ATL AM: Atlanta Sports News 6/8

May 29, 2013; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive back Robert Alford (23) during organized team activities at the Falcons Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

It’s another Saturday, everyone. Hooray for that. In today’s links, we look at one of the Braves picks in the MLB Draft, get another perspective on the Falcons defense, and also get updated on the signing process of one of the Falcons top picks.

For our poll question, I thought it would be good to get your thoughts on the Braves first pick in the MLB Draft, Jason Hursh. If you don’t know much about him or missed the selection completely be sure to check out my write-up of the pick.

For this poll, it’s just a simple yes or no question. If you feel the need to justify your response please let us know in the comments.

TalkingChop–Andrew Sisson writes about the Braves second round pick, Victor Caratini:

"The Braves selected a junior college catcher with their second pick in the 2013 MLB Player Draft. Victor Caratini, listed at 6’2″ 205 lb., is a switch hitter out of Miami Dade Junior College. Only 19-years-old and quite raw at catching position, he is also listed as a 3B (and 2B on the Miami Dade roster).None of his tools project to be quite “All-Star Caliber,” but the bat should still play whether he finds himself at C or 3B long-term. There seem to be mixed feelings about where he will eventually land defensively, but reaching for him in the second round the Braves seem to have faith in working him a quite a bit behind the plate. Either way, his bat, specifically his power, is what will hopefully carry him to the big leagues."

 BloggingDirty–Robert Stephens writes about how good the Falcons defense needs to be next year. Make sure you check out our own piece on the Falcons defense, courtesy of Dustin Black:

"Now don’t get me wrong, I would never suggest that you can do anything more than just get by with a bad defense. But in my last post, I pointed out that the Defense really isn’t all that bad.  They are one of the best teams to keep points off the board.  They had problems covering tight ends in the playoffs and had a hard time stopping the run along with the obvious pass rush problem.  However, except for a single game in Carolina, The Falcons actually fared well against rushing quarterbacks.  Michael Vick was a non-threat, Colin Kaepernick barely rushed at all and the only reason he looked any good statistically was the amount of times the tight end was so incredibly open.  Atlanta took Robert Griffin III out of the game, and was able to hold down Russell Wilson.  The defense is not bad, but it could obviously be improved upon and that’s why so much has gone into improving.  But how much better does it need to be to get the Falcons to the Super Bowl?"

AJC–D. Orlando Ledbetter talks about how the Falcons are close to signing second round cornerback selection, Robert Alford:

"The Falcons, who have signed five of their eight draft picks, are getting close to signing second-round pick Robert Alford, who was selected 60th overall in the NFL draft.The market for Alford is set. Green Bay signed former Alabama running back Eddie Lacy, the 61st overall pick on May 30.According to the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Lacy’s deal with the Green Bay Packers is worth $3.392 million and included an $847,208 signing bonus. Last season’s 61st pick, San Francisco running back LaMichael James was signed for $3.318 million with a signing bonus of $853,744. A total of $1.4 million of the deal was guaranteed.The 60th pick last season, Baltimore’s Kelechi Osemele, signed a four-year deal worth $3.34 million with an $873,360 signing bonus.Alford has been on hand at the OTAs and has been splitting time between the first and second units. He’s also been with the group of players catching punts."