Ryan DeLaughter Stats & Scouting Report

Full name Ryan A. DeLaughter
Born 12/31/1986 in Desoto, TX
Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 210 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Billy Ryan
Drafted in the 5th round (144th overall) by the Washington Nationals in 2005 (signed for $187,500).

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There's some disagreement about whether OF/RHP Ryan DeLaughter has a brighter future as a hitter or pitcher, but more scouts like his bat. At 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, he can drive balls a long way, though he may need to polish up his hitting mechanics. On the mound, he'll show an average fastball and curveball. He shouldn't be a tough sign because he has committed to Navarro JC rather than a four-year college.

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DeLaughter was a two-way star in high school who touched 93 mph off the mound, but the Nationals drafted him as a right fielder. Scouts in Texas were split on his best future role, though the consensus was that he was better off as a power-hitting right fielder. That's the role Washington chose for him, and he bears a physical resemblance to Ryan Church. Confident and outgoing, DeLaughter showed off above-average power potential and a plus arm in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League. He's a good fastball hitter and can go to the opposite field, but he struggles to hit breaking balls and his swing needs to be shortened. He might never hit for much of an average. He didn't run well in his debut because of an old football knee injury, though he could end up being an average defender. DeLaughter figures to start 2006 in extended spring training, followed by a trip to Vermont in June.