Prospect Watch: Tyler Flowers

Tyler Flowers has never generated much hype as a prospect, but he is having a breakout season in the Arizona Fall League. In just 62 at-bats, Flowers leads the AFL with 10 HRs, while posting an impressive .387/.458/1.000 line (Yes, he actually is slugging 1.000)! Drafted in the 33rd round of the 2005 draft by the Atlanta Braves, the 21 year old catcher has shown consistent improvement every season in the minors. Last year he batted .281 with 17 HR and 88 RBIs for class A Myrtle Beach.

Its only a matter of time before Flowers starts showing up on top prospects list. At 6'-4'' 245 lbs, Flowers has the frame of a big league catcher, and he continues to produce at the minor league level. Last year, Flowers was a surprise non-roster invitee to spring training, and the organization had nothing but praise for him. According to Bobby Cox, "He hits the ball probably as hard as anybody we've got," which is high praise for a relatively unknown 21 year old. If he remains on track, Flowers may reach the big leagues by 2010. But with Brian McCann behind the plate, the Braves are in no hurry to rush Flowers. Barring a trade, Flowers will most likely end up as a first baseman, and I feel like he has the potential to develop into a .300/30+/100 type of player. But as it is with all prospects, only time will tell.