Derek
Ripp

2/21/16 - Ripp is a 6-foot-6 215-pound left-handed hitting first baseman and pitcher in Kansas’ 2017 class from St. James Academy HS.  He ran a 4.19 home to first and has an exit velo of 94 mph. At the plate, open stance, controlled leg lift to in-line stride, quick and loose hands create bat whip, consistent hard contact to pull side with power during batting practice.  On the infield, 76 mph positional velo at 1B, soft hands, athletic footwork, over the top release with momentum towards target. On the mound, great frame, highly projectable. Showed an aggressive delivery and quick arm. High three-quarters slot. Pounded the bottom of the strike zone with most fastballs, 82-86 mph. 12/6 Breaking ball showed sharpness, was somewhat erratic with it command-wise today, but it’s a potential plus pitch once he harnesses it, 57-61 mph. Change-up 78-80 mph. Strong follow in the MOKAN class of 2017.

8/1/15 - Ripp 6-foot-6 200-pound left-handed hitting first baseman and right-handed pitcher. Ripp is a big target at first base with long arms and long legs, and can also play third base.  He has fluid footwork on the infield and plays through the ball. He throws with an over-the-top release at 78 mph.  Offensively, he runs a 7.60 60 and has a 90 mph exit velo.  Ripp has a balaced set-up and a small leg kick. He is level through contact, accelerating the barrell. He was mostly middle to pull during batting practice.

5A All-State 2nd Team - First Base

1/19/15 - Ripp is a class of 2017 right-handed pitcher and left-hand hitting corner infielder. Lean, athletic 6-foot-5, 190-pound frame, attends St. James Academy in Lenexa, KS. Athletic set-up at the plate, open stance, mini leg-kick, strides inline, hands work, generates leverage, bat speed, finishes with extension. Made consistent hard contact in the gaps. Exit velocity 87 mph, ran a 4.38 home to first. At third base showed athletic actions and footwork. Sure handed. Easy, high three-quarters arm action, throws had carry, 79 mph throwing velocity, all accurate throws. At first base moved well, fielded ball cleanly. Short, high three-quarters arm action, all accurate throws. During bullpen work showed an under control and simple delivery. Turns at balance, hides ball, throws from a tall balance point, arm works, high three-quarters slot, athletic finish. Repeats well. Fastball with arm side run, at times late, consistent velocity, all clocked in 82-83 mph range. Feel for breaking ball with 12/6 shape, 64-65 mph. Command of a 73-76 mph change-up, running action similar to fastball. Impressive, projectable class of 2017 two-way prospect.