rising stars

Andrelton Simmons, likely to be the Mississippi Braves’ shortstop next season, rose to No. 4 on the Atlanta Braves’ top prospects list (as compiled by Baseball America). Simmons was also rated the best defensive infielder and best infield arm in the system in 2011. Right-hander Zeke Spruill checks in at No. 8; he went 3-2 with a 3.20 ERA for the M-Braves after a late-season promotion from Class A Lynchburg, where he was 7-9, 3.19. Spruill should be back in Pearl, potentially as the No. 1 starter. Catcher Christian Bethancourt was rated No. 9, and he probably will make his Double-A debut in 2012. Jumping in at No. 5 is lefty Sean Gilmartin, the Braves’ top draft pick last June. There’s no reason for Atlanta to rush Gilmartin considering all the quality arms in the upper levels of the system, but he still might make it to Pearl in 2012. Mike Minor, another college-tested lefty, opened in Double-A a year after being drafted in the first round. Also of note: Joey Terdoslavich was rated the top power hitter in the system and Todd Cunningham the best defensive outfielder. Both are candidates for Mississippi’s club next season.
P.S. Props to former M-Braves catcher and current Atlanta star Brian McCann, who won another National League Silver Slugger award. McCann actually had an off-year, batting .270 with 24 homers and 71 RBIs, but he was still the best overall hitter in Atlanta’s lineup.