2012 MLB Draft: Atlanta Braves' Class Evaluated By ESPN's Keith Law

As the 2012 MLB Draft comes to a close, evaluations of total classes are going to come out. Keith Law hasn’t released any grades yet since there are simply so many players involved with so little time that has passed, but ESPN’s MLB analyst is at least giving an overview of the players involved.

For the Atlanta Braves, the team stuck to its own region to grab its first few players. Here Law takes a look at first round choice Lucas Sims and his colleagues atop the draft:

Lucas Sims (1) is from the Atlanta area, sits 90-94 with a good curveball and is an athletic kid with some delivery concerns that had other teams viewing him in the sandwich or second rounds. Alex Wood (2) is another Georgia product, a left-hander who should have an above-average fastball and plus changeup as a reliever, which is where his arm action probably lands him long term. Bryan de la Rosa (3) is a catch-and-throw backstop, born in Puerto Rico but playing in Florida. He might have some upside with the bat but doesn’t have a great body or a lot of power potential.

Justin Black (4) is a raw, speedy center fielder who’s highly athletic but crude as a hitter. Blake Brown (5) is a right fielder who can play the position and has raw power but also isn’t advanced as a hitter, and 6-foot right-handed-hitting corner outfielders aren’t usually a popular category in the draft.

For more on the Atlanta Braves, be sure to check out Talking Chop and join the discussion.

2012 MLB Draft: Atlanta Braves Reach Agreement With Top Six Picks

Though the 2012 MLB Draft ended just hours ago, the Atlanta Braves have already reached agreements with each of their top six picks in the draft, including first rounder Lucas Sims.

Per Carroll Rogers of the Atlanta Journal Constitution:

The Braves wrapped up the draft Wednesday, knowing they'll have their top six players on the field soon. Scouting director Tony DeMacio revealed that the Braves they have reached agreement with each of their top six picks, and among those, fourth-rounder Justin Black has already officially signed.

That top group includes right-hander Lucas Sims, the first-rounder from Brookwood, left-hander Alex Wood, the second-rounder from Georgia, catcher Bryan De La Rosa, the third-rounder from Olympic Heights (Fla.) High, Black, the center fielder from Billings, MT, right fielder Blake Brown, the fifth-rounder from the University of Missouri, and catcher Josh Elander, the sixth-rounder from TCU.

Draftees are signing much quicker in recent years, partially because of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, which moved up the signing deadline to July 13.

The early signings are beneficial both to the Braves and to the draftees. The Braves will be able to develop the players properly during 2012, and the draftees will get their first taste of professional baseball, sooner rather than later.

For more on the Atlanta Braves, be sure to check out Talking Chop and join the discussion.

2012 MLB Draft: Braves Wrap Up Third Day With High School Players

The Atlanta Braves have completed their 2012 MLB Draft after three long days of selections. The club did a nice job adding a mix of pitchers, infielder and outfielders, and we can only hope this draft class helps restock a depleted farm system.

Let's take a look at the final ten picks from the day, which spanned from rounds 31 to 40.

31st Round: Matt Kimbrel, right-handed pitcher, Southern Polytechnic State, 6'0 185lbs

32nd Round: Adam Grantham, right-handed pitcher, Kenneth HS (MO), 6'1 180lbs

33rd Round: Sam Gillikin, center fielder, Hoover HS (AL), 6'3 190lbs

34th Round: Ben Johnson, center fielder, Westwood HS (TX), 6'0 185lbs

35th Round: Matt Creech, shortstop, Colquitt County HS (GA), 5'11 185lbs

36th Round: Braden Bishop, center fielder, Saint Francis HS (CA), 6'1 180lbs

37th Round: Gio Brusa, outfielder, Saint Mary's HS (CA), 6'3 195lbs

38th Round: Sean McLaughlin, right-handed pitcher, Northview HS (GA), 5'11 175lbs

39th Round: Cullen O'Dwyer, outfielder, Eldorado HS (NM), 6'2 185lbs

40th Round: Jimmy Herget, right-handed pitcher, Jefferson HS, 6'3 165lbs

Read more about the Atlanta Braves at Talking Chop and head over to Baseball Nation for additional news, notes and analysis around Major League Baseball. Check out Minor League Ball to see how some of these prospects develop in their quest to the major leagues.

