Baseball America releases Braves Top 20 prospects and more news and notes from around the major leagues.
Braves news
Baseball America updates Braves Top 20 prospect ranking
The list is still topped by Jose Peraza but several new players who were picked up via trade this winter highlight the Top 20.
Four of the Braves' current Top 10 prospects have been brought in through offseason trades. The Braves have traded away two close-to-the-big-leagues-but lower-ceiling prospects in Kyle Kubitza and Chasen Shreve and have brought in prospects who are further away but have a better chance of being impact players.
Speaking of prospects. Talking Chop's Ian Morris caught up with Tyrell Jenkins for a Q and A session. Jenkins checks in at No. 10 on Baseball America's list.
Could the Braves still trade Evan Gattis?
Its possible that last year's everyday catcher Evan Gattis could still be dealt but its looking more and more likely that he will be in left field for the Braves to start the 2015 season. MLB.com's Mark Bowman examines Gattis' situation in his latest mailbag.
If Gattis distances himself from this past season's back injury and remains healthy, there is a chance he could compile approximately 200 more plate appearances in 2015 and potentially have a greater impact on the club's offensive output. But if his offense doesn't compensate for his defensive limitations, there would be reason to second-guess the decision to keep him in Atlanta.
Why did the Angels trade Ricardo Sanchez?
When the Braves traded for Ricardo Sanchez some fans had to wonder what was the catch. Sanchez was the Angels No. 3 prospect and Atlanta was able to get him for what amounted essentially to spare parts. The AJC's David O'Brien explains.
Not to worry, Braves fans. He's not recovering from TJ surgery and his stock had not slipped. The Angels did it because they were trading from a position of strength and depth - nine of their top 10 prospects were pitchers before the deal - and were looking to acquire a third baseman who might be ready to step in a year from now if David Freese leaves as a free agent after 2015.
MLB News
Diamondbacks in the mix for James Shields
Ken Rosenthal reports that the Arizona Diamondbacks are among teams that are in the mix for right handed pitcher James Shields. Rosenthal also reports that the Diamondbacks' inclusion in the Shields chase shows that the market for the free agent pitcher is not in the $100 million ballpark as was previously reported.
Padres still chasing Cole Hamels
Jon Heyman reports that the San Diego Padres are still in pursuit of Phillies' left handed starter Cole Hamels.
Fresh off a trio of bold impact moves to rework their entire outfield and the middle of their lineup, the aggressive Padres are still said to be alive for another potential blockbuster, this one involving Philly's ace left-hander Cole Hamels -- although, others teams also are in the mix, and ultimately it isn't known exactly how likely San Diego is to land Hamels, a hometown hero from San Diego.