B.J. Ryan

Guide Note

B.J. Ryan is a left-handed Closer for the Toronto Blue Jays. The Cincinnati Reds selected Ryan in the 17th round of the 1998 amateur draft. After a year in the Reds' minor league system, Ryan was traded to the Baltimore Orioles in 1999 in exchange for Juan Guzman and an undisclosed amount of cash[1]. Ryan would pitch for the Orioles from 1999-2005. Ryan's final year with the Orioles would be his best, converting 36 of 41 save opportunities, and earning a spot on the American League All-Star roster. Ryan would cash in on his breakout year by signing a 5-year $47 million contract to pitch for the Blue Jays. In 2006 Ryan would validate his big contract, the largest of its kind for a reliever to date, by posting a career high 38 saves and making his second consecutive All-Star team. Ryan would miss nearly all of the 2007 season after undergoing Tommy John Surgery. In 2008 resumed his role as the Blue Jays' closer.

Fast Facts

1. Hometown: Bossier City, LA
2. MLB Draft: 1998, Cincinnati
3. All-Star Appearances: 2
4. 2006 ERA: 1.37
5. 2006 saves: 38

Ryan is tall (6'6") and possesses a very deceptive delivery, making him particularly tough on left-handed batters[2]. He also does a good job of using his slider to get out righties[3].

While his command has improved over the years, Ryan can occasionally loose control of his pitches[4]. Ryan must also show that he has recovered from the elbow surgery.