2012 MLB Draft: Kyle Wren, Son Of Braves GM, Drafted By Cincinnati Reds

Part of the fun during the third day of Major League Baseball's First-Year Player Draft is keeping an eye out for familiar last names -- sons of either former players or personnel.

If you checked out the 30th round, you'd see Kyle Wren, a sophomore OF from Georgia Tech, was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds. If Braves fans out there were wondering if there's any relation to Frank Wren, the general manager of the Atlanta Braves, well, wonder no more:

#Braves GM Frank Wren said he is "happy and proud of Kyle" who was drafted by Reds in 30th round. Kyle Wren is only a sophomore at Ga Tech

— David O'Brien (@ajcbraves) June 6, 2012

Since Kyle is only a sophomore, he does have some leverage in contract talks, and can return to school to try to bolster his draft stock during his junior season.

As a sophomore at Georgia Tech, Wren hit .256/.346/.364, and added two home runs while stealing 16 bases.

For more on the Atlanta Braves, be sure to head over to Talking Chop and join the discussion.

MLB Draft Results: Braves Search For Diamonds In The Round On Third Day

The Atlanta Braves will wrap up their 2012 MLB Draft on Wednesday, completing rounds 16 through 40 in what should be a very busy day. The club has already focused on adding pitching talent to the organization, and also took four catchers in the first 15 rounds.

Day three of the draft is all about finding those diamonds in the rough. Many of the players taken this last are either high school prospects or college players with eligibility left, so signing them is typically tough and requires extra money. The Braves seldom spend big at the draft, although they do make exceptions on some occasions.

Let's take a look at what Atlanta has done so far today:

16th Round: Fernelys Sanchez, outfielder, George Washington HS, 6'3 198lbs

17th Round: Chase Anselment, outfielder, University of Washington, 6'1 205lbs

18th Round: Ross Heffley, second baseman, Western Carolina, 5'7, 160lbs

19th Round: Levi Hyams, second baseman, Georgia, 6'2, 205lbs

20th Round: Eric Garcia, shortstop, Missouri, 6'1, 200lbs

21st Round: Jeremy Fitzgerald, right-handed pitcher, Tennessee Wesleyan College, 6'0 185lbs

22nd Round: Shae Simmons, right-handed pitcher, Southeast Missouri St., 5'9 180lbs

23rd Round: Kevin McKague, first baseman, United States Military Academy, 6'4, 240lbs

24th Round: Michael Flores, right-handed pitcher, Grossmont College, 6'9 230lbs

25th Round: Brandon Rhode, left-handed pitcher, Central Washington, 6'3 215lbs

26th Round: Trenton Moses, third baseman, Southeast Missouri St, 6'3 220lbs

27th Round: Chris Barczycowski, right-handed pitcher, Niagara County CC, 6'8 250lbs

28th Round: Kraig Clabough, shortstop, Florida Tech, 5'11 180lbs

29th Round: Jaden Dillon, right-handed pitcher, Texas A&M Kingsville, 5'11 180lbs

30th Round: Casey Kalenkosky, first baseman, Texas State, 6'0 200lbs

--

You can click here to watch live streaming coverage of Day 3 of the 2012 MLB Draft at MLB.com.

Read more about the Atlanta Braves at Talking Chop and head over to Baseball Nation for additional news, notes and analysis around Major League Baseball. Check out Minor League Ball to see how some of these prospects develop in their quest to the major leagues.

2012 MLB Draft: Atlanta Braves Get Mixed Reaction From Keith Law

After a few years of focusing on college players the Atlanta Braves got back to their roots of selecting projectable high school prospects in the earlier rounds of the 2012 MLB Draft. The club selected a local high school player with Lucas Sims in the first round, and then went with a high school prospects in rounds three and four.

Bryan De La Rosa, a catcher, was taken 116th overall in the third round. Justin Black, an outfielder from Montana, was the fourth round pick.

Atlanta also added college players in the way of pitcher Alex Wood in the second round and outfielder Blake Brown in the fifth.

