The Braves are preparing for the second half of the season amid the All-Star break with all fans’ eyes on the trade deadline, but the organization’s immediate focus early this week was all on the MLB Draft.
That wrapped up today, and opinions of Atlanta’s top pick, Cam Caminiti, are coming in. Keith Law described him as the best high school pitcher in the class, and the two-way athlete was among Kiley McDaniel of ESPN’s favorite picks.
The two best high school pitchers in the draft both slipped further down the board than anyone would’ve guessed. Caminiti seemed to have landing spots all through the teens and as high as the back of the top 10. Mayfield had lots of interest in the Nos. 11-15 area and more into the early 20s.
Both pitchers have frontline potential if it clicks, namely because of their breaking balls. I’d bet at least one of them takes off in pro ball. Atlanta and San Diego have both found success with these types of pitchers in the past.
The Braves picked a pitcher with their first-round pick for the fifth consecutive cycle. The last position player that was selected in the first round was Shea Langeliers.
Alex Anthopoulos and his staff clearly place a premium on the position because of the way the sport is trending. Organizations can never have enough pitching, especially with the uptick in injuries.
Coming out of high school, the expectation is that the Braves won’t see Caminiti in Atlanta for years, but replenishing the lower levels of the farm system is just as important as bolstering the higher levels.
Keith Law gave one of the most important compliments I think a prospect could receive, “the best combination of present ability and future projection.”
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Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire
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