B.J. Ryan

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.

Strengths

Ryan is tall (6'6") and possesses a very deceptive delivery, making him particularly tough on left-handed batters[1]. He also does a good job of using his slider to get out righties[2].

Weaknesses

While his command has improved over the years, Ryan can occasionally loose control of his pitches[1]. Ryan must also show that he has recovered from the elbow surgery.