Keith Law of ESPN weighed in on the early rounds of each team's draft thus far ($) and doesn't appear to be blown away by the Braves' selections. Here is what he had to say about the club:

Lucas Sims (1) is from the Atlanta area, sits 90-94 with a good curveball and is an athletic kid with some delivery concerns that had other teams viewing him in the sandwich or second rounds. Alex Wood (2) is another Georgia product, a left-hander who should have an above-average fastball and plus changeup as a reliever, which is where his arm action probably lands him long term. Bryan de la Rosa (3) is a catch-and-throw backstop, born in Puerto Rico but playing in Florida. He might have some upside with the bat but doesn't have a great body or a lot of power potential. Justin Black (4) is a raw, speedy center fielder who's highly athletic but crude as a hitter. Blake Brown (5) is a right fielder who can play the position and has raw power but also isn't advanced as a hitter, and 6-foot right-handed-hitting corner outfielders aren't usually a popular category in the draft.

These are just the early reactions to the prospects before they hit the field, so we'll just have to hope they turn out a bit better than what Law sees in them. The Braves typically do a very nice job developing their prospects, especially pitchers.

Atlanta will wrap up the 2012 Draft with a busy day on Wednesday, making picks in rounds 16 through 40.

You can click here to watch live streaming coverage of Day 3 of the 2012 MLB Draft at MLB.com.

Read more about the Atlanta Braves at Talking Chop and head over to Baseball Nation for additional news, notes and analysis around Major League Baseball. Check out Minor League Ball to see how some of these prospects develop in their quest to the major leagues.

2012 MLB Draft Results: Braves Wrap Up Second Day With Appalachian State Teammates

The Atlanta Braves concluded their second day of the 2012 MLB Draft with a couple of teammates from Appalachian State and yet another college pitcher. Let's take a look at their three final picks (rounds 13, 14 and 15) from Tuesday.

Nathan Hyatt is a right-handed pitcher and was selected in the 13th round with the 419th overall pick. A junior, Hyatt is likely to sign although he does have the option of returning for one more year.

The Braves selected their fourth catcher of the day with Appalachian State junior Tyler Tewell. Atlanta made Alexander Wilson, a right-handed pitcher out of Wofford their 15th round pick.

The club will continue their draft on Wednesday afternoon.

You can click here to watch live streaming coverage of Day 3 of the 2012 MLB Draft at MLB.com.

Read more about the Atlanta Braves at Talking Chop and head over to Baseball Nation for additional news, notes and analysis around Major League Baseball. Check out Minor League Ball to see how some of these prospects develop in their quest to the major leagues.

2012 MLB Draft Results: Braves Focus On Pitching In Middle Rounds

The Atlanta Braves have added quite a few intriguing prospects to the organization in the last few rounds. As is typically the case with the Braves, the team has focused on adding quite a few pitchers and also three catchers. Here is a look at their picks in rounds 8 through 12.

8th Round: Atlanta selected right-handed pitcher David Peterson in the eighth round. Peterson has solid size at 6'4 and 215lbs, and he had a very productive career at the College of Charlestown. A senior, look for him to sign quickly with the club. Peterson became a closer for his team last year and could move through the system in a hurry if he's able to improve his control.

9th Round: Right-handed pitcher Steven Schils out of Florida Tech was the ninth round selection for the Braves, the 299th player drafted this year. Schils comes in at 6'2 and 215lbs so he certainly has some size to him for being a junior in college. His fastball sits in the low 90s and only pitched 10 inning this last season, striking out five and walking 13.

10th Round: Junior college third baseman Mike Dodig was selected by the Braves in the tenth round. He played this last season with Columbia Green Community College. He is just 18 years old and has plenty of college eligibility left, so signing Dodig will likely require a bit of cash.

11th Round: The Braves took their third catcher of the day with Levi Borders, a high school player out of Winter Haven High School in Florida. He is reportedly a great athlete and could elect to play football, although he has a bright future behind the plate. He is the son of former Major League player Pat Borders.

12th Round: Atlanta's pick here was Connor Lien, an outfielder out of Olympia High School in Florida. He is just 17 years old and may elect to choose the college route should the Braves not offer enough money. Not a whole lot is known about his game due to his age and lack of exposure.

You can click here to watch live streaming coverage of Day 2 of the 2012 MLB Draft at MLB.com.

Read more about the Atlanta Braves at Talking Chop and head over to Baseball Nation for additional news, notes and analysis around Major League Baseball. Check out Minor League Ball to see how some of these prospects develop in their quest to the major leagues.

MLB Draft Results: Braves Pick Left-Handed Pitcher David Starn In Seventh Round

The Atlanta Braves have selected another left-handed pitcher in the seventh round of the 2012 MLB Draft. David Starn, a senior out of Kent State, was the 239th overall pick and is expected to sign with the Braves since he is out of college options. Starn was recently named MVP of the MAC Tournament for his fine performance on the mound.

