The Atlanta Braves have seen their farm system take a bit of a hit with the recent promotions of Freddie Freeman, Mike Minor and others to the Majors, but it was still well-represented as MLB.com unveiled their top-100 prospects for 2012. There were five Braves on the list, including one player in the top-5 and three in the top-50.
We have the rankings after the jump, as well as a snippet from their scouting report. And don't forget to check out SB Nation Atlanta's top-10 Braves prospect rankings, as well.
Julio Teheran came in fourth.
Scouting report: With three pitches that grade as above-average or better, there's good reason the Braves are excited about Teheran. With a clean delivery, he delivers fastballs in the mid-90s, and though he still looks like he could add some strength, durability and maintaining velocity have not been issues. To complement his fastball, Teheran also throws a curve and changeup, both above-average to plus, and he commands all three of his pitches well.
Arodys Vizcaino came in at No. 36.
Scouting report: Completely healthy after missing time in 2010 with an elbow issue, the key prospect the Braves got from the Yankees in the Javier Vazquez deal has the chance to have three above-average to plus pitches. His fastball sits in the low-to-mid 90s, and when he was working in shorter relief stints, he could reach back for a little more. He has a plus curve to go with the fastball and his changeup has improved tremendously.
Randall Delgado was No. 42.
Scouting report: Delgado will be 22 for all of 2012 and is ready to contribute full time at the big league level. He has a solid three-pitch mix with his breaking ball as his best pitch. He'll throw his fastball consistently in the low 90s and his changeup is a more than usable option. He has struggled with command at times in his career, but he's also shown an ability to make adjustments as he's moved up the ladder.
Andrelton Simmons at No. 65.
Scouting report: The Curacao native and junior-college product might be ready to play defense in the big leagues right now, with a plus arm and outstanding range. He can hit, too, with excellent bat speed and an innate ability to make consistent contact. He doesn't strike out much, but he doesn't walk, either, and is a little too aggressive at the plate. He has the same approach on the basepaths, and once he learns how to rein it in a bit, he could become a very good all-around shortstop.
And Christian Bethancourt at No. 91.
Bethancourt is an extremely athletic catcher who has the chance to be a special all-around receiver. Scouts who saw him in the Arizona Fall League raved about Betancourt's athleticism behind the plate to go along with a plus arm, though he still needs work defensively on things like blocking balls in the dirt. He doesn't walk, but he also doesn't strike out, making consistent hard contact and showing good raw power. He runs very well for a catcher.
That's a solid showing from the Braves, and it's good to see Teheran see some recognition. The most notable player left off the list would be first round pick Sean Gilmartin, who likely just missed the cut.