Bat/Throws: R/R
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 210 lbx
Acquired: NDFA, 9/16/04
Born: 10/10/87, San Cristobal, DR
Why Ranked Here: Ramirez is here on the basis of nice size at 6’3” and a slightly plus fastball. In July, before he was shut down with back problems, Ramirez was throwing 91-94 while sitting 92-93. His second pitch was a curveball that was very inconsistent. , He snapped off a few sharp ones with nice movement, and some that just didn’t break at all.
2008: Ramirez didn’t pitch again after July 9. Ramirez excelled in two related statistical metrics: groundball to flyball ratio (1.77) and HR rate (1 allowed in 81 IP). However, Ramirez did not meet two of the more important statistical markers for prospects: he did not strike out a batter an inning, nor did his K/BB climb above 2.5.
Dr. Pangloss Says: Ramirez could ride his big league fastball and feel for his curveball into a big league bullpen. With a usable changeup, he could even be a back of the rotation candidate.
On the Flipside: Ramirez missed the second half of the year with injury, which is never a good sign. For every good curveball there were at least as many poor ones. He trusted the pitch so little, he was hesitant to throw it in games. His offspeed stuff must come a long way to be MLB ready.
Projected 2009 Start: St. Lucie rotation
| W-L | ERA | G/GS | IP | H | R | ER | HR | BB | SO | K/BB | BB/9 | SO/9 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 6-7-0 | 3.67 | 18/18 | 81 | 81 | 38 | 33 | 1 | 36 | 62 | 1.72 | 4.00 | 6.89 |
Throws : R.
Admittedly, I don’t know much about Elvin Ramirez, as I haven’t followed him much. That said, the poor K/BB and K/9 Innings ratios are either due to the fact that his fastball, while sitting at 92-93, doesn’t have much movement OR that his curveball is so inconsistent that hitter sit on his fastball. It’s probably a combination of both.
He just turned 21, so the time is coming where he needs to start putting things together.
Not sure what resulting in the back injury. I’m curious. Toby, is it just a freak injury or does it stem from poor mechanics?
The number and lack of a decent curve and non-existent change does point to a bullpen role at most, but prospects are a funny thing. It’s not an exact science.
I can’t wait until we start getting into the Top 20!