Ryan
Vanderhei

Although a fourth-year college player, the Kansas transfer has been a revelation in just seven months at his new college home. Vanderhei was the talk of the fall with an electric arm and terrific stuff. He was anywhere from 95-99 mph with his fastball early in the fall before settling in more in the 92-96 mph range. At the Showdown the 6-foot-6, 190 pound right-hander topped 97 with his heater, sitting 94-95 and maintaining 92-94 into the fourth inning. He lands open, creating arm side action for plus life on his fastball. His improved changeup was mostly plus and he used it in big situations to get soft contact for outs. His 84-88 mph slider was also a factor, showing average consistently, while flashing plus. With a mix of stuff, performance and projection, Vanderhei, like Hollan, easily projects to early Day Two. And regardless of his age, late Day One is not out of reach with continued good health and performance.

After three years in Lawrence Vanderhei packed his bags and headed for Fort Worth. When he departed Kansas his arsenal included an 88-94 mph fastball, a below average slider and an effective changeup. The loose-armed 6-foot-6 slender-bodied right-hander showed 95-97 mph heat early in the fall, but settled more 92-95 for the latter half. He throws both a four-seam rider and a two-seam sinker. The development of a consistent difference between the two offerings has been one key to Vanderhei’s progress. He’s also developed more confidence in his low-80s sinking changeup to go along with an improved, mid-80s slider.