One of the top offensive shortstops in the country, Vanderbilt's Ryan Flaherty has been rated a 3rd team Pre Season All American by Baseball America. Still developing into his 6'2" 205 pound frame, "Flash" has a solid approach at the plate and consistently lines the ball to all parts of the field. Hitting in front of the lethal Pedro Alvarez, his power numbers look to increase in '08. He has exceptional instincts with an average arm at short, though he could be prompted to move to 2nd once he turns pro, a position where he would be a plus defender.
In his first year at Vandy, Flaherty led the Commodores with a .339 average and 19 doubles. He started 39 games at 1st base as a freshman and 19 at shortstop, where he settled in and played the last 13 games of the season. That summer, he was named the 30th top prospect in the Cape by BA after hitting .250 with 6 doubles for Hyannis. As a sophomore, Flash exploded to hit .381 with 23 doubles, four HR's and 57 RBI to help the Commodores to a #1 seed in the NCAA 64 Team Tournament. Establishing himself as one of the premier college players in the country, he stole 12 bases and fielded at an impressive .969 clip. He ended the year with a 35 game hitting streak.
Playing predominantly 2nd base for Team USA in deference to Long Beach State's Danny Espinosa, Flaherty started off hot against the teams in the NECBL before cooling off to hit .270 with two homers, seven doubles and 14 RBI. He impressed scouts with his ability to work the count and with his first step quickness at 2nd.
Look for Flash to develop more power this season while continuing to post a high average. Vanderbilt has been rated as high as #3rd this pre season and Baseball America has ranked Flaherty the 26th top college prospect coming into the June draft.
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In his first year at Vandy, Flaherty led the Commodores with a .339 average and 19 doubles. He started 39 games at 1st base as a freshman and 19 at shortstop, where he settled in and played the last 13 games of the season. That summer, he was named the 30th top prospect in the Cape by BA after hitting .250 with 6 doubles for Hyannis. As a sophomore, Flash exploded to hit .381 with 23 doubles, four HR's and 57 RBI to help the Commodores to a #1 seed in the NCAA 64 Team Tournament. Establishing himself as one of the premier college players in the country, he stole 12 bases and fielded at an impressive .969 clip. He ended the year with a 35 game hitting streak.
Playing predominantly 2nd base for Team USA in deference to Long Beach State's Danny Espinosa, Flaherty started off hot against the teams in the NECBL before cooling off to hit .270 with two homers, seven doubles and 14 RBI. He impressed scouts with his ability to work the count and with his first step quickness at 2nd.
Look for Flash to develop more power this season while continuing to post a high average. Vanderbilt has been rated as high as #3rd this pre season and Baseball America has ranked Flaherty the 26th top college prospect coming into the June draft.
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