Ryan
Howard

2/3/13:  Ryan Howard (Francis Howell Central HS, MO) was one of the bigger surprises at the Super 60. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Missouri recruit showcased plenty of arm from shortstop (85 mph) while demonstrating athletic feet and solid range. He particularly impressed on his backhand deep in the hole. Offensively, continued to open eyes with a balanced and aggressive plate approach, highlighted by quiet swing mechanics and advanced bat speed. Howard, who ran a 7.00 60, has a sturdy, athletic frame, one that has plenty of room to develop. If he continues to add strength, Howard may profile as a third baseman.

The 6-foot-1, 165-pound Howard (right) is a legitimate two-way prospect who performed extremely well in all facets of the game. At shortstop, Howard was the top defensive middle infielder at the event, showing fluid and easy actions, to go along with soft hands and the top arm across the infield (88 mph). He demonstrated advanced footwork and played through the ball well. At the plate, Howard hits with a balanced position with good rhythm and showed polished overall hitting mechanics. He is short and quick to the baseball, as the ball jumped off his bat with consistently hard line drives to all fields, and showed some glimpses of power. Howard also impressed on the mound. He has a quick and easy arm action and showed the ability to command three pitches for strikes. He operates from a high ¾ slot with a heavy fastball that sat in the 82-84 range.