Written by Joe Lucia | 23 January 2012

This is the first of 70 player previews I'll be writing, previewing the 2012 season for each member of the Braves 40-man roster, each non-roster invitee, each member of our midseason top 30 prospects list, and assorted other prospects. First up: Nick Ahmed.

Nick Ahmed was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the second round (85th overall) of the 2011 draft out of UConn. The 21 year-old shortstop was sent to Danville to start his career, and he held his own, with a line of .262/.346/.379 in 59 games. Like many young hitters, Ahmed had a deficiency against lefties, as he hit just .228/.302/.316 against them. Overall, his plate discipline was very good, walking 30 times while striking out 46 times in 284 plate appearances, for a walk rate of 10.6% and a strikeout rate of 16.2%. His power didn't develop the way I really expected, with just a .117 ISO on the season.

Ahmed will likely start 2012 in Rome, where 2011 shortstop Matt Lipka is being converted to center field, and might have to repeat the level because of his anemic bat. At 6'3", 205, you'd really expect more power from Ahmed, even as a middle infield bat. He's a guy who could be a big riser in the Braves system in 2012, especially if the power appears this season. With the lack of power right now, I don't think he could be a starter in the majors, but his plate discipline gives the air of a strong bench bat. Then again, he's been a member of the organization for seven months, so let's not be too hasty.

I really think Ahmed can be a top 20 or so prospect in the organization by year's end, and he could possibly be top ten if (as I've mentioned before) the power develops. Right now, he's still a college bat in the low minors, and he should be dominating. The move to full-season ball will test his mettle and determine whether he's more like Philip Gosselin, or more like Joey Terdoslavich.

Check out Ahmed's 2012 player projection on THT

Photo credit to Joe Lucia

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