The Future of the Braves (Center Fielder Edition)

Hitting another single? I just hope no one realizes he can't hit an inside fastball before we can trade him.

After looking at the most depressing spot in the organization, center field comes as much needed relief as there are multiple options to play this season and next season. All are cheap and young. So let's get into it.

Right now, Gregor Blanco has had more major league at-bats this season, but he might be losing his spot. For the season, Blanco is hitting .254/.370/.312 with 1 HR, 47 R, 12 2B, and 4 3B. His average isn't that good, and his slugging percentage is horrendous. However, that OBP is pretty good. Unfortunately, for a guy with his speed, he only has 11 SB while being caught 5 times. If he wants to be the leadoff guy, this has to improve. Defensively, he's pretty good. He has good range and a good arm, especially for his small stature. Still, his utter lack of power is troubling when the Braves have other options who are as good or better. I say he gets traded while people focus too much on his unusually high OBP.

Josh Anderson is my pick to start next year in center field. In AAA, he hit .314/.358/.405 with 4 HR and 25 2B, which gives him more power (albeit he didn't have to do much). Those doubles come in very handy in the leadoff spot. Also, he has 42 SB in 49 chances, and if the Braves don't need those, I don't know what they need. Defensively, he's also a good defender with range and a decent arm. The biggest advantage for Blanco over Anderson is that he gets on base a bit more through walks, but considering the 12 point difference, there doesn't seem to be that much of a difference other than Blanco did it at the major league level. The clincher for me? Anderson's from Kentucky!

The next option is Jordan Schafer in AA Mississippi. He hurt his development by being suspended for using HGH, but he's played well lately. He's back in the good graces of the organization, and Wren even stated they haven't lost any faith in him. Still, this probably means he won't be the center fielder next season as he'll probably start off in Richmond. This season, he's hit .269/.384/.471 with 10 HR, 18 2B, and 6 3B while stealing 12 bases in 17 attempts in 86 games. He is also a very good defender and would play very capably in center. For an interesting thought, could he play left while keeping Anderson in center? He has some power, and he would be cheaper than anyone on the free-agent market. It probably won't happen, but it's a thought.

After Schafer, the Braves have an exciting player in Gorkys Hernandez down in High A. He has a .264/.348/.387 line with 5 HR, 23 2B, 6 3B, and 20 SB in 24 attempts. He would be the leadoff guy of the future for the Braves, and like the others, he can play center well. Chances are he'll be in AA next season and AAA the year after. Either the Myrtle Beach team is that good or their park allows for really good players. I would say that maybe the place is a hitter's park, but the pitchers have done really well, too. If they are this good, the Braves could be getting very good in about two years.

Center field is a bright spot in the Braves organization. With many good options, the Braves should be set here, and could use some of the excess to make trades for other pieces. For the next 6 to 7 years, center field should be just fine.