Starn features a fastball in the low 90s and a solid curveball. At 6'0 and 190lbs he may project more as a bullpen arm, although he will be given every chance to start with the Braves.

Here is a recent video interview with Starn. He seems to have a good idea of what he wants to do on the mound.

You can click here to watch live streaming coverage of Day 2 of the 2012 MLB Draft at MLB.com.

Read more about the Atlanta Braves at Talking Chop and head over to Baseball Nation for additional news, notes and analysis around Major League Baseball. Check out Minor League Ball to see how some of these prospects develop in their quest to the major leagues.

2012 MLB Draft: Atlanta Braves Select Catcher Josh Elander In Sixth Round

The Atlanta Braves selected another catcher on Tuesday in the sixth round of the 2012 MLB Draft, picking junior Josh Elander from TCU. He has also played some outfield in college, although his true value is behind the plate. Elander is the 209th player taken this year at the draft, and is the second catcher the Braves have picked up. The other was Bryan de la Rosa in the third round.

Elander, 21, does not have great offensive numbers, but he earned a reputation for himself of being a hard-nosed player who loves competing against the best. Most scouts liked his power potential, although he will need to improve his approach at the plate if he hopes to make it very far in his career.

At 6'1 and 215lbs he certainly has the frame to withstand the beatings that come with being a catcher. He appears likely to sign although he does have one more year left of eligibility at TCU.

You can click here to watch live streaming coverage of Day 2 of the 2012 MLB Draft at MLB.com.

Read more about the Atlanta Braves at Talking Chop and head over to Baseball Nation for additional news, notes and analysis around Major League Baseball. Check out Minor League Ball to see how some of these prospects develop in their quest to the major leagues.

MLB Draft Results: Braves Select RF Blake Brown

On Tuesday, the fifth round of the 2012 MLB Draft is nearing an end. The Atlanta Braves used their fifth round pick to draft an outfielder.

With the No. 179 overall pick, the Braves selected right fielder Blake Brown, a 6'0, 185-pound player who is a junior at the University of Missouri.

The analysis of Brown is that he has good bat speed and some power. He was an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention following his 2011 season, when he finished his first year as a starter with a slash line of .267/.397/.449 and led the team with seven home runs.

You can click here to watch live streaming coverage of Day 2 of the 2012 MLB Draft at MLB.com.

Read more about the Atlanta Braves at Talking Chop and head over to Baseball Nation for additional news, notes and analysis around Major League Baseball. Check out Minor League Ball to see how some of these prospects develop in their quest to the major leagues.

MLB Draft Results: Braves Select CF Justin Black

The first four rounds of the 2012 MLB Draft are nearly at an end. With their fourth pick in the draft on Tuesday, the Atlanta Braves selected a high school prospect whom they are hoping will eventually become a major league outfielder.

With the No. 149 pick, the Braves selected center fielder Justin Black, who currently plays with Billings West High School in Montana. Black stands at 6'0 and weighs 190 pounds. He bats right and throws right.

ESPN pegs Black as a four-star prospect and listed him at No. 100 on their ESPN 100. ESPN claims Black is the second-best baseball prospect in Montana.

You can click here to watch live streaming coverage of Day 2 of the 2012 MLB Draft at MLB.com.

Read more about the Atlanta Braves at Talking Chop and head over to Baseball Nation for additional news, notes and analysis around Major League Baseball. Check out Minor League Ball to see how some of these prospects develop in their quest to the major leagues.

MLB Draft 2012: Braves Select C Bryan De La Rosa In Third Round

The second day of the 2012 MLB Draft continues on Tuesday. The third round of the draft is underway and the Atlanta Braves have made their third-round pick. With the No. 116 overall pick, the Braves selected right-handed catcher Bryan De La Rosa.

De La Rosa is a 5'8, 193-pound player from Olympic Heights High School in Florida. De La Rosa marks the first position player that the Braves have selected in this year's draft, after using their picks in the first two rounds to pick up local pitchers.

You can click here to watch live streaming coverage of Day 2 of the 2012 MLB Draft at MLB.com.

Read more about the Atlanta Braves at Talking Chop and head over to Baseball Nation for additional news, notes and analysis around Major League Baseball. Check out Minor League Ball to see how some of these prospects develop in their quest to the major leagues.

