H/W: 6-2 195 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 4/27/90
The Red Sox continued their trend of luring toolsy, prep athletes away from college programs by signing them to over-slot bonuses. Westmoreland was slated to accept a scholarship from Vanderbilt before the Sox snatched him in the 5th round and offered a $1.6 million bonus.
Evoking comparisons to fellow Rhode Island native Rocco Baldelli, Ryan has a long, lean frame that exudes athleticism and projects to hit for above average power. He has fast hands and a balanced swing that provides power to the gaps. Westmoreland is an intelligent player with a good feel for the strike zone and sound plate discipline, testified by the fact that he earned a 17 BB/2 K ratio as a high school senior. Scouts who have watched him play rate his speed as being just a tick below that of current Red Sox leadoff hitter Jacoby Ellsbury. Ryan uses his speed well on the bases and in CF where he is adept at running down balls and utilizing his plus arm strength to gun down baserunners.
There are few flaws in Westmoreland's game, but the fact that Ryan needed off season shoulder surgery is somewhat of a concern. The surgery will keep him out until June and, while the Red Sox are optimistic that he will recover fully, it is unclear at this point just how much the injury will set him back.
2009 Projection: Westmoreland has yet to get a professional AB under his belt but things look good for him to start the 2009 season with the Sox GCL affiliate. All eyes will be on Westmoreland to see if the tools carry over into professional baseball and whether the shoulder injury is a thing of the past or, worse, another comparison to the injury-riddled Rocco Baldelli.
Key Ryan Westmoreland Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Razor Signature Series Auto #/1199
- 2008 Razor Exclusive Auto
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