The Braves announced their first round of cuts, according to David O'Brien. The list is as follows:
Julio Teheran
Arodys Vizcaino
Randall Delgado
Erik Cordier
Michael Broadway
Jay Sborz
Brett Oberholtzer
Lee Hyde
Jose Ortegano
Christian Bethancourt
Braeden Schlehuber
Jesus Sucre
Tyler Pastornicky
Mycal Jones
The minor league pitchers are quick to leave due to the innings increase by the main pitchers for Atlanta. The rotation will go five innings in each start the next time through, so innings are scarce, and there's really no room for any more showcasing.
Cordier, Hyde and Ortegano were optioned to AAA. Delgado was optioned to AA. The rest were assigned to minor league camp.
Teheran was solid in two outings, allowing three hits and no runs, no walks and one strikeout. He battled back spasms early in camp, so he may have finished an inning or two short, but it doesn't take away from how he did.
Vizcaino was perhaps the most impressive of the three, allowing four hits and no runs, no walks and four strikeouts in four innings. His fastball was very live and was said to have topped in the high-90s to 100. It's very encouraging following the elbow tendinitis that sidelined him for some time in 2010, though the injury scare is always there with his mechanics.
Delgado was also impressive, responding from a rather shaky first inning where he allowed a run by pitching two near-perfect innings after that. He didn't walk any and struck out three. Perhaps the best part of seeing these three pitch is the fact that they threw strikes. No walks, pure gas.
Oberholtzer pitched six solid innings this spring, allowing an unearned run on three hits, two walks and one strikeout. He seems to be in the conversation as best pitching prospect outside the top three, though I will hold off on that one.
Mycal Jones finished 2-10 with a double, RBI, two walks and three strikeouts. He seems to have made the transition to center field very well, and he spent the entire spring out there. Look for him in AA this season.
Tyler Pastornicky finished 1-3 with a RBI. He is someone I am high on, and I will be watching him this season to see how close he can get to the majors. I expect at least half a season from him in AAA.