Mississippi
Braves 2023 Minor League Preview: Mississippi Braves
As Opening Day attracts close to, we proceed our level-by-level 2023 season preview immediately with Atlanta’s Double-A affiliate, the Mississippi Braves. Mississippi has seen its justifiable share of future stars cross by means of the group in recent times, however what can followers count on to see as they head out to Trustmark Park this season? Let’s take a deep look.
Teaching Workers
Now teaching to your 2023 Mississippi Braves is… basically the 2022 Rome employees. In all seriousness, Mississippi will see a variety of acquainted faces within the group beforehand with Atlanta’s Single-A affiliate. After spending the earlier two seasons as Rome’s supervisor, Kanekoa Texeira acquired a promotion to Double-A to be Mississippi’s skipper.
Pitching coach Bo Denning and hitting coach Danny Santiesteban additionally made the leap from Rome to Mississippi to hitch Texeira on the teaching employees. Jefferson Romero additionally joins the employees in Pearl after a stint as a coach with the Braves affiliate within the FCL.
Schedule
Kicking off the 2023 marketing campaign, Mississippi will play host to Biloxi for a 3 sport set starting on April 7.
After wrapping up their first house stand, the Braves will journey to Chattanooga to play 5 video games towards the Lookouts.
As for among the extra noteworthy collection to control, the Braves can have an opportunity to tackle the defending Southern League champ in early Might. Touring to Pensacola on Might 2 to tackle the Blue Wahoos, Mississippi will play a 5 sport collection and also will host 5 video games towards the reigning champions later within the month.
Mississippi can even tackle the runner-up in final season’s championship collection within the Tennessee Smokies. Making the highway journey on July 18 for 5 video games, the Braves will wrap up their season at house with 5 extra video games towards the Smokies beginning on September 5.
They shut out the season touring to Pensacola on September 12 for 5 video games.
Projected High Prospects
Place Gamers
On the floor, it doesn’t at present seem as if Texeira and firm can have a full steady of high prospects to work with, particularly early on within the season. That’s not a knock on Mississippi, however quite the present state of the Braves’ farm system as a complete. Augusta and Rome each determine to showcase extra high prospects within the 2023 season, however Mississippi might reap the advantages later within the yr if gamers exceed expectations.
Place-wise, Cal Conley leads the best way when it comes to high prospects who determine to spend a big chunk of time in Mississippi. Regardless of solely enjoying 44 video games at Excessive-A in 2022 whereas posting a 108 WRC+, there’s an excellent likelihood Conley makes his approach to Double-A early within the season and will even debut in Mississippi to begin the season.
Jesse Franklin would have been the highest place participant kicking off the season with Mississippi — or probably Gwinnett If he had been capable of play a full season — have been it not for an elbow harm he sustained which required Tommy John surgical procedure after tallying simply 66 plate appearances. The potential is definitely there for Franklin to reestablish himself as one among Atlanta’s high place prospects if he’s capable of bounce again from harm.
Gamers like Drew Lugbauer and Luke Waddell are names Braves followers and prospect aficionados are aware of who will proceed to see time at Double-A in 2023.Lugbauer sw atted 28 homers in 128 video games for Mississippi final yr however his defensive limitations and lack of a pure hit software are holding him again from taking that subsequent step in his improvement. Waddell nonetheless has potential to offer some worth for the Braves on the massive league degree. Whereas each hit and energy instruments lack that exclamation level, there’s nonetheless sufficient offensive potential there for the Braves to love. Waddell additionally possesses an excellent quantity of defensive versatility to present him extra worth within the Braves future plans as a possible utility man. However work must be performed on the plate if he desires to push previous Double-A as a 24-year-old mild hitting shortstop, particularly after lacking vital time because of harm final yr.
