- Full name Ryan Brannan
- Born
- Profile Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Background: Brannan has become an enigma to the Phillies. Their top prospect entering 1998, he struggled all year with his mechanics, was demoted to Double-A and couldn't correct his problems in the Arizona Fall League. Strengths: When he is on, Brannan has a mid-90s fastball with hard, late-sinking action. He also throws a sharp slider, giving him a perfect two-pitch combination for a late-inning reliever. Weaknesses: Brannan has lost all feel for his arm angle and release point. In the AFL, his fastball was in the mid-80s and his slider was flat and up. Brannan is not a good athlete and he's had trouble getting comfortable with his delivery. The Future: At least Brannan's been in this jam before. He endured the same problems at the University of Miami before transferring to Long Beach State University and finding his groove for coach Dave Snow. This year, Brannan will be pet project No. 1 for the Phillies' overhauled minor league staff.
