It's time to start getting ready to ignore Adrian Beltre in 2011 drafts. His numbers put him in the top 25 players according to 5x5 league standings before including his grand slam last night. While he probably won't go that high next year I'm starting to think he'll go to high. This could all change based on where he is playing, but the power numbers are all you can count on. His average has been boosted by a .359 BABIP, which is the highest number in his entire career.
In the middle of the third win in a row was Jake Arrieta who collected his fourth win. He has had a tough introduction to the majors throwing more walks than strikeouts. Last night he was able to throw only 1 walk for the first time in a game and only his fifth game with more strikeouts (3) than walks. He was the 99th ranked prospect by Baseball America this year, so he has some skill to watch. He just isn't ready to pitch at the major league level yet.
Speaking of young pitchers the Braves are planning to start young pitcher Mike Minor on Monday against the Astros. He's not an uber prospect, but he is well polished. He has had solid K/BB numbers in the minors this year and at Triple-A he has had a very nice 30+ IP. I wouldn't normally recommend a young pitcher in his first game, but can the empty Astros lineup be much more than his current Triple-A competition?
