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University of Arkansas ace Ryne Stanek (RHP) is one of the top arms in the 2013 MLB Draft class and an early favorite to come off the board in the first ten picks this upcoming June. The former Kansas prep arm has shown growth in stuff and consistency through two successful years at Arkansas while following in the footsteps of recent USA Baseball alums Sonny Gray (Oakland Athletics), Gerrit Cole (Pittsburgh Pirates) and Trevor Bauer (Arizona Diamondbacks) as a two-time member of USA Baseball's Collegiate National Team through his first two collegiate summers. Today's video was taken during the Razorbacks' series in Baton Rouge this past spring, where Stanek threw opposite LSU's Ryan Eades (another potential high pick in the 2013 Draft, and our tomorrow's Daily Draft Video feature player).

 

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nils707
11/20
I have no idea what I'm talking about, but, should his delivery give us any pause? It looks like it's all arm. I'm not suggesting he'll get hurt, but it looks unconventional. Or are there some other delivery comps that can help me wrap my head around him?
NickFaleris
11/20
A more complex mechanical assessment is probably better given by Doug Thorburn -- I'll see if I can get his attention and have him respond as to comps.

From a scouting perspective, I don't have much trepidation relating to effort. Stanek gets to his velocity pretty easily and has improved his angles since high school while finding a little more consistency in his timing and release. He has a long loop on the back, and still struggles to repeat his arm path, but that is something he can improve upon with continued reps and instruction.
tombores99
11/20
Good observation, Nils J - Stanek is relatively weak with the lower body, and his delivery is very reliant on upper-body and torque. I would like to see him get more use of his lower half in order to increase momentum, along with the athleticism to maintain balance and to track the body closer to the plate. Not many guys can successfully execute the stiff front leg and consistently repeat the release point (Verlander is the glaring exception), and Stanek could really benefit from some additional extension to his release point. His posture is already very strong, and his upper-half is much more advanced.

Stanek's arms also have some Inverted-W thanks to a heavy scapular load, which underscores the importance of conditioning to allow the shoulder muscles to support his technique, in addition to proper timing to prevent the possibility of elbow drag (which has been connected to injury risk).

I agree with Nick that continued reps and tailored instruction will go a long way toward helping Stanek to hit his ceiling, especially an emphasis on strength-training and balance.
nils707
11/20
Woah, thank you both! And this is why there really isn't a better place than BP. you guys are awesome.