Embarrassment Of Riches For Braves

ATLANTA—The Braves enter spring training with more questions than answers regarding their big league rotation. A similar situation will unfold at the Class A levels, although those issues involve an excess of options as opposed to a perceived lack of depth.

Numerous trades made over the past two years as well as an impressive 2015 draft class could create a logjam at high Class A Carolina and low Class A Rome. The Braves realize these situations have a way of working out, but the possibilities are intriguing.

“Rome could be so loaded that several guys will end up in extended spring training,” said Braves general manager John Coppolella. “There’s a chance some guys may get frustrated, but it also creates competition, which is something every organization hopes to have in their farm system.”

The traffic jam could start with a trickle-down effect, beginning with the development—or lack thereof—shown by the likes of Rob Whalen, Zack Bird and Wes Parsons during spring training. Whalen is the most likely of the three to make a jump to Double-A Mississippi.

Other strong candidates for the Carolina rotation include Seth Furney, Caleb Beech and Zack Quintana, all of whom pitched well at Rome last year, and Tyler Brosius, who did not take the mound after being injured in the Mudcats’ bus wreck in early May.

Another pitcher on the bubble between the Carolina and South Atlantic leagues is Touki Toussaint, a Top 100 Prospect who has struggled with his control as a professional after being drafted in the first round by Arizona in 2014.

As far as the 2015 draft class is concerned, Kolby Allard, the 15th overall selection and a Top 100 Prospect, is coming off back surgery, making his starting point for the season uncertain. Fellow first-rounder Mike Soroka should earn a job in the Rome rotation, while second-round pick A.J. Minter is coming off the Tommy John surgery he had last March at Texas A&M.

WIGWAM WISPS

• Braves bullpen coach Eddie Perez managed Aragua to the Venezuelan Winter League title after trailing two games to none in the championship series.

• Righthander Mike Foltynewicz continues to make steady progress after having surgery to have a rib removed, though he’ll enter spring training a couple of weeks behind on his normal throwing program.