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Hitting

Joey Ratliff is the classic right-handed hitter and a good athlete who has a consistent ability to put the bat head on the ball thanks patterns and game situations, which allows him to be productive even when behind in the count. Ratliff has plenty of power but is at his best when he trusts his swing to take the ball up the middle. Ratliff sometimes gets long with his swing and will go through stretches when he is vulnerable to pop outs, but he has learned to make adjustments to get out of those funks. Ratliff approach is pretty advanced for his age and it showed during his legacy, especially when advancing runners over. A patient hitter who often succeeds against finesse pitchers, Ratliff uses the entire field and is more than willing to take what the pitcher gives him. With his trademark ‘walk up’ approach while swinging is some thing he had used his entire career, Ratliff collects more base hits to center field, but his double sand triples almost always finds the gap.

Base-Running & Defense

Though an average base runner with good instincts, Ratliff gets good jumps off batted balls with extreme aggressive base running. Ratliff intelligence comes in play even more when he’s attempting to run from first to third base or judging those potential extra bases. Defensively, Ratliff has above modestly to above average range, but he still can turn virtually every ball he touches into an out. Ratliff is extraordinarily focused and disciplined, and almost always all of his throws can hit another infielder somewhat squarely in the chest. Ratliff has improved his throwing accuracy and continues to display adequate range afield. Ratliff loves to dive for grounders that tend to strain tendons, ligaments and muscles. Though the key, for Ratliff is always, has been staying healthy. His ability to play both shortstop and third base adequately is a plus.