Ramon German

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Houston Astros #23 prospect in 2003
  Houston's two best hopes for a homegrown third baseman regressed in 2002. Morgan Ensberg failed in his first extended shot at the majors. German, doomed to return to Lexington by the organization's lack of a high Class A affiliate, didn't build off the rapid improvement he showed in 2001 and missed two months with a broken finger. He hit .264 with seven homers in April before pitchers realized he was trying to pull everything. He batted .232 with four homers the rest of the way, piling up more strikeouts (62) than hits (56). Pitchers took advantage of his lack of discipline. German has power and doesn't have to try to hit the ball 500 feet. He has yet to adapt to changing speeds or learn how to cover the lower half of the strike zone. He did improve at third base, showing good reactions and increased agility. His infield arm remained one of the strongest in the system. When he moves up to high Class A this year, the Astros would like to see German learn the strike zone, improve his overall concentration and watch his weight more carefully.
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  Ranked Houston Astros #14 prospect in 2002
  After spending three years in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League, German has made up for lost time with a pair of strong seasons in the United States. He boosted his stock as much as any player in the organization in 2001. Built along the lines of Manny Ramirez, he has toned down his extremely open stance but it's still unorthodox. One scout describes German's approach as "bail and whale," but he can drive the ball great distances and has a decent idea of the strike zone. He probably would benefit from closing his stance some more and definitely needs to use the opposite field more frequently. As a third baseman, he has an above-average arm and soft hands. He moves fairly well for his size, though he must improve his reactions and footwork. That said, he made just 16 errors last season. Some members of the organization believe German can remain at the hot corner, while others see him as a future first baseman or left fielder. He'd be an obvious candidate for high Class A if the Astros had an affiliate at that level.
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  Ranked Houston Astros #27 prospect in 2001
  German spent three seasons in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League before making his U.S. debut in 2000. He earned all-star recognition in the Appalachian League after hitting .320 with a league-high 24 doubles. He has a quick bat and plenty of raw power that should produces more homers in time. He’s too aggressive at the plate, trying to pull everything and not taking walks. His bat will have to carry him. He played some third base last year and has the arm and hands for the position, but he lacks range and doesn’t read balls well off the bat. Those also are handicaps at first base, where he’s merely adequate. German also has below-average speed. He likely will play at Michigan in 2001.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked American League #11 prospect in 2000
  German was on a tremendous pace for doubles early in the season, but dropped off late in the season. He still led the league with 24, a year after leading the Dominican Summer League with 23. Those could turn into home runs in the future. "He has a fast bat," Wellman said. "He'll struggle with the breaking ball a little but can still find a way to get the fat part of the bat on the ball." Though German has below-average speed, he plays above that by using good instincts on the bases. Defensively, he has a strong enough arm to play third base but looks more comfortable at first, where he spent most of the season. He also can play the outfield.

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  German was on a tremendous pace for doubles early in the season, but dropped off late in the season. He still led the league with 24, a year after leading the Dominican Summer League with 23. Those could turn into home runs in the future. "He has a fast bat," Wellman said. "He'll struggle with the breaking ball a little but can still find a way to get the fat part of the bat on the ball." Though German has below-average speed, he plays above that by using good instincts on the bases. Defensively, he has a strong enough arm to play third base but looks more comfortable at first, where he spent most of the season. He also can play the outfield.