Within the outfield, outdoors of Franklin’s return, it doesn’t seem as if any high prospects will begin their yr off in Mississippi. Fringe prospects like Andrew Mortiz and Cody Milligan determine to assist occupy the outfield early on within the yr whereas Justin Dean, who obtained a style of Triple-A final yr, might be a man who goes forwards and backwards between ranges as wanted.
That’s to not say some high guys within the decrease ranges can’t make the leap although. Brandol Mezquita is a kind of guys who is perhaps a longshot to make it to Mississippi, however he does determine to begin 2023 in Rome and has the instruments to make some noise and not less than be in consideration for a promotion down the road.
When it comes to different guys who might leap up a couple of ranges, the Braves have a few 2022 draftees that would hit their approach to Double-A by summer season’s finish. Drake Baldwin figured to have the very best shot of all 2022 draftees to make it to Mississippi because of the combo of his instruments and his place. As a catcher, there actually aren’t any gamers standing in his approach from making the leap. So so long as he continues to hit and make strides behind the dish, it stands the rationale the Braves will likely be pretty liberal of their motion with Baldwin.
David McCabe is one other 2022 man who might make get the nod up a degree ultimately. Splitting time between first base and the new nook, and very similar to Baldwin, there actually aren’t any gamers standing in McCabe’s approach in getting a promotion as long as he hits.
Lastly, KeShawn Ogans is one other draftee who would possibly see Mississippi. Whereas he doesn’t have that one software that stands out, he’s stable throughout the board and he possesses defensive versatility that will surely play to his profit. Baldwin, McCabe and Ogans all determine to begin out at Rome this season.
Pitchers
On the mound, there’s the chance for a couple of intriguing arms to make their approach to Double-A this season. Guys like Victor Vodnik, Dylan Dodd and Darius Vines earned promotions to Gwinnett within the second half of the 2022 season, presumably placing Mississippi of their rear view mirror.
In response to the unofficial/official roster, none of the present arms with Mississippi ranked on our High-25 or honorable mentions prospect record. Nolan Martinez, Tanner Gordon and Domingo Robles all possess intriguing instruments with some respectable upside. However given both their age or inconsistencies, they go away extra questions than solutions.
However very similar to on the positional aspect of issues, there are some intriguing arms with the potential of attending to Mississippi. 2022 draftee Blake Burkhalter would have most-likely been a slam dunk to be the very best arm on the employees have been it not been for the latest information of him needing Tommy John surgical procedure, sidelining him for the 2023 season.
With that being stated, Roddery Munoz stands out as one of many extra thrilling arms who might take the mound for Texeira this yr. Making 19 begins at Rome final yr, Munoz posted a 4.03 ERA whereas whiffing 105 batters throughout 89.1 innings. He’ll more than likely return to Rome to begin the yr, however count on the Braves to be aggressive with him as he possesses among the finest fastballs within the system.
Different under-the-radar guys followers ought to control embrace J.J. Niekro and Luis De Avila. Whereas Niekro doesn’t possesses flashy plus pitches, he finds methods to get batters out and in addition having the final identify he has doesn’t harm. As for De Avila, there’s an actual likelihood for him to cement himself on prospect lists this yr. Final season at Rome, the 21-year-old righty made 24 begins posting a 3.49 ERA with 129 strikeouts in 126.1 innings. He’ll return to Rome to kick issues off in 2023 massive there’s sufficient there for him to shortly stand up the ranks if he can construct off final yr.
One other arm that would fly beneath the radar as one to debut in Pearl this yr might be the tantalizing righty Spencer Schwellenbach. I do know this may occasionally seem to be a big stretch to some, and the Braves have been tremendous affected person with him as he’s labored his approach again from Tommy John surgical procedure. Granted, he’s but to throw a single pitch as an expert after blowing out his elbow at Nebraska and recovering from it, however given his age and instruments, it’s not out of the realm of risk for Schwellenbach to make his approach to Pearl as soon as he builds up some stamina and will get an excellent quantity of innings beneath his belt. Albeit if he does make it to Double-A, it’ll more than likely be within the late levels of the season.
