Lillibridge (one more funky spelling to master) is a good prospect make no mistake. I think it completely pointless to argue that one prospect is blocking another at a position until there's evidence of both guys being serious AND bound for the same team (ie. Campbell and Pope). From there, it's rather pre-mature to assume anyone from A-ball into the MLB ranks, let alone as an impact player. Let those two flames temper the enthusiasm and concern.
Make no mistake, he's quite a "throw-in" and brings back memories of a "throw-in" article I read back in December that listed all of the players that had, unbenounced at the time, actually carried the deal. From Bagwell to Liriano, it's a rather impressive list, but it also discounted the hundreds of prospects that were thrown-in only to be thrown-out.
The most impressive thing about Lillibridge for me is that fact that he master both "A" ball levels without a bump in the same season (.313/.426). Granted Lynchburg is no Coastal Federal Field, but there were few Braves "prospects" outside of Young (.281/.389 ), Loadenthal (.323/.425) that posted those ISoOBP numbers. Given that Lilliledge is actually getting hyped by the "tools" and "makeup" department and recieving plenty of black type in the prospect reports, I'd say he's a very solid pick up indeed.
My gripe though centers on the fact that the Braves just traded a 32-HR 1B with outstanding defense for a closer who may or may not reached 75 appearances in any given season. That should have been worth some second talent further up the ladder; let's say MLB. This is especially true given that Littlefield was practical straddling a ban saw given the public heat that the Pirate owners and Pittsburgh press were bringing to bear to get LaRoche.