Freddie Freeman Takes Batting Practice (Video) | The Golden Sombrero Baseball Blog | MLB, Fantasy, College & High School Baseball News

Freddie Freeman Takes Batting Practice (Video)

As we briefly mentioned last week, the Atlanta Braves have cleared the way at first base for power hitting prospect, Freddie Freeman.  With a physique similar to that of Brandon Belt of the San Francisco Giants, the 6’5,” 225 pound Freeman is poised to make an impact in 2011, hitting in the middle of the Braves order alongside Jason Heyward.

Drafted by the Braves in the second round of the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft, Freeman was ranked by Baseball America as the 32nd best prospect in all of baseball headed into the 2010 season.  And at just 20-years of age, in his first season at Triple-A Gwinnett, the left-handed hitting youngster demonstrated exactly why he was deserving of such a prominent ranking.

Playing in 124 games for Gwinnett, Freeman slashed .319/.378/.521 with 35 doubles, 18 home runs, and 87 RBI.  Additionally, he drew 43 walks while striking out 84 times in 519 plate appearances.  He was rewarded for his impressive season at Triple-A with a call-up in September when the rosters were expanded.  However, he did not see the immediate success at the Major League level as he had in the Minors, hitting .167 with a double, home run, and RBI in 24 at-bats.

While Freeman’s cup of coffee was far from impressive, Braves fans have nothing to worry about as the first baseman will have the entire 2011 season — rather than just a few weeks — to adjust to Major League pitching.  Their willingness to call him up in the heat of pennant race speaks volumes about the confidence that the Braves have in the young slugger.  And after watching this video of Freeman taking batting practice in 2009, you will see exactly why:


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