Our primary prospect, AJ Smith-Shawyer, is a man who might probably see Mississippi within the latter a part of the season. However these likelihood is fringe at greatest given his stamina points and having but to pitch an inning above Low-A to this point in his professional profession.
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State debuted 41 new players against Eastern Kentucky, including 23 transfers. But one of the biggest transfer portal additions wasn’t on the field and may not be again this week.
Senior receiver Kelly Akharaiyi was left off Mississippi State’s depth chart that was released and coach Jeff Lebby didn’t provide much clarity on the situation either.
“He’s getting closer and closer,” Lebby said at Tuesday morning press conference. “We need to be patient with him. We hope he has a good week and can create some confidence for himself more than anything. But I’m not ready to say he’s going to be available.”
Akharaiyi was one of the transfers most were looking forward to seeing in Lebby’s fast-paced, passing offense. But he was held out of season-opener for what was thought to be a minor injury. However, his uncertain status might be a sign of a more serious injury?
Or is Lebby playing a game of cat-and-mouse with Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham? We’ll found out soon enough.
QB1 – 2 Blake Shapen, 6-1, 210 lbs., Sr.
QB2 – 16 Chris Parson, 6-1, 215 lbs., Rs Fr.
or – 0 Michael Van Buren Jr., 6-1, 200 lbs., Fr.
RB1 – 24 Keyvone Lee, 6-0, 225 lbs., Sr.
-or- 21 Davon Booth, 5-10, 205 lbs., Sr.
RB2 – 20 Johnnie Daniels, 5-10, 200 lbs., Jr.
SLWR1 – 3 Kevin Coleman, 5-11, 180 lbs., Jr.
SLWR2 – 8 Creed Whittemore, 5-11, 185 lbs., So.
SLWR 3 – 80 Kade Kolka, 5-11, 190 lbs., Sr.
WR1 – 6 Jordan Mosley, 6-0, 195 lbs., Jr.
WR2 – 5 Stonka Burnside, 6-0, 200 lbs., Fr.
WR3 – 13 Sanfrisco Magee, 6-2, 200 lbs., Fr.
WR1 – 14 Trent Hudson 6-3 180 Jr.
WR2 – 7 Mario Craver 5-10 170 Fr.
WR3 – 11 Jaden Walley 6-0 190 Sr.
TE1 – 18 Seydou Traore, 6-4, 235 lbs., R-Jr.
– or – 84 Justin Ball, 6-6, 250 lbs., Sr.
TE2 – 86 Nick Lauderdale, 6-3, 225 lbs., Sr.
or – 10 Cameron Ball, 6-6, 250 lbs., So.
LT1 – 66 Makylan Pounders, 6-5, 310 lbs., Jr.
LT2 – 51 Luke Work, 6-6, 305 lbs., Fr.
– or – 74 Jimothy Lewis Jr., 6-6, 310 lbs., Fr.
LG1 – 75 Jacoby Jackson, 6-6, 320 lbs., Jr.
LG2 – 53 Malik Ellis, 6-5, 285 lbs., So.
C1 – 67 Ethan Miner, 6-2, 305 lbs., Sr.
C2 – 72 Canon Boone, 6-4, 315 lbs., Jr.
RG1 – 77 Marlon Martinez, 6-5, 320 lbs., Sr.
RG2 – 52 Grant Jackson, 6-6, 325 lbs., Sr.
RT1 – 76 Albert Reese IV, 6-7, 330 lbs., Jr.
RT2 – 55 Leon Bell, 6-8, 325 lbs., R-Jr.
RT3 – 78 Amari Smith, 6-7, 325 lbs., R-Fr.
DT1 – 22 Kedrick Bingley-Jones, 6-4, 310 lbs., Jr.
– or – 23 Trevion Williams, 6-4, 295 lbs., R-Fr.
DT2 – 98 Ashun Shepphard, 6-3, 280 lbs., Jr.