MLB Draft 2012: Braves Select LHP Alex Wood From UGA In Second Round

The second round of the 2012 MLB Draft is underway on Tuesday. The Atlanta Braves have made their second-round selection and true to form, they used their pick to take a local player. The Braves selected left-handed pitcher Alex Wood, a junior with the Georgia Bulldogs.

The 6'4 lefty has had success in the SEC with his good size and velocity. He is said to have a plus fastball in the mid-90s and a curve and changeup that could prove to be major-league strikeout pitches with some more years of work.

The Braves will be hoping that with a few seasons in the minors to improve his secondary pitches and command, Wood could prove to slide into a future Braves rotation.

Read more about the Atlanta Braves at Talking Chop and head over to Baseball Nation for additional news, notes and analysis around Major League Baseball. Check out Minor League Ball to see how some of these prospects develop in their quest to the major leagues.

2012 MLB Draft Order, Day 2: Atlanta Braves On The Clock

The Atlanta Braves already went local in the first round of the 2012 MLB draft and a some other local headliners made their way up the draft board as well on Monday night.

Day 2 of the draft begins Tuesday at noon ET and the Braves have the No. 85, 116, 149 picks. Atlanta does not have any picks in the Compensation rounds, so those three picks mentioned, along with the Lucas Sims selection at No. 21 in the first round of the draft, are going to be the Braves' best chance to acquire whatever talent they can.

Here is a look at the complete draft order

Read more about the Atlanta Braves at Talking Chop and head over to Baseball Nation for additional news, notes and analysis around Major League Baseball. Check out Minor League Ball to see how some of these prospects develop in their quest to the major leagues.

2012 MLB Draft Results: Victor Roache Headed To Brewers, Luke Bard, Matt Olson Picked In Supplemental Round

Slugging Georgia Southern outfielder Victor Roache was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers with the 28th pick of the first round. Roache was out of action much of the year with a broken wrist but could have gone much higher if not for the injury after slugging 30 homers as a sophomore.

Georgia Tech's Luke Bard is another in-state college player that spent part of the year on the sideline with an injury. Bard was picked with the 42nd pick in the supplemental round by the Minnesota Twins. Bard made only 11 appearances this season because of a lat injury and finished with a 0.99 ERA and three saves. He recently began throwing again and could have been available had the Yellow Jackets reached the College World Series.

The Oakland Athletics took Parkview High's slugging first baseman Matt Olson with the 47th pick. Olson is a Vanderbilt signee that stands at 6-foot-4 and 236 pounds. He has shown the ability to hit for both average and power in high school and one who A's scouting director Eric Kubota called "one of the best high school bats in the country."

For more on the Braves check out Talking Chop. Be sure to visit the SB Nation Atlanta StoryStream for continued draft updates throughout the week.

MLB Draft 2012: Carlos Correa, Mark Appel Highlight Wild First Round

The 2012 MLB Draft is officially underway. The first round came and went on Monday evening without a hitch, although there were some surprises. Mark Appel, the projected No. 1 pick for months, dropped all the way to eighth due to sign ability issues. Carlos Correa, a shortstop currently playing and studying in Puerto Rico, was the first player selected.

The Braves added a local prospect to their farm system in the way of Lucas Sims, a hard throwing right-handed pitcher with two impressive breaking balls.

Here is a complete recap of the first round.

1. Astros Carlos Correa SS
2. Twins Byron Buxton CF
3. Mariners Mike Zunino C
4. Orioles Kevin Gausman RHP
5. Royals Kyle Zimmer RHP
6. Cubs Albert Almora CF
7. Padres Max Fried LHP
8. Pirates Mark Appel RHP
9. Marlins Andrew Heaney LHP
10. Rockies David Dahl CF
11. Athletics Addison Russell SS
12. Mets Gavin Cecchini SS
13. White Sox Courtney Hawkins OF
14. Reds Nick Travieso RHP
15. Indians Tyler Naquin OF
16. Nationals Luc Giolito RHP
17. Blue Jays D.J. Davis OF
18. Dodgers Corey Seager 3B
19. Cardinals Michael Wacha RHP
20. Giants Chris Stratton RHP
21. Braves Lucas Sims RHP
22. Blue Jays Marcus Stroman RHP
23. Cardinals James Ramsey OF
24. Red Sox Deven Marrero SS
25. Rays Richie Shaffer 3B
26. Diamondbacks Stryker Trahan C
27. Brewers Clint Coulter C
28. Brewers Victor Roache OF
29. Rangers Lewis Brinson CF
30. Yankees Ty Hensley RHP
31. Red Sox Brian Johnson LHP

The second round of the draft will begin on Tuesday afternoon at noon. Rounds 2 through 15 will be completed by the end of the day.

