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Mallex Smith: The Atlanta Braves Speediest Prospect

By Jonathan Savitske

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When the Atlanta Braves traded left-fielder Justin Upton to the San Diego Padres in December, they received multiple prospects in return from the Friars.

Included in the deal was Jace Peterson (a utility infielder who has already made an impact with the Atlanta Braves this season), Dustin Peterson (a power hitting third baseman currently in the minors), Max Fried (a top pitching prospect sidelined from an arm injury), and Mallex Smith.

-= Related: Tyrell Jenkins: The Next Great Braves Pitcher? =-

Though Max Fried was most certainly the focal point of the deal that sent the Braves’ power hitting outfielder to the west coast, Mallex Smith is the most intriguing. Smith is a contact hitting blur of speed, whose plate discipline and predilection to work the count will fit seamlessly into the Atlanta Braves’ and Kevin Seitzer’s new philosophy of playing small-ball — once he is ready to make the jump to the big leagues.

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Mallex Smith is a prototypical leadoff hitter, displaying the ability to make consistent contact with the ball and to successfully swipe bases. Since his début in the Atlanta Braves’ minor league system in AA Mississippi at the beginning of the season, Smith has played remarkably well. He stole 23 bases in 57 games played, while batting .340 and slugging .430. He also drove in 22 runs.

Though Mallex Smith notched impressive numbers while playing in Mississippi, he has struggled since his promotion in June to the Atlanta Braves’ AAA affiliate Gwinnett. In 18 games played for the G-Braves, he is batting .205 with only 7 stolen bases. One can attribute his struggles to facing a better caliber of pitching at the Triple-A level, and perhaps some other growing pains a young player usually faces when moving through the minors.

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Mallex Smith possesses a set of skills that the Atlanta Braves have not had on their team since Michael Bourn was a member of the club. The ability to hit for average, get on base, steal bases and consistently score runs as a leadoff hitter is something the team has not had in their lineup in what feels like an eternity. Another top Braves’ prospect, Jose Peraza, possesses the ability to leadoff, and could be paired with Mallex Smith atop the Braves’ lineup as early as next year.

The Atlanta Braves have an impressive stable of young prospects such as Mallex Smith and Jose Peraza waiting in the wings, ready to contribute in the near future. Smith’s progress has been excellent so far in his time in the organization, and is the team’s center-fielder of the future. If the Braves trade Cameron Maybin before the end of July, Smith could receive a September call-up so the team and fans can get an early look at him.

The future is bright, Braves fans. It may take a while to see Mallex Smith in the Majors, but once he enters the show, he will not disappoint.

Next: Atlanta Braves: Five All-Star Pitcher Wish List

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