Maybe the Atlanta Braves' rebuilding project is going more quickly than expected. Top prospects Dansby Swanson, Ozzie Albies and Mallex Smith are impressing during spring training and could crack the team's MLB roster at some point in 2016.
Braves general manager John Coppolella, who's an integral figure in the team's reconstruction, is beyond pleased with their progress this spring and alluded to the fact that they could reach the bigs sooner rather than later.
"I wouldn't rule anything out right now," he said. "They have all been very impressive, and I don't think they could have shown any better than they have."
Check out each player's stats thus far in spring training:
Swanson - .250/.250/.488 with one run scored and one RBI (eight games, 16 at-bats)
Smith - .350/.381/.850 with five runs scored, one home run and four RBI (eight games, 20 at-bats)
Albies - .353/.421/.529 with four runs scored, one home run and four RBI (eight games, 17 at-bats)
Although Swanson's stats aren't as impressive, he ripped a game-tying RBI triple in the bottom of the ninth earlier in the week against the New York Mets. He's also regarded as a good defender and hit .289/.394/.482 with 19 runs scored, 1 home run and 11 RBI in his first 22 pro games (when he was still with the Arizona Diamondbacks).
According to MLB.com, Swanson is the team's No. 1 overall prospect, followed by Albies (No. 3) and Smith (No. 17). However, those rankings vary from expert to expert. It'll be interesting to see how the Braves utilize Swanson and Albies, both of whom are shortstops (one could make the switch to second base). Additionally, the center field spot is currently occupied by Ender Inciarte, and that's Smith's primary position. The corner spots also feature Nick Markakis and Hector Olivera, so the team will need to do some tinkering if these three (or at least one of them) were to play a significant role with the 2016 club.
Manager Fredi Gonzalez also said he's "impressed" with the three youngsters and that it's been nice to "get a glimpse of them and put them in situations."
Atlanta possesses one of the best farm systems in baseball, and it's now on display in spring training.