DT1 – 35 Kalvin Dinkins, 6-2, 315 lbs., So.
– or – 8 Sulaiman Kpaka, 6-3, 300 lbs., Sr.
DT2 – 92 Eric Taylor, 6-4, 310 lbs., Jr.
– or – 90 Kai McClendon, 6-2, 305 lbs., Fr.
DE1 – 9 De’Monte Russell, 6-4, 285 lbs., Sr.
DE2 – 91 Deonte Anderson, 6-3, 270 lbs., Jr.
– or – 46 Joseph Head Jr., 6-4, 240 lbs., R-Fr.
JLB1 – 11 Ty Cooper, 6-4, 245 lbs., Jr.
– or – 44 Branden Jennings, 6-3, 240 lbs., Jr.
JLB2 – 36 Donterry Russell, 6-4, 225 lbs., So.
MLB1 – 7 Stone Blanton, 6-2, 230 lbs., Jr.
MLB2 – 26 JP Purvis, 6-1, 245 lbs., Sr.
DLB1 – 40 Nic Mitchell, 6-2, 230 lbs., Jr.
– or – 5 John Lewis, 6-3, 240 lbs., Jr.
DLB2 – 16 Zakari Tillman, 6-2, 225 lbs., So.
FS1 – 2 Isaac Smith, 6-0, 205 lbs., So.
FS2 – 12 Tyler Woodard, 6-2, 200 lbs., Jr.
SS1 – 21 Hunter Washington, 5-11, 190 lbs., Jr.
SS2 – 27 Chris Keys Jr., 6-0, 190 lbs., Jr.
– or – 17 Jordan Morant, 6-0, 210 lbs., Sr.
CB1 – 1 Kelley Jones, 6-4, 195 lbs., R-Fr.
– or – 6 Traveon Wright, 6-0, 180 lbs., R-Fr.
CB2 – 13 Raydarious Jones, 6-2, 180 lbs., Sr.
– or – 18 Khamauri Rogers, 6-0, 180 lbs., So.
CB1 – 14 Brice Pollock, 6-1, 190 lbs., So.
CB2 – 4 DeAgo Brumfield, 6-0, 190 lbs., Sr.
K1 – 80 Kyle Ferrie, 6-1, 205 lbs., So.
K2 – 82 Nick Barr-Mira, 6-0, 185 lbs., Sr.
K3 – 49 Marlon Hauck, 6-3, 195 lbs., So.
P1 – 82 Nick Barr-Mira, 6-0, 185 lbs., Sr.
P2 – 83 Zach Haynes, 6-1, 195 lbs., Sr.
P3 – 88 Ethan Pulliam, 6-1, 190 lbs., R-Fr.
KO1 – 49 Marlon Hauck, 6-3, 195 lbs., So.
KO2 – 82 Nick Barr-Mira, 6-0, 185 lbs., Sr.
PR1 – 3 Kevin Coleman, 5-11, 180 lbs., Jr.
PR2 – 8 Creed Whittemore, 5-11, 185 lbs., So.
KR1 – 21 Davon Booth, 5-10, 205 lbs., Sr.
– or – 20 Johnnie Daniels, 5-10, 200 lbs., Jr.
– or – 3 Kevin Coleman, 5-11, 180 lbs., Jr.
Mississippi State at Arizona State: How to Watch Bulldogs Football vs the Sun Devils
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Mississippi State at Arizona State, Saturday, 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
BetMGM College Football Odds: Arizona State by 6 1/2.
Series record: First meeting.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Arizona State and Mississippi State both had dominant wins in the season-opening weekend and now have a tougher challenge when they face each other on Saturday night. The Sun Devils are trying to build off an impressive 48-7 win over Wyoming and prove they might be a factor in the Big 12 race. Arizona State has never beaten an SEC opponent. Mississippi State plays its second game under new coach Jeff Lebby. The Bulldogs beat Eastern Kentucky 56-7 in their season opener..
