Ray Black
Born:
06/26/1990 (Age: 33)
Bats:
Right
Throws: Right
Arm Slot: High 3/4
Height: 6' 5''
Weight: 225
Primary Position: RHRP
Seconday Position: -
Throws: Right
Arm Slot: High 3/4
Height: 6' 5''
Weight: 225
Primary Position: RHRP
Seconday Position: -
Acquisition Period:
7th Rd., 2011 MLB First-Year Player Draft (SFG)
Entry Point: 4 Yr College
Entry Point: 4 Yr College
Report Info
| Evaluator: | Reggie Yinger |
| Report Date: | May 5th, 2016 |
| Dates Seen: | 4/26/2016 |
| Level: | Double-A |
| Affiliate: | Richmond Flying Squirrels |
| MLB Team: |
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Physical Description
Tall frame; athletic build
Mechanical Notes
First base side of rubber; max effort; high 3/4 arm slot; long stabbing action; deception due to long stabbing action.
| MLB ETA | Future Floor | Future Ceiling | Realistic Role | Risk | Late 2017 | 50 | 55 | Role 5: Top Situational Reliever | High |
|---|
| Pitch | Present | Future | Sitting | Max | Comments |
| Fastball | |||||
| Fastball | 80 | 80 | 98-100 | 101 | Below-average control and command; heavy downward movement; explosive |
| Below-average control and command; heavy downward movement; explosive | |||||
| Slider | |||||
| Slider | 55 | 60 | 79, 84-85 | 89 | Average command; big tilt; average pitch that plays up to fastball; 79 mph pitch was flashed as a slurve with breaking horizontal movement. |
| Average command; big tilt; average pitch that plays up to fastball; 79 mph pitch was flashed as a slurve with breaking horizontal movement. | |||||
MiLB Stats
Overall Summary
Ray Black is the hardest throwing pitcher in the minor leagues, but durability issues and command issues may limit his future projectability. He consistently hit 100 mph on the radar gun, but below-average control and walks make him suited for a 7th-or 8th-inning role instead of an elite 9th-inning closer. His slider becomes an above-average pitch because hitters are typically trying to time up his big fastball. In addition to a mid-80's slider, he flashed a slower version of the pitch that took the shape of a slurve. He also tossed some changeups during warmups, but didn't use the pitch in the game. Black has had numerous injuries, including Tommy John surgery, a torn meniscus, and a broken hand. Due to the injuries, he becomes an extreme risk to be used on back-to-back days as a closer.