For more on the Braves check out Talking Chop. Be sure to visit the SB Nation Atlanta StoryStream for continued draft updates throughout the week.

MLB Draft 2012: Atlanta Braves Select Lucas Sims With 21st Pick

The Braves selected a local pitcher with their first round pick.

Byron Buxton Selected By Twins With No. 2 Pick

Appling County High School product and University of Georgia signee Byron Buxton was selected 2nd overall by the Minnesota Twins in the 2012 MLB Draft.

Buxton did everything for Appling County and led them to the Class AA State Championship this season. He will be an outfielder in the professional ranks. MLB.com analyst Harold Reynolds compares Buxton to a variety of talented major league outfielders.

"He reminds me a lot of Mike Cameron with the power he's got to all fields, Adam Jones with being able to pull the ball to all fields, and B.J. Upton ... I love the size and strength, and ability to adjust," Reynolds said. "For me, he also reminds me a lot of Eric Davis, with the ability to jump on a pitch and drive it."

Read more about the Atlanta Braves at Talking Chop and head over to Baseball Nation for additional news around Major League Baseball.

2012 MLB Mock Draft: Atlanta Braves Select D.J. Davis With No. 21 Pick

A lot of pre-draft projections have the Atlanta Braves taking Tyler Naquin with the 21st overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft on Monday, but Baseball America's most recent mock as the Braves passing on Naquin and selecting D.J. Davis.

Seems like Atlanta's most coveted prospect, David Dahl, will be gone before the first 10 picks are up. This mock has him going to the Pittsburgh Pirates at the No. 8 pick.

Check out what BA wrote on the Davis selection here:

Most of the names tied to Atlanta are position players, such as Davis, (Stephen) Piscotty, Texas A&M outfielder Tyler Naquin and California high school infielder Tanner Rahier. The Braves covet Dahl but have no chance at him, though they could have interest in fellow Alabama prep outfielder Sam Gillikin. They also could be the high-water mark for Florida lefthander Brian Johnson.

Read more about the Atlanta Braves at Talking Chop and head over to Baseball Nation for additional news around Major League Baseball.

2012 MLB Draft Order: Atlanta Braves Have No. 21 Pick

The Atlanta Braves are making the 21st overall selection in the 2012 MLB Draft, which begins Monday at 6 p.m. ET and will broadcast on MLB Network.

By most accounts, the Braves are projected to take Texas A&M outfielder Tyler Naquin with the pick, but Atlanta has been linked to several high school prospects as well.

Here is a look at the complete draft order for the opening round:

1. Houston Astros
2. Minnesota Twins
3. Seattle Mariners
4. Baltimore Orioles
5. Kansas City Royals
6. Chicago Cubs
7. San Diego Padres
8. Pittsburgh Pirates
9. Miami Marlins
10. Colorado Rockies
11. Oakland Athletics
12. New York Mets
13. Chicago White Sox
14. Cincinnati Reds
15. Cleveland Indians
16. Washington Nationals
17. Toronto Blue Jays
18. Los Angeles Dodgers
19. St. Louis Cardinals
20. San Francisco Giants
21. Atlanta Braves
22. Toronto Blue Jays
23. St. Louis Cardinals
24. Boston Red Sox
25. Tampa Bay Rays
26. Arizona Diamondbacks
27. Milwaukee Brewers
28. Milwaukee Brewers
29. Texas Rangers
30. New York Yankees
31. Boston Red Sox

Read more about the Braves at Talking Chop and head over to Baseball Nation for more around Major League Baseball. Check out Minor League Ball to stay up with different prospects.

2012 MLB Mock Draft: OF Tyler Naquin Projected To Braves At No. 21

The 2012 MLB Draft begins on Monday June 4, and with the draft fast approaching the experts are putting out their final mock drafts before the picks start rolling in.

Naquin has been projected by other mock drafts to go to the Braves at No. 21, and the latest mock draft from Minor League Ball also has the Braves taking Naquin:

21) Atlanta Braves: Tyler Naquin, OF, Texas A&M:

Polished college player with limited upsided but average starter potential. Yep, sounds like a Braves choice.