KEY MATCHUP
Mississippi State QB Blake Shapen vs. the Arizona State defense. The Sun Devils scored a touchdown on the second play of their opener when Zyrus Fiaseu picked off a pass and returned it to the end zone. It was one of two interceptions on the day for Arizona State. Shapen had a great debut against Eastern Kentucky but will face a much tougher defense on Saturday.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Mississippi State: Shapen had a terrific first game with the Bulldogs, throwing for 247 yards and three touchdowns while also running for 44 yards and a TD against Eastern Kentucky. The 6-foot-1 senior played the previous three college seasons at Baylor with mixed success. Shapen has thrown a TD pass in 12 consecutive games dating to this time at Baylor in 2022.
Arizona State: RB Cam Skattebo led a balanced rushing attack against Wyoming, gaining 49 yards and scoring a touchdown. Skattebo was a do-it-all player for Arizona State last year, spending time at quarterback, running back and receiver. The Sun Devils might not need him to be as versatile this season, but he’s still a threat from just about anywhere on the field.
FACTS & FIGURES
Mississippi State had six different players score touchdowns against Eastern Kentucky. … The Bulldogs’ 93.7 passing grade in the opener was the second-best mark in all of the FBS, trailing only Purdue, according to Pro Football Focus. … Mississippi State’s Kevin Coleman Jr. returned five punts for 117 yards last week. … Arizona State was credited with just two missed tackles on defense in the opener, tied for the third-lowest tally among FBS schools. … Skattebo is 270 rushing yards away from reaching 3,000 in his career. He is 342 all-purpose yards away from reaching 4,000 and 202 receiving yards away from reaching 1,000.
___
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STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football is preparing to play a team that, at least through one game, looks vastly improved from last season.
Coach Jeff Lebby admitted on Monday, and Bulldog players have noticed it too after Arizona State (1-0) thumped Wyoming 48-7 in its opener.
MSU (1-0) must also factor in the late kickoff that is scheduled Saturday (9:30 p.m. CT, ESPN) at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. Mississippi is hot, but so is Arizona — a different kind of hot, too.
Modifications and remedies are being made, such as the team leaving Starkville on Thursday instead of how it normally would on a Friday for a Saturday game.
“For our guys, just knowing exactly what we are getting into,” Lebby said. “We continue to talk about that through yesterday and this morning and (are) having those conversations to understand what it’s going to look like late in the week. We got to do a great job from a preparation standpoint of how we are hydrating, how we are eating and how we are resting to give us the ability to go on the road on this flight and be able to be at our best Saturday night.”
Just this week, Phoenix broke a record with its 100th straight day of 100-degree temperatures. According to AccuWeather, the high on Saturday in Tempe will be 107 degrees with a low of 86. The temperature should dip to around 91 near kickoff with a humidity of 24%.
“Coach Lebby has already been harping on that,” tight end Justin Ball said. “We’ve already been hydrating and making sure we are getting rest every single day. We leave on Thursday, so we already talked about the plan to make sure we are hydrating the entire plane ride there, making sure when we get there we get acclimated as quickly as you can and just staying together. Making sure we’re focused, make sure we keep the goal first and then execute the game plan.”
MORE: Jeff Lebby says Mississippi State football didn’t put on a good enough show. Here’s how he’s wrong
Mississippi State played well the last time it played in Arizona
The Bulldogs played Arizona in Tucson two seasons ago. They squandered a pedestrian Wildcats team 39-17. Kickoff for that game was at 8 p.m. PST though the temperature was 84 degrees at game time.
Not many players remain on Mississippi State’s roster from that 2022 season. But the ones who are, like linebacker Nic Mitchell, can benefit from the experience and also share it with teammates.
“We know it’s going to be a long flight, so we know we got to be hydrated,” Mitchell said. “It gives people experience that have done it before and they can tell the young guys how it’s going to be in the flight, how you got to hydrate and stuff like that.”
Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@gannett.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.
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