The Brewster

While many of the Mounties top prospects have graduated to the majors over the past few years, a few are still developing in the minors. There are a few guys we could talk about, but there is one guy we really want to talk about. That player is 2039 #5 overall pick Richie Vanness. The Las Vegas native was drafted out of high school as one of the most high risk, high reward players of the draft. He signed for a signing bonus of $4.4 million dollars and went straight to rookie ball. He didn't quite make the immediate impact that Mounties fans hoped he would make. It took him quite a while to feel comfortable in the minor leagues, but he eventually was able to start showing signs of progress. This past season was his most promising so far. Let's look at the progress of his ratings since being drafted.

Draft day ratings (2039): 20/75; 2 Stuff (7 Potential), 2 Movement (7 Potential), 1 Control (9 Potential); 1/10 Changeup, 90-92 Velocity
End of 2039 (Rookie Ball): 20/75; 2 (7), 3 (7), 1 (9); 2/10 Changeup, 90-92 Velocity
End of 2040 (Rookie Ball): 20/75; 2 (7), 6(7), 1 (9); 4/10 Changeup, 92-94 Velocity
End of 2041 (S A); 30/75; 4 (7), 7 (7), 3 (9), 5/10 Changeup, 92-94 Velocity
Current: 35/75; 4 (7), 7 (7), 4 (9), 6/10 Changeup, 93-95 Velocity

I am incredibly happy to see Vanness developing, especially when comparing him to the other top 10 picks in the 2039 draft. Many of those guys are realizing their potential and are either in the majors or are close to making an impact. Vanness was always going to be one of the riskiest players coming out of that draft, especially considering how he needed to develop that changeup to have a chance to fully reach his potential. The changeup is known as a pitch that pitchers can't fully develop, so it's such a relief knowing that Vanness' changeup will at least be average. Next year he will start in either A or AA, I'm not quite sure yet. Single A is probably the best option. I think Mounties fans could see Vanness in the majors in late 2043 or early 2044.

I can already tell that this is a part of the game that I am going to struggle with. The patience needed to develop players and not to lose faith in them and throw my hands up in the air.

That change getting to the point it has is huge. Also he hasn't lumped at all so still looking good there.

Outstanding, Taylor! Kudos to your scouting department and developmental approach!

Looks like he’s following in his Dad’s footsteps.

Change ups grow slowly.