Time to get back to business.
I usually head over to fangraphs.com, daily, to see what new articles they have. Excitingly (for me), they have started evaluating the 2016 prospects, which means I check to see what Valley League prospects might be named.
On the Atlanta Braves’ list, former Staunton Brave Max Povse (2013) cracked the top ten, coming in at #9 overall. This is what Dan Farnsworth wrote about Max:
9. Max Povse RHP
Current Level/Age: A+/22.6, 6’8″/185 A+, R/R
Acquired: Drafted 102nd overall (3rd round) in 2014 out of North Carolina-Greensboro by ATL for $425,000
Previous Rank: 31A tall, lanky righty with good body control for his size, Povse put up impressive numbers in A-level Rome before getting promoted to the Carolina Mudcats this year. He features a fastball that sits in the low-90s and a developing curveball and changeup. His secondary pitches flash above-average, though presently they are not as useful as his hard-running fastball. He made his last start in July due to a non-serious injury issue.
While Povse has limited walks very well so far in his minor league career, bouts of wildness crop up occasionally, although less than you might expect from his tall frame. He has a solid delivery with good arm action, using his whole body very well. He can sling the ball a bit out to the side when he sinks into his back leg too far, but overall his delivery is pretty consistent and conducive to command gains.
Without a clear go-to pitch for a secondary offering, Povse may go down the relief route eventually. That said, I like his athleticism on the mound enough to think he parlays his control into three average or better pitches, and stays on the starter track.
I’m excited about Max long-term, if he can stay healthy. With his size and stuff, he has a chance to help the Braves in a year or two!
All Things Valley League 