Jesus Sucre

Organization Prospect Rankings

• 
  Ranked Atlanta Braves #27 prospect in 2010
  Since instructional league in 2008, Sucre has made greater strides than any prospect in the system. He entered 2009 with a career batting average of .223 over four pro seasons, including a paltry .182 performance at Danville in 2008. Yet a strong showing in spring training carried over into the regular season at Rome, where he hit for both power and average before making a midseason jump to Myrtle Beach. Pull-happy during his first few years as a pro, Sucre did a much better job putting the barrel of the bat on the ball in 2009, and he must continue to take pitches to the opposite field. He has possessed a cannon for an arm since signing as a 17-year-old, and he threw out 42 percent of basestealers last year. He still needs to continue smoothing out some rough areas with his defense, such as his footwork and lateral mobility. Sucre's offensive and defensive improvements have coincided with his diligent work and becoming more comfortable in speaking English. He has come a long way but still has a ways to go to serve as Brian McCann's backup in Atlanta. Spring training will determine whether Sucre starts the 2010 season in high Class A or Double-A.