Bats: Left Throws: Right 6’0’ 175 lbs. DOB: 8/17/1986
Rancho Cucamonga (High-A): AVG-OBP-SLG: .290-.337-.512
Ryan Mount slid to the bottom half of the Top 30 prospects heading into ’08, but has quickly re-emerged as one of the Top Prospects in the Angels organization. Mount, an offensive-minded power hitting lefty second baseman hit 16 HR’s, 17 doubles, and 5 triples in just 82 games with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes High-A ballclub in ’08. Due to injuries, the Angels’ second round pick 2005 has played just 170 games over the last two seasons. But last season Mount really made strides with his bat and glove and gave the Angels three potential offensive-minded 2B in their organization in Kendrick, S. Rodriguez and Mount.
With a nice stroke from the left side of the plate, Mount really punishes the ball with the ability to hit southpaws well while staying back on breaking balls. Mount hit .312 against lefthanded hurlers. Mount has slightly above average speed, which could result in 20-25 stolen bases once he becomes more aggressive. Mount was caught just twice in 12 tries. Defensively, Mount makes most of the routine plays and has gotten better with the double play pivot and throws to first base. Mount has good quickness to his left and right and profiles as an average to slightly above average second baseman with more experience at the position. Still, 13 total errors in half of a season is too high, especially considering his athletic build and size. He’ll need to cut down on his errors this season in Arkansas as he opens up as the Travelers starting second baseman.
If Ryan Mount can stay healthy, continue to punish pitches, cut down on his strikeouts (67 K’s to just 23 walks) and improve defensively, he could be somewhere between Todd Walker to Chase Utley at 2B in the future for the Halos if Howie Kendrick doesn’t live up to his potential and stay healthy.
Ryan was kind enough to take some time out of his day to answer some questions for us. A big thanks to Ryan’s grandpa Al Grams, a frequent reader and occasional poster on Angelswin.com for help with arranging the interview.
Let’s get to it…..
Q: (Angelswin) – When did you start playing baseball?
A: (Ryan Mount) – Started T-Ball in the Charter Oak youth baseball program at 4 years of age. I was hitting off a T when I was two years old.
Q: (Angelswin) – Who was the most influential in your pursuit to the big leagues?
A: (Ryan Mount) – My Dad and my entire family.
Q: (Angelswin) – Who was your favorite baseball player and team when you were growing up?
A: (Ryan Mount) – Brett Butler was my favorite player. Favorite team was both the Angels & Dodgers.
Q: (Angelswin) – Best one-game performance in your career to date?
A: (Ryan Mount) – With the Orem club I had two home runs in one game.
Q: (Angelswin) – What part of your game needs the most improvement?
A: (Ryan Mount) – Stay healthy and keep improving all aspects of my game.
Q: (Angelswin) – What aspect of your game do you take the most pride in?
A: (Ryan Mount) – Defense.
Q: (Angelswin) – What teammate were you impressed with both on the mound, defensively and with the bat while you were with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes last season and why?
A: (Ryan Mount) – Sean O’ Sullivan on the hill. On defense it would have to be Peter Bourjos and with the bat, Hank Conger.
Q: (Angelswin) – What opposing player impressed you both on the mound, defensively and with the bat in the California League while you were with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes last season and why?
A: (Ryan Mount) – On the Mound it would be the Giants pitcher Tim Alderson. On Defense it would be the M’s Carlos Triunfel. Hitting wise, Chris Carter with the Oakland Athletics.
Q: (Angelswin) – What has Ryan Mount’s offseason been like?
A: (Ryan Mount) – Instructional league in Tempe and in the Dominican, just working to get better for the new season. Hanging out with family and friends as well.
The lighter side of Ryan Mount
Q: (Angelswin) – What does Ryan Mount like to do in his free time when he’s not focusing on Baseball.
A: (Ryan Mount) – Like to mow my lawns. I have a green in my back yard.
Q: (Angelswin) – What do you like to do besides play baseball, whatʼs your hobby?
A: (Ryan Mount) – Golf.
Q: (Angelswin) – Whatʼs your favorite food?
A: (Ryan Mount) – Mexican food.
Q: (Angelswin) – What kind of music do you listen to?
A: (Ryan Mount) – Country music.
Q: (Angelswin) – Whatʼs your all time favorite movie?
A: (Ryan Mount) – Sandlot.
Q: (Angelswin) – What’s your most visited website?
A: (Ryan Mount) – Minorleaguebaseball.com.
Q: (Angelswin) – Craziest baseball prank you’ve either been a part of or witnessed?
A: (Ryan Mount) – Putting my cap on only to realize when I took it off that there was eyeblack on the inside of my cap.
Q: (Angelswin) – What person are you going to call first when you get promoted to the big leagues?
A: (Ryan Mount) – My girlfriend Brianne.
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