22. Adam Milligan, OF
B/T: L/R 2011 Age: 23 Ht: 6'3" Wt: 210
2010: (A+) 21 G, .200/.277/.376, 3 2B, 4 HR, 8 RBI, 9 BB, 35 K
Adam Milligan has always been high on the Braves' board. He was drafted three separate times by them, finally signing after being taken in the sixth round in 2008. Milligan comes out of Tennessee and Walters State Community College.
Milligan made a name for himself in 2009 at A- Rome, hitting .345/.393/.589 for a .981 OPS, 10 homers and 33 RBI in 214 plate appearances. He quickly put himself on the map, being ranked fairly high on most lists after just one full season as a pro. However, the one knock was 12 walks to 43 strikeouts at Rome, which never looks good.
Milligan only received 94 plate appearances in 2010 due to a shoulder injury. He spent those 21 games at A+ Myrtle Beach, where his walks and strikeouts continued to look awful, but it's tough to take anything from it. What it does do is make people focus on it that much more in 2011. Milligan has been hurt more than once, and it has gotten to the point where it is hindering his development. He will be 23 this coming season and will more than likely be spending an entire season at A+, which will be his third appearance there. If he can return to his numbers from 2009, he could be on the fast track to AA. If he starts slow, he could easily be attempting the transition to AA at the age of 24, and with his walk rates so far, it may not be easy for him.
Milligan has a body projected for power from the left side. He displays a solid power swing with the ability to lift. As mentioned more than once already, however, the swing is exploited and a lack of plate discipline can cause problems down the road. As he progresses, it's worth keeping an eye on how he fares against higher competition. For now, questions about how quickly he will be able to prove himself due to injuries are holding him back. It won't necessarily take a repeat of 2009 to inch higher on my list. A healthy season with respectable on-base numbers and good power will put some confidence back into people.
Three Things to Look For in 2011: 1) Rebound Season 2) Walks 3) A Chance At AA
Destination in 2011: Majority, if not all, at A+; age could speed him up to AA if he starts hot
ETA: Late 2012 or 2013
Ceiling: Middle of the Order Slugger
My Prediction: Average to Above Average Starting Outfielder in Majors