By Robert Sherry

Adam Wainwright: The Braves first (#29 overall) of four first round selections in the 2000 draft, this 19-year-old righty out of Glynn Academy pitched very well in his first chance at pro ball and looks like he become the next in a long line of top pitching prospects that the Braves have been able to add to their organization.

At 6-foot-7 and 195 pounds, Wainwright debuted in the Gulf Coast League and dominated batters. In seven games (5 starts), he allowed just 15 hits and 10 walks in 32 innings while striking out 42, posting a 1.13 ERA, and compiling a perfect 4-0 record. Wainwright was then sent to short-season Danville and continued to post good numbers, this time going 2-2 with a 3.68 ERA, 29.1 innings pitched, 28 hits allowed, just 2 walks, and 39 strikeouts in 6 starts.

Despite his youth, Wainwright showed a good command of his low-90s fastball and curve as his top two pitches, followed by a good change-up. With his size, you could probably project him to gain some velocity as he develops physically. Add everything together and you have a potential upper rotation starter. Even with his good showing in 2000, being that he was selected from high school, I don't think the organization will rush him as they have several quality arms a couple of steps ahead of him (Parra, Marquis, Sobkowiak if healthy, etc.) He should open 2000 in Low-A and is definitely a name to remember down the road.