Ryan Brett5'9" 180 lbs DOB: 10/9/1991
Second Baseman
Bats: Right (Switch) | Throws: Right
2010: Gulf Coast Rays
Acquired: 2010 Draft, 3rd Round
The Rays third-round pick (and third hitter selected from the state of Washington), Brett doesn't have the ultimate ceiling of Josh Sale or Drew Vettleson, but still offers an exciting package of tools for a middle infielder. He also signed in time to get a month's worth of games in the Gulf Coast League, where he tore it up early before cooling late.
He was hitting .500 through his first week and a half or so, and finished a hair over .300. He used his plus speed to hit a pair of triples and steal 12 bases while only being caught three times. He showed good plate discipline and coverage, walking 8 times and striking out 17 times in 27 games. He played almost all of his games at second base, but also got a taste of shortstop.
His size (5'9" and 180 pounds) and speed fit a certain profile, but he's got good line-drive power and consistently hits the ball with authority. He's strong, having worked out with Josh Sale, and can pop the occasional home run, but his raw power is below average. He's a top-of-the-order type player, and would be an ideal #2 hitter if he hit his ceiling. He flirted with switch-hitting in high school, but I believe he hit exclusively from the right side as a pro. His hit tool is very good with plus potential; he shouldn't have much trouble at the plate.
There are more questions about him in the field. He doesn't have the fielding tools to play shortstop, but has the chance to be at least average at second base if he continues to improve his footwork and fielding actions. His arm is fine, and if second base doesn't work out, he can play center field, where his plus speed would give him good-to-excellent range.
Where he ends up in 2011 isn't clear. The Rays err on the conservative side, but if they start Sale, Vettleson, and Justin O'Conner out in full-season ball, there's a chance Brett showed them enough his debut to join them. More likely, he'll begin the year in extended spring training and eventually play with Hudson Valley or Princeton.
2009: Gulf Coast Rays?
ReplyDeletehe will start in Princeton along with Sale, Vettleson and O'Conner
ReplyDeleteA couple of the GCL coaches raved about his work ethic, moving to 2B from SS is quite an adjustment and he really needed work on the footwork.
ReplyDeleteThanks for pointing out the typo Anon #1, it was meant to be 2010. Fixed it.
ReplyDeleteI have personally seen this kid play, he graduated from my alma mater. This kid can rip the cover off of the ball. He's a natural hitter , no batting gloves. Fast in all aspects of the game. Complete team player. I have watched opposing coaches completely change their infield & outfield around just because he was up, then turn around fall behind 2 balls no strikes and intentionally walk him. Teams and pitchers are scared of this kid. Beware, he will make his way up the Devil Rays ladder real fast.
ReplyDeletehttp://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=20087365
ReplyDeleteGreat accomplishment for Brett
Ryan- Best of luck young brother! We have seen ya work since you were just a kid in the parking lot taking ground balls with Andrew and your dad while the rest of the team slept. They're many a great stories that can be told back home about you as the a kid who played much much bigger then you were in size.. You have worked your rear end off and are ready to show the world how Ryan Brett does it.
ReplyDeleteKeep working hard you're a great kid who will do great things.
Bob Williams (Greensox)
Seen this kid play on the Bowling Green Hot Rods team. Just wanna say, this kid can play ball. Regardless how short he is.
ReplyDelete“Promise Yourself
ReplyDeleteTo be so strong that nothing
can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness, and prosperity
to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel
that there is something in them
To look at the sunny side of everything
and make your optimism come true.
To think only the best, to work only for the best,
and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past
and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times
and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear,
and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world,
not in loud words but great deeds.
To live in faith that the whole world is on your side
so long as you are true to the best that is in you.”
― Christian D. Larson