Assuming that Naquin has limited upside, the Braves should hope that he can make the jump from college, to the minors and then finally to the Braves in short order.

Other players that the Braves have been linked to taking at No. 21 are a trio of high school players in pitcher Matt Smoral, shortstop Tanner Rahier and catcher Stryker Trahan.

For more on the Braves, be sure to head over to Talking Chop. For more on the MLB Draft, head over to Minor League Ball.

2012 MLB Draft: Byron Buxton Headlines In-State Talent

John Sickels of SB Nation's Minor League Ball runs down his Top 100 prospects for the 2012 MLB Draft. The state of Georgia lands seven players in the list headlined by high school product Byron Buxton whom Sickels rates as the 5th best player on the list. Brookwood High's Lucas Sims also lands on the list at No. 32.

Georgia Southern's slugging outfielder Victor Roache comes in at No. 25 and is joined by teammate Chris Beck who is at No. 72. Georgia Tech outfielder Brandon Thomas checks in at No. 82 and right handed pitcher Buck Farmer is at No. 93. University of Georgia left handed pitcher Alex Wood comes in at No. 60

Here is a look at the in-state players from Minor League Ball's Top 100:

5) Byron Buxton, OF, Georgia HS: Blazing fast, cannon arm, grade A tools but I have enough questions about his bat to put him behind Correa. University of Georgia commitment.

25) Victor Roache, OF, Georgia Southern: Would rank at least 10 slots higher without injury uncertainty.

32) Lucas Sims, RHP, Georgia HS: Another impressive package of size, stuff, and athleticism. Clemson commitment.

60) Alex Wood, LHP, University of Georgia: Funky delivery, but throws hard and could reach a major league bullpen quickly.

72) Chris Beck, RHP, Georgia Southern: Stock dipped with his stuff, but still throws strikes and could be a bargain for someone.

82) Brandon Thomas, OF, Georgia Tech: Switch-hitter with athleticism, speed, and power potential. Candidate to go earlier than expected with the new draft rules.

93) Buck Farmer, RHP, Georgia Tech: Another advanced college starter with impressive command of solid stuff. Mechanics aren't perfect but has stayed healthy thus far.

For more on the Braves, be sure to head over to Talking Chop. For more on the MLB First-Year Player Draft, head over to Minor League Ball.

2012 MLB Mock Draft: Braves Projected To Take HS Pitcher Matt Smoral

The 2012 MLB draft is next week on June 4 and the Atlanta Braves have the 21st overall pick. With the draft so close more and more mock drafts are being published. The latest comes from ESPN's Keith Law who has the Braves taking high school pitcher Matt Smoral out of Solon (Ohio) High School.

Law also still thinks that the Braves could still take high school short stop Tanner Rahier which happens to be who Law had the Braves take in his prior mock draft. Over at Minor League Ball, they rank Smoral as the No. 28 overall prospect.

One downside of Smoral is that he has missed the entire spring with a foot injury, however teams will be willing to still take Smoral in the first round is that he is a towering 6-feet-8 and already has a 94 mph fastball and his slider and change up show promise.

Here are highlights of Smoral:

For more on the Braves, be sure to head over to Talking Chop. For more on the MLB Draft, head over to Minor League Ball.

2012 MLB Mock Draft: Keith Law Has Braves Selecting Tanner Rahier

We're less than a week away until the 2012 MLB First-Year Player Draft gets underway, and as always, baseball draftniks are publishing a slew of mock drafts. The always-respected Keith Law has posted his latest mock draft over at ESPN Insider, and he has the Braves selecting high school product Tanner Rahier with the No. 21 selection in the draft.

Rahier is committed to play baseball for San Diego, but as always, money talks. Rahier is a 6'2", 205 lb from Indian Wells, California. Per Perfect Game, Rahier is a two-way player, but is a shortstop first and foremost. Rahier participated in the Power Showcase International High School Home Run Derby and maxed out with a pair of home runs over 430 feet -- not too shabby for an 18 year old.

From the mound, Rahier can hit 93 mph, but if selected in the draft, he'll be looked at as a shortstop prospect, as he should be.

For more on the Braves, be sure to head over to Talking Chop. For more on the MLB First-Year Player Draft, head over to Minor League Ball.

