- Full name Ryan D. Mitchell
- Born 08/13/1987 in Houston, TX
- Profile Ht.: 6'5" / Wt.: 235 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Magnolia
- Drafted in the 20th round (614th overall) by the Houston Astros in 2005.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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As a projectable 6-foot-4 high school sophomore, Mitchell tore up the summer showcase circuit in 2003 and looked like a first-round pick for the 2005 draft. He made little progress over the next two years, however, and seemed likely to attend juco power San Jacinto (Texas) when the Astros took him in the 20th round last June as a draft-and-follow. Instead, he proved an easier sign than expected and turned pro for $35,000. Mitchell has the potential to rocket up this list in the future. He already throws 90-92 mph, touches 94 and can add more velocity as he gets stronger. He throws his curveball and changeup for strikes and has uncanny command for his age and size. How much he can improve the quality of his secondary pitches will determine how good he becomes. Mitchell is fearless on the mound and has baseball savvy. His arm action has some funk to it, as he has a short arm stroke and sometimes gets too far out in front, but he showed the aptitude to clean it up under the tutelage of Houston's minor league staff. Like Koby Clemens, who took Mitchell under his wing at Greeneville, he won't be overwhelmed by low Class A as a teenager.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Mitchell opened eyes in the Appalachian League with surprising command for such a young (18) and tall (6-foot-5, 235 pounds) pitcher. He pitches consistently at 90 mph and could add more velocity as he gets stronger. He also throws a curveball and a changeup for strikes, but as with most young pitchers, the latter pitch needs more work. "He's been a huge surprise for us," Nixon said. "We're excited by his youth, his size and his performance at this level without being intimidated. He's got a good feel for his pitches."
