Too fast, soon 
for Heyward?

By Bill Sanders

For the AJC

Braves prospect Jason Heyward is being heralded as the "next big thing." Is too much pressure being put on the 20-year-old outfielder, who has played only three games above Class AA? What about the comparisons to players like Dave Winfield, Fred McGriff and even Willie Mays? Former Braves pitching coach Leo Mazzone and former Braves outfielder Brian Jordan understand that pressure comes with the territory. But is this a case of too much, too early?

Leo Mazzone, former pitching coach for the Braves

I've always felt you don't want to give someone superstar status until they have done something. And that's nothing against this kid. I remember people saying Bruce Chen was going to be the next Tom Glavine. That was putting too much pressure on Bruce Chen. I always tried to keep it on the individual and not compare someone to someone else.

That being said, this kid has a tremendous amount of common sense and he's going to be in an environment and playing for a manager where he can be comfortable. And Bobby Cox will be able to read how he's doing.

I think he expects to make the club and handle the pressure. Some want that pressure; some don't. I think he'll relish it.

I see him as a power hitter and a line-drive hitter, power to all fields. The one goal that should be put on him, once he makes the team, is to play every day and stay healthy. I never put a number of wins on a pitcher as an expectation.

If Heyward gets his at-bats, the rest will take care of itself. He's playing for a manager who has more patience than anyone in the game. And you can't put people in a glass bubble. If he's good enough to make it, he'll handle it.

Brian Jordan, former Braves outfielder

There is a lot of pressure being put on Heyward, but it comes with the territory of being a major league baseball player.

Athletes who want to be the best in their profession dream of being compared to the greats before them. I had the opportunity to meet Jason in high school and I knew then he was something special. The young man told me his dream was to play in the majors and I see he's taking full advantage of the opportunity with the Atlanta Braves.

I feel Jason is mature enough and talented enough to handle the pressure being put on him. The comparison to the all-time greats is a compliment to his great talent. He's already established himself as a five-tool player and I feel this kid will shine this year and many years to come in the major leagues.

Yes, it is unfair to label Jason but again, it's part of being in the major leagues. This is something he will have to deal with throughout his career, so he better get use to it early. This kid is going to bring a lot of excitement to baseball and I can't wait to watch him.