Jordan Schafer

A waiver claim brought Schafer back to the Braves, the team that drafted him in the third round in 2005, and he opened the year in a reserve role, working mainly as a pinch-runner and as a defensive replacement. More playing time opened up when Jason Heyward hit the DL, and as B.J. Upton continued to struggle, but an ankle injury interrupted his season. Despite having just average on-base skills (.311 career OBP), Schafer saw time atop the batting order for Atlanta at various times throughout the year, but as the team's outfield healed up, he was slowly squeezed out of the starting mix. As usual, Schafer's biggest contribution came on the basepaths, as he successfully stole 22 bags in 28 attempts, despite seeing just 231 at-bats, and he also put up a career-best .346 slugging percentage. With Jason Heyward presumably moving back to right field, Schafer could potentially be in line for increased at-bats, especially if B.J. Upton's 2013 struggles persist.

Schafer looked pretty good coming out of spring training, posting solid stats in April, but he saw his batting average drop in each successive month thereafter, culminating with an 0-for-15 skid to end the year. He has excellent speed and uses it wisely, he just needs to find a more reliable way to get on base. Schafer never appeared to be the long-term option for the Astros in center field, and after being waived in October, he finds himself back in Atlanta where it all began. Following the addition of B.J. Upton in free agency, Schafer will compete for a reserve role with the Braves in spring training.

In his first major league action since 2009, Schafer looked kind of like the same disappointment he was to fantasy owners two years ago. He hit from the leadoff spot a lot, but his .309 OBP did not do his fantasy owners, or the Astros, any favors. There was a time when Schafer was considered one of the top prospects in the Braves' system. Critics noted that Schafer changed his swing mechanics when he first got called up, attempting to become a power hitter when speed and defense was his calling card. Schafer has refocused himself on his core capabilities, but has yet to string it all together. He figures to be in the mix for outfield at-bats in 2012. If you're looking for cheap speed and can handle the expected batting average hit, Schafer is someone to consider in the endgame.

Schafer's career has spiraled downward since he hurt his wrist shortly after he was named Atlanta's Opening Day center fielder in 2009. Schafer hit just .201/.268/.255 between three levels last season and was demoted from Triple-A to Double-A at one point as the wrist continued to be an issue. When healthy, his power/speed potential and an ability to draw walks made him a top prospect. While he won't need additional surgery on his wrist, his health remains uncertain heading into 2011. Still, Atlanta GM Frank Wren said Schafer will be given a chance to win the backup center field job this spring.

Schafer entered 2009 as Atlanta's top hitting prospect and won the starting center field job out of spring training. However, he struggled by hitting just .204 and was sent to Triple-A in June. It was later revealed he was playing with a bone bruise in his wrist that eventually required surgery to remove a bone spur. His wrist injury and the acquisition of Nate McLouth means he'll need to prove himself in the minors before being considered for an everyday job in the majors again. But his uncertain 2010 outlook could make him a nice value due to his power/speed potential and he did show an ability to draw walks in the majors despite his struggles.

Schafer entered 2008 as the center fielder of the future for the Braves and there was talk he could be a starter in the majors. But that talk came to a screeching halt after a 50-game suspension for violating MLB's substance-abuse policy for using human growth hormone. When he returned, he started slow at Double-A Mississippi before catching fire in the second half, hitting .323/.412/.636 in August. His power/speed potential and excellent defense remain very intriguing, with his main flaw at this point being a high strikeout rate. The suspension didn't seem to have any lingering effects or hurt Atlanta's confidence in him. A strong start at Triple-A could see him called up to the majors and he could be a regular for the Braves before season's end.

Schafer is being called Atlanta's center fielder of the future after impressive 2007 season. He hit .312/.374/.513 with 15 home runs between Low-A and High-A and then drew raves as one of the youngest players in the Arizona Fall League, where he hit .324/.395/.429. He's seen as a premium defender with a strong arm and good range, but needs to work on reducing strikeouts at the plate. The Braves have said he could contend for a big league job this spring, but he'll likely start at Double-A with a late-season call-up to the majors possible. He's a player to grab in keeper leagues.