Atlanta Braves rookie outfielder Jason Heyward can’t possibly be sent to the minors after his showing in spring training. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports today that the 20-year-old launched a Max Scherzer fastball at least 450 feet in the first inning of the Braves’ contest at the Tigers’ complex in Lakeland, Fla.

The most impressive Heyward blast of the spring was summed up best by Braves’ pitcher Tim Hudson, as told to the AJC. Heyward worked a full count after falling behind 0-2, then launched the payoff pitch well beyond the wall in right field.

“If he’d have just gotten a hit or a walk it would have been a great at-bat,” Hudson said. “And he goes and puts one in the trees out there. I mean, it just adds to the legend.”

In fantasy, yeah, it’s fun to get caught up in the Heyward legend. But, it’s important to note that each one of these fabled blasts inches Heyward closer to an everyday job in right field. It’s not just gossip or folk lore, these are real, meaningful moments that will help dictate Heyward’s role in 2010.

Heyward has won his teammates and coaches over and again, and now it’s just a matter of Braves’ management reaching the same kind of comfort level in their prized prospect.

Heyward is big, strong, patient, mature, advanced, polished and powerful for his age. As flattering as the adjectives are to describe Heyward, the comparisons are probably more flattering. The most recent is surefire Hall of Famer Ken Griffey, only Heyward could actually be a more complete hitter than Junior Griffey was at the same age.

The point is, with every new tall tale and every new beaming remark from a teammate or coach, Heyward further cements his place in the Braves’ lineup. At this stage, we would not only be shocked if Heyward DIDN’T make the team, but if he didn’t start and hit right in the middle of the Braves’ lineup.