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The Atlanta Braves have built their franchise up through pitching, pitching and more pitching over the years. After taking two starters (Mike Minor, Sean Gilmartin) with two of their last three first round picks, you can bet the club will be looking heavily at pitchers when it's their turn to pick at the 2012 MLB Draft.
Armed with the No. 21 overall pick in the first round, there are quite a few ways Atlanta could go. A pitcher is always possible, but the club may feel the need to add an outfielder or third baseman due to the lack of organizational depth.
Keith Law of ESPN recently released his first mock draft of the year. He has the Braves selecting Tanner Rahier in the first round.
Tanner Rahier, Palm Desert (Calif.) H.S.
Rahier is one of the most advanced prep bats in this class and at least has a chance to stick at short, though his body looks like that of a third baseman. I heard Missouri State righty Pierce Johnson a lot here before he got hurt. Atlanta is also in on Brian Johnson, Davis and Smoral if the team is sufficiently comfortable with the reports on the foot injury that caused him to miss some time.
The 2012 MLB Draft is just about three weeks away. Where will the Braves go with their first round pick? Stay tuned to SB Nation Atlanta for complete coverage throughout.
For more on the club, check out Talking Chop.