re: Braves trade Wood, Peraza for Olivera +, UPDATE: Teheran could be traded too

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Who the frick is Zach Bird?

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Zachary Bird | Rank: 15
Team: Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (A Adv) ETA: 2017
Position: RHP Age: 21 DOB: 07/14/1994
Bats: R Throws: R Height: 6' 4" Weight: 205 lb.
Drafted: 2012, 9th (196) - LAD

Scouting grades: Fastball: 65 | Slider: 50 | Curveball: 45 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 40 | Overall: 50

Raw and projectable when he signed for $140,000 as a Missisippi high schooler in the ninth round of the 2012 Draft, Bird needed time to adapt to pro ball. He led the Minors with 17 losses in 2014 but his stuff kicked up a notch even while he was going 2-9 in the second half.

After working in the low 90s and topping out at 95 mph with his fastball, Bird began dealing in the mid-90s and threatening triple digits. His heater has late life, too. He's still developing consistency with his secondary pitches, though his slider can reach the mid-80s with nice bit at times.

Bird doesn't display as much feel for his offspeed pitches. He's a good athlete but his delivery can get stiff and his control suffers as a result. Though he still has a long way to go to make it as a starter, the progress he made at the end of last year is encouraging.

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