NYS Games Player Preview: 2018 C Tommy Ryan (Victor HS)

Preseason All-State (February 20, 2017) Ryan, a 2018 right-handed hitting catcher currently ranked as the 27th best catching prospect for the 2018 class, stands at 6-foot-0 and weighs 195 pounds, ran a 7.71 60. Offensively- Starts from a square balanced lower half, slight bend with both knees, with the hands in front of and slightly higher than the back shoulder while the barrel of the bat moving between a parallel to 45-degree angle during the pre-pitch phase. Gets into the launch phase of the swing using a slight shift of weight to the back side with the lead foot elevating and driving to the back knee with some inward rotation while the hands are loaded straight back, slightly outside the back shoulder, with the barrel of the bat getting slightly greater than 45-degrees with a minimal wrap towards the pitcher. Showed ability to drive the ball from the pull side gap to the middle of the field. Hand path is quick and compact to the zone with quality extension finishing with a long one-handed follow through. Recorded an impressive exit velocity of 86 MPH on the day, an increase of 2 MPH from January and new personal best.  Defensively-  Works from a square balanced lower half. Received the ball well, working from underneath the ball in the lower third as well as outside the ball to both corners. On throws to second base, transfer is a bit late from the back ear which causes a pulling action with the lead arm from the power position to the release. With a quicker transfer, the pop time should get below the 2.0 mark. Recorded an arm velocity of 76 MPH, a new personal best,  to go along with a best pop time of 2.03, but has had a top pop time of 2.00 at past events.  

Diamond Pro Workout (January 14, 2017)

Ryan has a strong frame at 6-foot, 195 pounds. Was timed at 4.52 seconds from home to first base. Offensively- Starts with a wide base and knees bent. Hands begin next to back ear. Loads weight over back foot before using a leg kick to initiate swing. Weight shifts forward throughout swing. Hands are short to the ball as hands stay close to body throughout swing. Extension through ball is limited. Has a high one handed finish. Had an exit velocity of 84 MPH, but has previously been as high as 85 MPH. Showed some pop to his pull side. Defensively- Sets up high in crouch. Swings lower half towards 3B to start throw. Hand transfer is clean and quick. Pop times continues to improve from previous events, ranging from 2.00-2.13 seconds. Arm velocity was at 65 MPH, but has previously been as high as 74 MPH.

NY Games (June 27-29, 2016)

Ryan is a stocky catcher weighing in at 180 pounds   and standing at 5-foot-11. He ran a 7.89 60. Offensively- Hands at ear level, slight weight transfer to the back leg on load. Starts slightly open with a wider stance, comes square when finishing. Generates power by weight aggressively, yet under control attacking ball on front leg. One-arm high finish, exit velocity 85 MPH (5 MPH increase form July 2015). Defensively- receives ball in a balance position from behind the plate. Arm strength is 74 MPH (4 MPH increase from July 2015) from behind the dish, with his pop time ranging from 2.15-2.22 seconds (also improved from July 2015). Quicker hands and transfer can improve pop time. Blocks balls in dirt well, keeps body balanced, uses big frame to keep ball in front.

Western New York Open (July 23, 2015)

Stands at 5-foot-11, 175 pounds, with an athletic body build.  He ran a 4.73 Home to 1^st from the right-hand side.  Defensively- As a catcher, he throws with cut off and after the throw recoils.  He receives the ball with smooth, soft hands and has a clean transfer.  He blocks the ball nicely and keeps everything in front of him.  His pop times were consistently at 2.22 down to second base.  His arm strength was at 70 MPH. Offensively- At the plate his setup is relaxed and balanced, long low leg kick stride, with back load.  His hands are compact and strong, swinging on a level plane with mid-section extension, with a shoulder high finish through the ball.  His exit velocity was 80 MPH.