Mike Rayl Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Michael J. Rayl
Born 11/01/1988 in West Palm Beach, FL
Profile Ht.: 6'5" / Wt.: 180 / Bats: L / Throws: L
School Palm Beach State CC
Drafted in the 15th round (455th overall) by the Cleveland Guardians in 2009 (signed for $125,000).

View Draft Report

Rivaling Corbin as the state's top pitching prospect, lefthander Michael Rayl has similar size at 6-foot-3, 180 pounds, and at times has similar velocity at 89-91 mph. Some scouts didn't see him throw that hard this spring, as he dipped into the mid-80s. He's more savvy and experienced than Corbin, showing good pitchability despite a modest curveball and changeup. His arm works well and he's yet another member of Florida's amazing recruiting class.

Top Rankings

Rayl was one of the top Florida juco pitching prospects in 2009, but he lasted until the 15th round because of his commitment to Florida. The Indians signed him for $125,000. Rayl gets by more on savvy than stuff, though his pitches ticked up slightly last season. Rayl's fastball improved from the upper 80s at the start of 2011 to sitting at 90 mph and touching 93 by the end. He has started to grow into his lanky frame and learned how to use his legs more in his delivery, which has helped his fastball. He's an adept strike-thrower with good mechanics and mixes his offerings well. His curveball and changeup both have a chance to be average, with the curve better one now. Rayl still has to prove his stuff will play against hitters at higher levels after getting knocked around at high Class A Kinston last August, but he has a chance to become a back-of-the-rotation starter. To begin 2012, he'll probably return to high Class A with the organization's new Carolina affiliate.