Second Chances

Jordan Schafer’s prospect status took a hit at the beginning of the season when the promising outfielder was suspended 50 games for the use of HGH. The issue could not have come at a worse time from a career standpoint, as Schafer had recently been named the top prospect in the Atlanta Braves system, according to Baseball America. That honor was due to a breakout 2007 in which he hit .312/.374/.513 in 565 at-bats split between High-A and Double-A ball.

Currently at Double-A, Schafer has yet to reach those lofty numbers but he is holding his own considering the amount of development time he lost in April and May. Upon his return in June, the left-handed outfielder hit .274 with seven doubles and three homers in 95 at-bats. Schafer stumbled in July, though, and managed to hit just .228.

He has picked himself back up in August and currently has a .348 average with five homers in 66 at-bats. Overall, he is hitting .269/.369/.466 with nine homers in 264 at-bats. He has also walked 41 times and struck out 79 times. The biggest flaw in the youngster’s game at this point is his work against southpaws, as he is hitting just .198/.314/.297 with seven extra base hits against them in 101 at-bats.

Regardless, Schafer is just 21 years old and turns 22 in September, which gives him lots of time to improve upon his weaknesses and climb back to the top of Atlanta’s system.