Carlos Duran

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #20 prospect in 2004
  Duran may have had the most disappointing 2003 season of any Braves prospect outside of righthander Gonzalo Lopez, who ranked in the top 10 a year ago. Despite possessing as many tools as anyone in the system, he stumbled throughout the summer in high Class A. Most disappointing was his lack of dedication on a daily basis. He hit just .224, 61 points below his previous career average, constantly giving away at-bats with his lack of patience at the plate. At his best, Duran has a smooth swing with plus speed and the natural instincts to make things happen on the field. Those traits were obvious when he ranked fourth in hits and fifth in runs in the South Atlantic League in 2002. He has shown the legs and ability to man center field, and his arm is strong enough to handle any of the three outfield positions. The Braves hope his maturity and intensity will increase this year, which he may have to start with a return to Myrtle Beach.
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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #7 prospect in 2003
  Macon featured one of the better outfields in low Class A last year, with Duran joined by Gregor Blanco, Angelo Burrows and Greg Miller. Duran combined his speed and hitting to lead the South Atlantic League in triples while ranking fourth in hits and fifth in runs. Duran has incredible instincts that enhance his natural tools. He has a smooth swing and the speed to allow him to create havoc on the basepaths. He continues to add power and could hit 20 home runs annually. Defensively, he owns a strong arm and gets good jumps on balls hit into the gaps. Opposing managers liked the way he carried himself last year. Duran must understand the importance of playing with intensity at all times. He gave away too many at-bats last season because he lacks patience. He has to work deeper counts to see more advantageous pitches. He also needs to learn the nuances of basestealing after being caught 17 times in 40 attempts. The Braves are in no hurry to push Duran, who will move up to high Class A this year. He has the potential to be an all-star if he can refine all five of his tools.
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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #5 prospect in 2002
  Duran debuted in the United States in 2001, after leading the Rookielevel Venezuelan Summer League with six triples while hitting .306-8-41 the previous year. He wound up leading Atlanta's Rookie-level Gulf Coast League club in batting, runs, hits, doubles and stolen bases as the league's fifth-best prospect. A potential five-tool player, Duran is making rapid progress in all phases of the game. He has great instincts and makes everything look easy. Duran has above-average speed with excellent range in center field, a good arm and the ability to make contact at the plate. His GCL manager Rick Albert said Duran won five games with his glove alone. Nothing in Duran's game needs the kind of improvement that experience won't solve. He's still making adjustments to playing in a different country and against top-flight competition, and he must consistently get the most of his tools. He needs to get stronger, which should come naturally, and show more patience at the plate. Duran's first two professional seasons have the Braves excited about his future. The organization expects him to prove in spring training that he's ready to make the jump to low Class A.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked South Atlantic League #12 prospect in 2002
  Macon and Capital City fielded the league's most athletic outfields. The Braves featured three tools-heavy flycatchers, with Duran overshadowing Gregor Blanco and Angelo Burrows. A pure five-tool player, Duran combined speed and hitting skill to lead the circuit in triples while ranking fourth in hits and fifth in runs. He has a strong arm, and his instincts for the game are obvious. Most managers liked the way he carried himself much more than the way Blanco did. "He's just a puppy," Macon manager Lynn Jones said. "He's still learning the game and getting stronger. When everything comes together as he continues to mature, I think he's going to be a productive all-around player."
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  Ranked Florida Complex League #5 prospect in 2001
  Duran has a chance to be a five-tool talent, but the only superior tools he brought to the park on a consistent basis in 2001 were speed and defensive skills. He gets great jumps in center field and has excellent range. Braves manager Rick Albert said Duran won five games with his glove alone. A leadoff hitter, Duran puts the ball in play effectively but has work to do despite batting .304. His plate discipline could stand some improvement, as could his strength. "He needs to drive the ball better," Expos manager Dave Dangler said. "If the ball's away, he's just a slap hitter."

• December, 2000 Scouting Report
  Duran has a chance to be a five-tool talent, but the only superior tools he brought to the park on a consistent basis in 2001 were speed and defensive skills. He gets great jumps in center field and has excellent range. Braves manager Rick Albert said Duran won five games with his glove alone. A leadoff hitter, Duran puts the ball in play effectively but has work to do despite batting .304. His plate discipline could stand some improvement, as could his strength. "He needs to drive the ball better," Expos manager Dave Dangler said. "If the ball's away, he's just a slap hitter."