• Full name Peter Alan Pope
  • Born 02/26/1984 in Jackson, MS
  • Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 200 / Bats: R / Throws: R
  • School Meridian CC
  • Drafted in the 5th round (161st overall) by the Atlanta Braves in 2004 (signed for $200,000).
    View Draft Report
    Mississippi has three premium junior college prospects, and all have committed to Ole Miss. Ranked the top prospect in the Central Illinois Collegiate League last summer, 3B/RHP Van Pope has played like the state's best junior-college player all spring, leading Meridian CC into postseason play with his bat and a power arm. While Pope throws a 90-92 mph fastball and had five saves this spring, his tools as an infielder make him a better draft as a position player. He takes a big hack and can be too aggressive at the plate, but he hit 15 homers despite a steady diet of breaking balls and saved his best play for the postseason. His pitch recognition and strike-zone judgment have improved. Defensively, his feet, hands and range might be good enough for second, and he has plenty of arm for third.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Minor League Top Prospects

Best Tools List

  • Rated Best Defensive 3B in the International League in 2009
  • Rated Best Defensive Infielder in the Atlanta Braves in 2009
  • Rated Best Defensive 3B in the Southern League in 2008
  • Rated Best Infield Arm in the Atlanta Braves in 2008
  • Rated Best Defensive Infielder in the Atlanta Braves in 2008
  • Rated Best Infield Arm in the Southern League in 2007
  • Rated Best Defensive 3B in the Southern League in 2007
  • Rated Best Infield Arm in the Atlanta Braves in 2007
  • Rated Best Defensive Infielder in the Atlanta Braves in 2007
  • Rated Best Infield Arm in the Carolina League in 2006
  • Rated Best Defensive 3B in the Carolina League in 2006

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