Ryan Cermak

Paul DeJong, Owen Miller and now Ryan Cermak. The Redbirds of Illinois State have been known to produce a prospect or two, and Cermak has drawn plenty of scout love to Normal, Ill., this spring. The athletic, strong 6-foot-1, 205-pound righthanded hitter has soared up draft boards this spring and projects to be one of the first center fielders off the board in July. Offensively, Cermak swings a dangerous stick, with plus bat speed and aggression. When squared, he generates exit velocities up to 110 mph. None of his 19 home runs were cheap and after slashing .340/.441/.696 he established himself as one of the most dangerous hitters in the country. If there are any holes in Cermak’s offensive approach, it lies in the fact that he’s a dead pull hitter. Pitchers would find success this spring with executed fastballs and sliders away, and sometimes off the plate. Driving the ball the other way more consistently will work in Cermak’s favor as opposing arms will quickly learn not to challenge him middle-in. Cermak’s play on the defensive side is equally impressive. With a highlight reel that’s loaded with Sports Center Top 10 type plays, there’s no question in the minds of evaluators he will continue to shine in center field at the professional level. How about arm strength? He’s been up to 95 off the mound, which gives him another asset in the grass. Cermak will turn in above-average run times down the first base line, giving him a complete package of above-average of better tools.