LATEST PG SHOWCASE REPORT
2003 National Showcase
Pond is a college coaches' dream, a power hitting third baseman who can come in and throw in the 90s off the mound. At 6-2, 225, he doesn’t project the kind of body that the professional scouts would normally be high on as a high school draft, but he should generate far more interest among the college coaching community, especially on the East Coast, than many players who will be drafted far ahead of him next June. Probably the most attractive aspect about Pond’s abilities is that they are so well rounded. His best tool as a position player is, of course, his bat and power potential, but he isn’t a free swinger with an all or nothing approach. In the field he shows agility at third base and circles grounders well and gets his feet in position to throw on a consistent basis. Pond’s arm is MLB average from third and will be a big strength at the next level. We didn’t get as long a look at Pond on the mound but it didn’t surprise us when he threw consistently 88 mph, touching 90 and was aggressive in the strike zone. He threw a curveball at 71-75 mph and with his athleticism and arm action it should be little problem to teach him a slurve/slider that would make him even more effective out of the bullpen in college. This kid simply has a great arm and serious hitting ability. We think he has a chance to play in the big leagues down the road. Ryan is a very good athlete and an excellent student.