There is another strong group of pitchers on the way up. The Braves love to sign young pitchers with live arms, even if their track records are a bit spotty or inconsistent. They aren't afraid to go after high school pitchers, and have a better record than most organizations at developing them into useful performers. High-profile first-round failures like Jacob Shumate are balanced by success stories such as Kevin Millwood, an 11th-round pick. John Rocker was an 18th-round pick who developed into a first-class reliever.

Hitting is another matter. The Braves love to go after athletes with tools, which can reap great rewards (Andruw Jones) as well as big busts. George Lombard suffered through a miserable 1999 season, though he is young enough to rebound. Beyond him, there are few position players ready to help, though Rafael Furcal may jump from A-ball to the majors in 2000, if current rumors are to be believed. The Braves do have a set of intriguing infielders, but depth at outfield and catcher is a problem.

By relying on their strong international scouting program to continually stock the system, the Braves give themselves some slack, allowing them to take risks in the draft without fear of one bad class gutting the organization.

The signing of Brian Jordan cost the Braves' their first-round pick, but they feel they received a quality arm in second-rounder Matt Butler, a high school pitcher from Mississippi. He is a typical Atlanta draftee: a prep pitcher from the Deep South with a live arm.

Third-rounder Pat Manning, a high school shortstop from California, hit .416 in rookie ball, earning a promotion to the South Atlantic League, where he held his own. Most first-round picks can't do that, which puts Manning on the fast track, at least with the bat. Fourth-rounder Alec Zumwalt, a high school outfielder from North Carolina, has tremendous power, but is not polished. He will not advance nearly as quickly as either Manning or Butler.

The Braves didn't pick a college player until the fifth round, selecting Matt McClendon, a right-hander from the University of Florida. A potential first-round pick before the season, McClendon's velocity dropped last year, hurting his status. The Braves altered his mechanics after he signed, getting his fastball back to 96 mph, while improving his curve. He could be a major steal, and a big feather in the caps of the scouting department.