Braves General Manager John Coppolella in the press box at AT&T Field.
photo by Tim Evearitt
John Coppolella , the Atlanta Braves General Manager, was on hand in Chattanooga Monday night at AT&T Field to watch the M-Braves - particularly Ozzie Albies, the 19-year old Braves' top prospect.
With him were three other team execs, primarily for the purpose of deciding whether to bring Albies to the big league club in September when the Major League rosters expand.
Mark Bowman, MLB.com's beat reporter for the Braves had this to say when asked whether he thought Albies would join the Braves in September.
"Albies is not a lock to be added after Atlanta's roster expands on Thursday. In fact, right now I'd say it's questionable at best that we will see the highly regarded 19-year-old prospect at the big league level this season.
The Braves were comfortable with promoting Dansby Swanson from Double-A Mississippi to the Majors two weeks ago. But while these two players have been linked dating back to the start of Spring Training, it must be remembered Swanson is three years older and more mature from both a physical and social aspect.
Albies has batted .291/.358/.410 with Triple-A Gwinnett and Mississippi this season, and he has also transitioned to second base because the Braves determined Swanson was the better long-term fit at shortstop. The switch-hitting Albies has produced an .880 OPS in 156 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers and a .726 OPS in 431 plate appearances against right-handers.
When Spring Training begins, there is a chance Albies will be projected to begin next season as Atlanta's starting second baseman. But as things currently stand, he may not get a taste of the big leagues this year."
Ozzie Albies waiting on-deck for his first at-bat Monday night.
photo by Tim Evearitt