Miguel Bernard

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #22 prospect in 2001
  Bernard is without question the top catching prospect in the Atlanta organization. After toiling in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League for two years, Bernard spent his first season in the United States in 2000. He’s an excellent catch-and-throw receiver. His arm strength is above average and his footwork behind the plate has improved considerably. The Braves’ minor league staff raves about his enthusiasm, with several coaches saying Bernard reminds them of shortstop Rafael Furcal with his love for playing the game. Bernard does an excellent job of communicating with his pitching staff and has a strong idea of how to call a game. His bat shows considerable promise and budding power, but his big swing possesses several holes. He sits on fastballs to the point where he becomes overanxious when he gets one. Breaking balls and offspeed pitches eat him alive, so he’ll have to make adjustments at higher levels. His next stop is Macon.