Matt Ruppenthal

Matt Ruppenthal's father Barry pitched briefly in the minors, spending one year with Rookie-level Idaho Falls. Matt has a chance to stick around a little longer in pro ball as a well-proportioned 6-foot-4, 225-pound righthander with a fast arm and a plus curveball. Ruppenthal can touch 94-95 mph with his fastball, but he's able to locate much better when he gears down to 91-92. His 12-to-6 curveball is his best pitch, as it's a swing-and-miss offering when he locates it. He also has shown some feel for a changeup, which may entice a team to let him start, even though he's worked primarily out of the bullpen for Vanderbilt.