- Full name Ryan Gripp
- Born
- Profile Throws: R
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Gripp's stock took a huge hit in 2001. After winning the Midwest League batting title and leading all minor league third basemen with a .333 average the year before, he continued to hit for average and gap power in the Florida State League. But when he was promoted to Double-A to take over for an injured David Kelton, Gripp batted just .227. His plate discipline wasn't up to previous standards at either level last year, and he began pulling off of pitches in an attempt to hit for more power. His arm, range and mobility were all questionable to begin with, and he didn't play well defensively last year, making 31 errors. If he can stick at third base, he has a shot as a potential .280 hitter with 35 doubles and 15-20 homers. If he has to move to first base, that production won't be enough to unseat Hee Seop Choi. Headed back to Double-A, Gripp caught a break when FSL home run leader Jim Deschaine was traded to the Blue Jays in the offseason. Deschaine would have taken some playing time at third base, necessitating that Gripp play some first base, but now Gripp should have the hot corner to himself. -
After taking righthander Ben Christensen and raw high school outfielder Mike Mallory with their first two draft choices in 1999, the Cubs wanted the best college hitter available when they picked in the third round. They went with Gripp, who has justified their evaluation. He batted.333 last year, leading all minor league third basemen and all Midwest League hitters. Gripp is polished at the plate. He has a compact swing and a selective eye, which allows him to drill doubles and homers to all fields. He has had no problems with wood bats or breaking pitches. He has good hands and makes accurate throws from third base, but his range, mobility and arm strength are all below-average for the position. He may have to move to first base, not something that any prospect who shares an organization with Hee Seop Choi wants to do. At 22, Gripp was a bit old for the Midwest League, though he probably won't skip a level with Eric Hinske and David Kelton ahead of him in the minors.
Minor League Top Prospects
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The Cubs have been searching for a third baseman since should-be Hall of Famer Ron Santo departed following the 1973 season. Suddenly they have a trio of candidates working their way through the minors in Gripp, Eric Hinske and David Kelton. Gripp, the 2000 MWL batting champion, is the most accomplished hitter of the three. He has a short, compact swing that generates plenty of power. He’s selective at the plate and already uses the entire field. "There are not too many guys at this level who hit the breaking ball consistently like he does," McFarland said. "And he can also catch up to a good fastball." Managers aren’t as sure of his glove. Gripp has good hands and an accurate arm, but his range, mobility and arm strength are all below average for a third baseman. He was going to focus on his defense in instructional league.
Scouting Reports
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The Cubs have been searching for a third baseman since should-be Hall of Famer Ron Santo departed following the 1973 season. Suddenly they have a trio of candidates working their way through the minors in Gripp, Eric Hinske and David Kelton. Gripp, the 2000 MWL batting champion, is the most accomplished hitter of the three. He has a short, compact swing that generates plenty of power. He’s selective at the plate and already uses the entire field. "There are not too many guys at this level who hit the breaking ball consistently like he does," McFarland said. "And he can also catch up to a good fastball." Managers aren’t as sure of his glove. Gripp has good hands and an accurate arm, but his range, mobility and arm strength are all below average for a third baseman. He was going to focus on his defense in instructional league.