Blaine Boyer

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #12 prospect in 2006
  Yet another rookie who contributed to Atlanta's NL East title in 2005, Boyer didn't seem big league-ready when he struggled with inconsistency during his first two months in Double-A. Once he straightened himself out, he quickly became a mainstay in the Braves bullpen, which missed him in the postseason when shoulder soreness sidelined him. A starter throughout most of his pro career, Boyer made steady albeit slow progress prior to last season. His most impressive pitch always has been his heavy low-90s fastball that produces groundouts. He also can strike out hitters with his plus curveball. His changeup improved last summer but lacks the depth and fade to be a reliable pitch at this point. Boyer showed more maturity upon reaching Atlanta after wearing his emotions on his sleeve earlier in his career. Provided he can pick up where he left off before having shoulder problems, he should remain a fixture in Atlanta.
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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #10 prospect in 2005
  Boyer is a product of the same Walton High (Marietta, Ga.) program that produced big leaguers Marc Pisciotta and Chris Stowers and recent Red Sox draft picks Scott White (third round, 2002) and Mickey Hall (second, 2003). Boyer has moved slowly, reaching high Class A in his fifth pro season, but he has made steady progress and led the system in innings pitched in 2004. Boyer operates with two plus pitches. His heavy sinker sits at 92-93 mph and generates plenty of groundball outs. His sharp curveball is a potential strikeout pitch. His command continues to get better each season. Boyer's changeup lags behind his other two pitches, and its development will determine whether he becomes a starter or reliever. He spent all of 2002 in the latter role before returning to the rotation. While he has matured in the last two seasons, he must remember to keep control of his emotions on the mound. In 2005, Boyer finally will get his first taste of Double-A. His long-term role is still undetermined, but if he puts everything together it's possible that he could be a big league closer in the future.
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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #16 prospect in 2004
  After spending all of 2002 in the low Class A Macon bullpen, Boyer returned to the same role at the beginning of 2003 in Rome. Shifted to the rotation in mid-April, he won just three of his first 11 decisions. Farm director Dayton Moore had a heart-to-heart talk with him, and from then on he did nothing but dominate, going 9-0, 2.08 over his final 11 starts. His turnaround came because he learned from his mistakes. Previously, Boyer became so emotional on the mound that he struggled to comprehend what was happening and why. With added maturity, he has shown signs of becoming a three-pitch pitcher. His stuff improved during his hot stretch. His heavy fastball ranged from the low to mid-90s with good movement, and his plus curveball maintained its sharp break. He still needs to command his changeup more effectively, but overall he has taken major steps in his development. While he's scheduled to start 2004 in the high Class A rotation, Boyer could develop into a closer in the long term.
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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #22 prospect in 2003
  Boyer had a rough initiation into low Class A last year, giving up 13 earned runs in his first 13 innings. Yet just as it appeared that a demotion might be necessary, he bordered on untouchable. Boyer put together 16 straight scoreless outings and allowed just 11 earned runs in his last 57 innings, then continued to make progress during instructional league. Boyer has two plus pitches: a heavy fastball that has been clocked as high as 95 mph and a sharp-breaking curveball. During instructional league, he had more consistency with his curve and did a better job of incorporating a developing changeup into his repertoire. After showing a lack of concentration as a starter in 2001, Boyer displayed the makeup to develop as a power closer. He must do a better job of mixing his pitches, which should occur once he polishes all of his offerings and builds confidence. Boyer also battles with his control as well as the consistency of his release point. Nevertheless, his progress at Macon was impressive, leaving the Braves interested to see what develops in high Class A this year.