1. Jason Heyward, OF
DOB: 8/9/89
Height/Weight: 6-4/220
Bats/Throws: L/L
Drafted/Signed: 1st round, 2007, Henry County HS (GA)
2008 Stats: .323/.388/.483, .262 EqA at Low-A (120 G); .182/.240/.273, .156 EqA at High-A (7 G)
Last Year's Ranking: 2
Year in Review: This former first-round pick more than lived up to expectations in his first full season.
The Good: The most notable thing about Heyward is that he's a great player now who still has incredible room for growth. He's a massive, intimidating presence at the plate who has a very good feel for the strike zone, and he makes consistent hard contact. Despite hitting just 11 home runs in 2008, he still projects for plus power down the road due to his size and raw strength. He's a good outfielder with a plus arm, and Braves officials rave about his work ethic.
The Bad: Heyward's power is still in the raw category, and he'll need to develop some life in his swing. Some scouts would also like to see him become less contact-conscious and more focused on power. He's an average-rated runner now, but that will likely decrease over the next few years as his immense frame fills out.
Fun Fact: If you're wondering what Heyward's hometown looks like, just watch the original Smokey and The Bandit, as much of it was filmed in McDonough, Georgia.
Perfect World Projection: He should be a run-producing impact hitter who bats third for a championship-level team
Glass Half Empty: The power may never explode, and he could end up being a good everyday player, as opposed to a great one.
Path To The Big Leagues: Heyward is the kind of prospect that take any opportunity he gets, and the Braves certainly need some help in the outfield. That said, he's still two or three years away.
Timetable: Heyward will take the next step by beginning the year at High-A Myrtle Beach. The goal is to have him ready for the upper levels the following year, and he has an outside chance of tasting the big leagues before his 21st birthday.
heres what i found on him
lol @ smokey and the bandit quote
overall that .300/30/whatever looks like his celing and his floor looks to be a good outfielder that hits about 15-20 homers a year
but were gona have to wait more than a year it looks like, he (like many other prospects) has a legitimate chance of flopping
i really hope the best for the kid, i just think its a little premature to suck his dick