Atlanta Braves: Top 10 Players To Call Up For September

Oct. 14, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres outfielder Mallex Smith plays for the Surprise Saguaros during an Arizona Fall League game against the Salt River Rafters at Salt River Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

No player in the Atlanta Braves system has made more noise this season than Mallex Smith. It says a lot about Smith that his hit tool is probably going to get him to the MLB considering he’s stolen 137 bases since the beginning of 2014. Smith came over to the Braves as a raw but fast CF prospect that finished the 2014 season strong in High-A. I think it is fair to say that no one quite expected Smith to continue his dominating work all the way to AAA this season.

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This year Mallex began the year at Mississippi and proceeded to terrorize Southern League pitchers with a .340 batting average and an on-base percentage north of .400. He gave the Braves brass no choice but to test him at Gwinnett earlier than anticipated. While Smith struggled to adjust to life in AAA, he was batting .231 at the end of July, he has completely caught fire in August. In 21 August games Smith has batted .351/.390/.447 with 12 stolen bases.

Smith has continued to show that he might give the Braves no choice but to consider him as the CF of the future. A dynamic leadoff man who hits .300, take walks, and steal bases is something the Braves have not seen since the first incarnation of Michael Bourn. Seeing Mallex Smith get some September playing time is something that I am looking forward to most to close out the season.

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