be better without. While the minors are stocked with several talented players hopefully on the verge of their big league debuts.