Christian Bethancourt continues a long line of high-caliber backstops to come through the Braves organization, joining players such as Brian McCann, Tyler Flowers, Javy Lopez, and Jarrod Saltalamacchia. Like those before him, he’s climbed numerous prospect rankings, and has been seen as a Top 5 organizational prospect by most as well as being regarded as one of the Top 100 prospects in the MLB. Though 2012 marks his fifth year in the organization, Bethancourt is still only 20 years old, as he was signed out of Panama as a 16 year old in 2008. Bethancourt’s calling card has always been defense, as he’s been named the best defensive catcher in the organization multiple times and has thrown out 38% of attempted thefts in his career, including 43% this year. A lot of his success can be attributed to great footwork, a strong arm, and a quick release. He averages a sub-1.9 pop time to second base, and has been clocked as low as 1.78, which is roughly as quick as Pudge Rodriguez in his prime. His arm is on full display in the video after the jump.
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