NCAAbbs

Picked 4 rounds behind Devine was Will Startup, former UGA closer. He has been promoted to AAA. I bet he'll be in the majors before the year is over.

From his hometown newspaper:

Quote:Former Cartersville High standout Will Startup is now just one step away from being a major league pitcher.

Startup, who went on to pitch at the University of Georgia and was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 2005, was promoted from Class AA Mississippi to Class AAA Richmond last weekend and is now one promotion away from the majors.

Startup, who was drafted in the fifth round last year and spent all of last summer at low-Class A Rome, started this season at high-Class A Myrtle Beach (S.C.). He spent just one week with the Pelicans, going 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA, pitching two innings, allowing one hit and striking out three in his only appearance.

Startup was then promoted to Mississippi, where he was 3-0 with a 0.72 ERA and four saves in 16 appearances, all in relief. In 25 innings, he allowed 18 hits and just two earned runs, striking out 29 and walking six.

For the year, Startup is 4-0 with a 0.61 ERA and four saves in 17 appearances covering 27 innings. He's allowed 19 hits and two earned runs, striking out 32 and walking seven. Opponents are batting just .198 off Startup.

Richmond finishes up a three-game series against the Charlotte (N.C.) Knights, the AAA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, tonight in Richmond before opening up a four-game home series against the Syrcause (N.Y.) SkyChiefs -- an affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays -- Thursday night.

You have to know...I know Will. He's a great guy, and an awesome pitcher. I'm really pulling for him. Another piece of homegrown Atlanta talent.[/quote]

when i saw he's from Georgia, i immediately knew the braves had him. do they draft outside or georgia? it's amazing how they can get so much talent out of one state.

i wish memphis played more teams, but were stuck in the west

Startup is the man. He was so good when he played for the Dawgs, and he's pretty much been lighting the minor leagues on fire. I'd love to see him get a shot in Atlanta.

Next year we need to draft Josh Fields, the current UGA closer. He's a big Braves fan and has even better stuff than Startup.

GDawgs88 Wrote:Next year we need to draft Josh Fields, the current UGA closer. He's a big Braves fan and has even better stuff than Startup.

if he's from GA, i'm sure they'll draft him.

You have to believe so. We've pretty much put a fence around Georgia.

Too bad we let Jonathan Broxton get away. I'd love to have his arm in our bullpen right now.

Startup won't be a closer. He will make a great set up man, though. He has great stuff, but his control is A+.

techfan4 Wrote:Startup won't be a closer. He will make a great set up man, though. He has great stuff, but his control is A+.

That new leg kick he's got is really throwing off hitters. He's always had it, but it hasn't been as pronounced as it is now.