Ryan
Jeffers

4/25/18 -Physical, durable build. Right handed hitter can create fear with a physical presence and a swing geared to create loft. Above average bat speed and strength led to 10 home runs in 2017 and 11 already in 2018. Impressive feel for the strike zone, showing good pitch recognition, Jeffers has struckout in 13% of his 2018 plate appearances, while walking in 19%. Balanced, athletic, and working from a tall base on the right side. The hands work near his back ear, with loose waggle in the bat head. Loads with a simple ‘C’ action in the hands, creating lag in the bat head. Short stride, works for extension. Average barrel awareness, but the impact is dangerous when on the barrel. Average base runner, with a feel for angles and situation. Not a clogger but does not create any threat when on. Behind the plate, good bend through the hips allowing him to be an easy target to throw through. Slides side to side in his setup with ease. Hands work with strength and ease, receiving and presenting the ball well. Too many boxed and tipped balls for a guy that has a chance to receive at a high level in the first two games withTowson. Below average blocker, rarely settling the ball around his frame, late to get to his body in position. Tends to want to block with one side of his body, one knee to the ground. Several two strike pitches that bounced away (none for strikeouts), where he worked from a one-knee, or even two-knees, down on the ground initial receiving position. The arm lacks carry, but shows some feel for accuracy, throwing out 6 of 25 base stealers in 2018 and 11 of 45 in 2017 (36% over the two years). Pop times peaked at 2.00 in infield/outfield, ranged 1.97 – 2.32 between innings, and 2.08 – 2.10 in game. Both in-game opportunities came on fastballs belt high or above. Transfers slightly below the chest, working with a short arm action and slight elbow lead out of the glove. Some fade to throws, working into the baseline. Feet work with a direct path and there is extension through throws. Moved to left field in a blowout during game two. Below average range, but worked under control and first step got him on-line with his route. The bat has to play to continue to move up and it may. The bat is the ticket and it may provide opportunity for a number of roles on a roster. Potential to be a backup catcher with enough athleticism to get a chance to expand his role to a corner outfielder / first baseman, utility type player, with a big presence in a lineup.