MLB Mock Draft 2012: Braves May Select OF Tyler Naquin In First Round

The 2012 MLB Draft is just under a week away. When the event kicks off on June 4, the Atlanta Braves will hold the No. 21 overall pick. One name that has popped up a few times as a potential first-round target for the Braves is Tyler Naquin of Texas A&M.

In the latest mock draft at Baseball America, Jim Callis again suggests that the Braves will use the No. 21 pick to select the Aggies outfielder.

The sophomore bats left and throws right and is currently finishing up his junior year at Texas A&M. He picked up first team All-America honors from College Baseball Insider in 2011, when he led all college players with 104 hits, his .381 average led the Big 12 conference and he led all A&M players in runs, doubles, triples, walks and total bases.

For more on the Braves and the 2012 MLB Draft stay tuned to this StoryStream, check outTalking Chop and Minor League Ball. For more from around Major League Baseball check out Baseball Nation.

MLB Draft 2012: Stryker Trahan A First Round Possibility For Braves

The Atlanta Braves will have the 21st pick in the 2012 MLB Draft that gets underway on June 4. Many are projecting the Braves to take a pitcher with their first round selection but Matt Grabusky of MLB Draft Guide projects Stryker Trahan of Acadiana High School in Lafayette Lousiana to Atlanta.

Baseball Prospect Nation calls Trahan the best catching prospect in the draft and seems like it will be a long shot for him to be available when the Braves pick.

Really intriguing catching prospect with Projectable defensive tools and legit left-handed power. Good feel for the game and a hard worker. Continues to improve behind the plate. Arm is weakest defensive tool and even that will play at the position. Power offensive profile could land him fifth or sixth in the order on a good club. Some questions about his long term hitting ability, but he shows good aptitude AMD solid hands that should let his power play.

For more on the Braves and the 2012 MLB Draft stay tuned to this StoryStream, check outTalking Chop and Minor League Ball. For more from around Major League Baseball check out Baseball Nation.

2012 MLB Mock Draft: Baseball America Projects Tyler Naquin To Braves At No. 21

Baseball America has released their latest 2012 MLB mock draft and they have the Atlanta Braves selecting Texas A&M outfielder Tyler Nanquin at No. 21 overall. This latest mock differs from the prior mock draft that had the Braves taking Georgia Southern outfielder Victor Roache.

During Nanquin's sophomore year at Texas A&M he named an All-American as a sophomore thanks to a .381 average and 104 hits, plus he played for Team USA in the summer of 2011.

Here is a scouting report on Naquin:

Potential tweener. Untested in CF but profile is helped if he can handle the position in pro ball. Solid-average speed, instincts and plus arm give him a good foundation to transition to CF. Has potential to hit and should get on base at a quality level thanks to advanced approach and pitch recognition skills. Power doesn't profile for an outfield corner but would stand up in CF. Could hit .280 with 30 doubles and 12-14 home runs during his best seasons.

For more on the Braves and the 2012 MLB Draft stay tuned to this StoryStream, check out Talking Chop and Minor League Ball. For more from around Major League Baseball check out Baseball Nation.

MLB Mock Draft 2012: Baseball America Projects Victor Roache To Atlanta At No. 21

Baseball America has released its latest mock draft and they have the Atlanta Braves going local with the No. 21 pick and grabbing Georgia Southern outfielder Victor Roache.

21. BRAVES: Atlanta's modus operandi in the last two drafts has been to grab players it get under contract quickly and easily. Georgia Southern outfielder Victor Roache could fit that profile after missing most of the season with a broken left wrist, and he could be a steal here as the best college power hitter in the draft. Given scouting director Tony DeMacio's affinity for lefthanders, Florida's Brian Johnson or Georgia's Alex Wood are possibilities.
Projected Pick: VICTOR ROACHE.

The Braves have had some success drafting local in-state players with Jason Heyward and Brian McCann coming to mind. While a power hitting outfielder makes a lot of sense it is equally possible that the Braves go with pitching this early in the draft.

For more on the Braves and the 2012 MLB Draft stay tuned to this StoryStream and check out Talking Chop. For more from around Major League Baseball check out Baseball Nation.

2012 MLB Draft: Braves Have Just Over $4 Million To Spend On Picks

The Atlanta Braves have the 21st pick in the 2012 Major League Baseball Draft.

MLB Mock Draft 2012: Atlanta Braves Select Tanner Rahier In First Round

Who might the Braves draft in the first round?