H/W: 6-4 190 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 5/25/89
This former AFLAC All-American had a successful first season at short-season Low-A Spokane going 1-2 with a 2.66 ERA and 29 BB/52 K's in 44 innings. Even more impressive was the fact that hitters managed to hit an anemic .166 against him. Ramirez is armed with a volitile 92-94 MPH fastball that he can pump up to 96 at times. Offsetting that is a 82-84 MPH hard curveball that has the makings of a strikeout pitch down the road. Ramirez has a lean projectible frame that should build more bulk and stamina down the road. His biggest struggle right now is his command of his offspeed pitches and repeating his delivery and release point consistently. Last year Ramirez averaged nearly six walks per nine innings pitched which, if not reduced, will eat him alive versus more advanced hitters.
2009 Projection: Ramirez will begin his 2009 season at full season Low-A Clinton and likely will remain there for the entire season. The big thing to watch with Ramirez is his control numbers. He has proven that his fastball/curveball combo are overpowering, now he needs to cut back on the walk totals. If he succeeds, he becomes a darkhorse frontline starter to be mentioned in the same breath as Derek Holland and Neftali Feliz. If he doesn't succeed, he will get bumped back a notch much like Kasey Kiker did in '08.
Key Neil Ramirez Baseball Cards:
- 2007 USA Baseball Auto #/595
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/774
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