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CarL1 Lynchburg Hillcats

Braves' Farm System Ranked Second in Baseball

February 22, 2011 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Lynchburg Hillcats News Release


In Baseball America's recently released 2011 Prospect Handbook the Atlanta Braves Minor League system was rated as the second best amongst all 30 Major League Baseball organizations. This marks the fourth straight year and the ninth time in the last ten seasons the Braves have been ranked in the top ten. It is also the first time since 2003 they have been ranked as high as second.

Of the top 30 prospects listed in the Braves' system, BA predicts nine will begin the season in Lynchburg with four others listed as potential Hillcats at some point during the 2011 season. Arodys Vizcaino, who ranks as the seventh best prospect, is the highest ranked player that is predicted to begin the season in the Hill City. Prior to the start of last season, Vizcaino was aqcuired by Atlanta in a trade with the New York Yankees. The right-handed starter was ranked as the third best prospect in the Yankees' system in 2010.

Eight of the top ten prospects from the 2010 Prospect Handbook played in the Carolina League at one point with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. That list includes Baseball America's Rookie of the Year Jason Heyward, who was in CL All-Star in 2009 while playing for the Pelicans.

Cincinnati, who served as Lynchburg's parent club in 2010, were ranked as the sixth best farm system in baseball. Of their top 30 prospects, nine donned the Green & Gold last season. Devin Mesoraco, who spent his first 43 games with the Hillcats last year has jumped from the Reds' 30th best prospect last season to their third best in 2011. While catching for the 'Cats last season Mesoraco hit .335 with 10 home runs and 31 RBI before his promotion to Double-A.

The Pittsburgh Pirates, who were the Hillcats Major League affiliate from 1995 to 2009, are sporting 13 former Hillcats in their top 30 prospects list. Alex Presley, who made his major league debut last season, is among the former 'Cats on that list. Presley spent all of the 2008 and 2009 seasons with Lynchburg and made two spectacular catches in the postseason of '09 during the Hillcats run towards the championship. In 2010, former Hillcat Pedro Alvarez was the Pirates top prospect. Alvarez made his major league debut last season as well, batting .256 with 16 home runs and 64 RBI in 95 games with the Pirates. Alvarez helped lead the Hillcats to the 2009 first half Northern Division Championship when he drove in 55 runs in 66 games with Lynchburg.

Season tickets, book tickets and nightly skybox rentals are currently on sale for the 2011 season. The home opener is slated for April 15th at 6:05 p.m. when the Hillcats welcome the Myrtle Beach Pelicans to town. They can be purchased by calling the box office at (434) 528-1144 or online at www.lynchburg-hillcats.com. Ticket purchases can also be made in person at the Lynchburg City Stadium Ticket Office (Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.). Don't miss out on the excitement of the 2011 season as we turn the Hill City into Braves Country!

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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