By Robert Sherry

Matt Belisle With the injury to Scott Sobkowiak, this 20-year-old has stepped up his game and has established himself as their top low level hurler.

Standing at 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, this righty began the season at Single-A Macon but was promoted to the Pelicans staff at the beginning of this month. At Macon, he had gone 9-5 with a 2.37 ERA, 97 strikeouts, 18 walks, one complete game, and 79 hits allowed, in 102.1 innings pitched over 15 starts. This was a vast improvement after last season when he went only 2-5 witth a 4.67 ERA in 14 starts.

Originally a second round pick of the Braves in the 1998 draft, Belisle has really seemed to put everything together. He is a big, power pitcher who looks like he could continue to develop into a guy who you would want to build the rest of your staff around in a few years. With Glavine and Maddux not getting any younger and with Smoltz' injuries, he could be in the Braves starting rotation within a couple of year's.

I would expect for you to see him finsh out the 2000 season at Myrtle Beach. Come 2001, Belisle should start at Double-A but don't be so sure to expect to see him there long if history repeats itself, as the Braves have been very agressive in promoting players, especially pitchers (Rivera, McGlinchy, etc.) to the majors and throwing them right into the battle over the last few year's.

Top Prospect Alert is owned by:
Ben Lipson

Fantasy Baseball Central
You'll find it at .... Fantasy Baseball Central. Fantasy & Rotisserie Baseball strategy and advice. Plus over 750 links to information on Fantasy Baseball."
Visit Fantasy Baseball Central!