HGH KO’s a top Braves prospect

April 8, 2008   ·   Paul Raymond   ·   Jump to comments

One of the Atlanta Braves top prospects was suspended for 50 games for using HGH - human growth hormone. Unfortunately for the organization, it was Jordan Schafer who almost broke camp with the big league club. The commissioner’s office announced the suspension today and that it will take place immediately.

Schafer just started his season with AA-Mississippi and was batting an .091 (1 for 11) in 4 games. Like I said earlier, Schafer almost broke camp with the team, not being sent down to minor league camp till March 22nd. In the Grapefruit League, he batted .316 with 4 doubles, 3 sac flies and 6 rbis. Reaching base at a .421 clip. “He’s a good looking player,” manager Bobby Cox said. “If anything happens to [Mark] Kotsay, he’d be back in the mix.” That of course was said before today’s announcement.

For anyone who thinks his performance is based on using HGH is kidding themselves. Schafer may only be 21 years old, but he’s always been considered a top prospect all the way back to a 13-year old when he was ranked the top prospect in 2000 by Baseball America. Schafer may have been aided by HGH in his huge jump last season in talent but this kid was always something special and most likely would of made the big leagues by 23, 24 at the latest. Cox was ready to call him back up when needed, and it was expected he’d take over next year as the teams starting center fielder. That may be pushed back a little now.

The Braves are known for working with their players on this issue and not judging them. Another big prospect of theirs Tyler Flowers also served a suspension and received a team pardon for it. The old saying lies true, talent always wins out. “We are extremely disappointed that Jordan has violated the Commissioner’s Performance Enhancing Drug Policy,” Braves general manager Frank Wren said in a prepared statement. “We are supportive of the program and will continue to educate all of our players.”

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