MLB.com announced the 2011 version of its Top 50 Prospects and three Braves made the top 21. Pitcher Julio Teheran was named No. 10 while first baseman Freddie Freeman checked in at No. 17, followed by lefty Mike Minor at No. 21.
The site also announced baseball's top ten prospects at each position and the three made appearances at their respective positions.
For righthanded pitchers, Teheran was named No. 2. MLB.com said of the Braves righty:
Teheran jumped on the fast track in 2010, pitching across three levels. He's got a terrific three-pitch mix (fastball, changeup, curve), all of which are at least above-average. Just 20, his command on the mound belies his years and that, combined with his stuff, points to a future at the top of a rotation
Minor was named No. 4 on the list of top lefthanders.
Minor's stuff was pretty good at Vanderbilt, but he fit more of the sensible lefty mold. As a professional, though, his stuff has been much better than expected. His fastball has gained a few ticks, his changeup is a plus pitch and his curve has improved as well. He can throw all three pitches for strikes
Finally, Freeman was No. 2 on the list of first basemen
He belongs on any list for 2011 National League Rookie of the Year Award candidates, and not just because he'll have the opportunity to play every day for Atlanta. He might not have the best power in this group, but there's plenty more than what he's shown to date (though he did have 35 doubles and 18 homers in 2010). His smooth left-handed swing should allow him to hit for average and drive in runs right out of the gate.
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