Down on the Farm - Atlanta Pitbulls

Chuck Biscuits - Cobb Times Herald

The Atlanta Pitbulls have enjoyed some solid drafting positions the last few seasons, and as a result have one of the best groups of young talent in Cobb World today. Here's a look at what's going on in the Hot Lanta' farm.

Lyle Crudale Atlanta Pitbulls Age: 24 B/T: L/L Born: Fruita, CO Position(s): 1B/DH View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Hitters

Lyle Crudale, 1b/DB, ML: Crudale is a crushing hitter who can mash both lefties and righties with ease, and is enjoying a fine rookie season for the ML squad with a .312 average in his first season. Grade: Prime

Brook Colin, CF, ML: Colin is a defensive whiz CF with impressive power at the plate. His splits are only slightly above average, but he has good speed and solid baserunning ability. He has greatly improved his batting average and offensive output in his second full year of ML play, including winning the All Star Game MVP. Grade: Prime

Jerome Mancuso, LF, LoA: Mancuso is a hitter in the same mold as Lyle Crudale, with remarkably similar hitting stats. Mancuso is a little weaker vs. lefties, but is the fastest player on the team and has the best baserunning skills in the organization. He will be a terror in the leadoff position once he matures. Grade: Prime

Tanner Halama Atlanta Pitbulls Age: 20 B/T: S/R Born: Channelview, TX Position(s): P (SP1) View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Pitchers

Tanner Halama, SP, AA: Halama is a top notch pitching prospect, currently residing in AA for the Pitbulls. Halama has control, splits, and velocity all projected between 80-90, and has 5 good pitches, including a projected 98 rated 1st pitch. His only weakness is a tendency to give up some flyballs. Grade: Prime

Julio Olmeda, SP, AA: Olmeda is a good SP prospect with high splits and velocity, and an above average pitch selection. His control is only average, and his pitches while good aren't elite. He also gives up fly balls with regularity. A nice prospect, but not as nice as Halama. Grade: Choice

Omar Valenzuela, SP, AAA: Valenzuela is a crafty control pitcher with great splits and and an impressive pitch selection. His GB/FB ratio is good, and he is healthy and durable as well. He doesn't have much heat on his pitches, but that is no big deal as his first pitch projects to an 88, and has 4 other pitches all projected to rate in the 50's or higher. The only concern is that he may have been rushed to AAA too soon, and as a result might not fully develop leaving his splits only above average instead of great. Grade: Choice