2009 Topps Updates & Highlights:

1. #UH44 Seth Smith
2. #UH241 DeWayne Wise
3. #UH114 Chris Coghlan (Rookie)
4. #UH244 Johan Santana (All-Star)
5. #UH232 Tim Lincecum (All-Star)
6. Ring of Honor #RH100 Roy Campanella
7. Topps Town #TTT70 Hunter Pence
8. #UH10 Tommy Hanson (Rookie)
9. #UH177 Neftali Feliz (Rookie)
10. #UH246 Javier Vazquez

As the best prospect in the Braves’ organization (according to Baseball America), Tommy Hanson is perhaps the hottest of the three hot rookies in this pack.  Neftali Feliz was similarly billed by Baseball America as the best prospect in the Rangers’ organization.  Chris Coghlan won last year’s NL Rookie of the Year award.

“Upon watching film of a young Tommy slicing up Minor Leaguers, Braves veteran Chipper Jones declared: “The kid is ready.”  Indeed, the 22-year-old seemed prepared when he got the Major League call in June 2009, winning his first two decisions.  The success was no fluke; Hanson averaged 10.7 Ks per 9 IP through three-plus seasons on the farms.”

2009 Topps Updates & Highlights:

1. #UH67 Brandon McCarthy
2. #UH208 Chad Gaudin
3. #UH13 Scott Hairston
4. #UH71 Chase Utley (All-Star)
5. #UH274 Joe Mauer (Home Run Derby)
6. Turkey Red #TR128 Tommy Hanson (Rookie)
7. Topps Town #TTT72 Jacoby Ellsbury
8. #UH92 Edwin Encarnacion
9. #UH297 Brett Cecil (Rookie)
10. #UH79 Robert Andino

“Despite being selected in the 22nd round in 2005, and not beginning his pro career until the following season, Tommy quickly emerged as one of the top prospects in the Braves system.  He pitched a Double-A no-hitter with 14 strikeouts in ’08 prior to being named Atlanta’s Minor League Pitcher of the Year.  He then became the first pitcher ever to be named MVP of the Arizona Fall League.  It was no surprise, then, that Hanson made his Major League debut at 22 in ’09.  The big righty was dominant at times, winning his first five decisions and setting an Atlanta rookie record with 11 strikeouts in a game.”

Because I sent Tommy my only card of him several months ago with an autograph request but haven’t heard back yet, I don’t have anything to show off for this post.  It’s okay, because obviously Tommy has been very busy recently racking up wins for the Atlanta Braves.  He is my Prospect of the Month for July 2009.

Since being called to duty by the Atlanta Braves, Tommy has earned a 4-0 record with a 2.85 ERA in 7 starts.  Although he was recently sent back to the class-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans, he is expected to be called back to the Braves after the All-Star break.  Things are looking good so far for Tommy.  If he keeps up his current level of play, he will be an integral part of the Braves’ rotation for the foreseeable future.

I can’t wait to add Tommy Hanson’s Topps rookie card to my collection, which I expect to arrive in the form of 2009 Topps Updates & Highlights.