Born06/14/1987 in San Jose De Los Llanos, Dominican Republic
ProfileHt.: 6'1" / Wt.: 195 / Bats: R / Throws: L
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
Benjamin missed the 2008 season following shoulder surgery, but he came back with raw stuff that most lefthanders only can dream of. He works at 92-94 mph with his fastball and can reach 95. His hard slider could develop into a plus pitch. It's effective against both lefties and righties, and he shows the ability to put it on the back foot of the latter. Early in his career, Benjamin got by on pure arm strength and often had no idea where the ball was going. His location improved dramatically last year, especially in the second half, as he cleaned up his mechanics. He still has a little violence in his delivery, though, with his head clearing off to the third-base side as he throws. When he gets out of sync, his command suffers. Benjamin is strong and athletic. He's doing a better job of controlling his emotions, though he still doesn't always maintain an even keel. His ceiling is more as a set-up man than a closer, though he definitely has the arsenal to be more than a lefty specialist. He'll turn 24 in 2011, and the Marlins will try to get him to Double-A before the end of the year.
Minor League Top Prospects
After a strong U.S. debut in 2007, Benjamin missed all of 2008 following shoulder surgery but bounced back strong in this summer, showing power stuff and improved feel for pitching. He continued to overpower hitters after a promotion to low Class A Greensboro, posting a 1.00 ERA in six relief appearances. Benjamin works comfortably at 92-94 mph and touches 95 with a fastball that has late life down in the zone. His 82-84 mph slider has sharp three-quarters break and is a swing-and-miss pitch against lefthanders and righthanders. Because he lacks a third pitch, he profiles as a late-innings reliever. He had a tendency to fly open in his delivery in the past, but Benjamin worked hard with Jammers pitching coach Doc Watson to improve his alignment, resulting in better command. "In the past the command has not been there, and now he's just a legitimate strike-thrower," Haines said. "He's good against righthanded hitters and lefties--he's not just a left-on-left guy. He just became a pitcher. It was fun to watch."
Career Transactions
San Antonio Missions released LHP Ramon Benjamin.
LHP Ramon Benjamin assigned to San Antonio Missions from El Paso Chihuahuas.
LHP Ramon Benjamin assigned to San Diego Padres.
LHP Ramon Benjamin assigned to El Paso Chihuahuas.
San Diego Padres signed free agent LHP Ramon Benjamin to a minor league contract.
LHP Ramon Benjamin elected free agency.
LHP Ramon Benjamin assigned to Estrellas de Oriente.
LHP Ramon Benjamin assigned to Tulsa Drillers from Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.
LHP Ramon Benjamin assigned to Rancho Cucamonga Quakes from Ogden Raptors.
LHP Ramon Benjamin assigned to Ogden Raptors from Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.
LHP Ramon Benjamin assigned to Rancho Cucamonga Quakes from Ogden Raptors.
LHP Ramon Benjamin assigned to Ogden Raptors from Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.
LHP Ramon Benjamin assigned to Rancho Cucamonga Quakes from Tulsa Drillers.
LHP Ramon Benjamin assigned to Los Angeles Dodgers.
Los Angeles Dodgers signed free agent LHP Ramon Benjamin to a minor league contract.
LHP Ramon Benjamin assigned to Tulsa Drillers.
LHP Ramon Benjamin assigned to Tampa Yankees.
New York Yankees signed free agent LHP Ramon Benjamin to a minor league contract.
LHP Ramon Benjamin elected free agency.
LHP Ramon Benjamin assigned to Estrellas de Oriente.
Jacksonville Suns activated LHP Ramon Benjamin from the 7-day disabled list.
LHP Ramon Benjamin assigned to Jacksonville Suns.
Miami Marlins signed free agent LHP Ramon Benjamin to a minor league contract.
LHP Ramon Benjamin elected free agency.
Jacksonville Suns activated LHP Ramon Benjamin from the 7-day disabled list.
Jacksonville Suns placed LHP Ramon Benjamin on the 7-day disabled list.
Miami Marlins sent LHP Ramon Benjamin outright to Jacksonville Suns.
Miami Marlins selected the contract of Ramon Benjamin from Jacksonville Suns.
Ramon Benjamin assigned to Jacksonville Suns from Jupiter Hammerheads.
Ramon Benjamin assigned to Jupiter Hammerheads from Greensboro Grasshoppers.
LHP Ramon Benjamin assigned to Florida Marlins.
LHP Ramon Benjamin assigned to Estrellas de Oriente.
Ramon Benjamin assigned to Greensboro Grasshoppers from Jupiter Hammerheads.
LHP Ramon Benjamin assigned to Jupiter Hammerheads from Greensboro Grasshoppers.
Ramon Benjamin roster status changed by Greensboro Grasshoppers.
LHP Ramon Benjamin suspended.
LHP Ramon Benjamin assigned to Greensboro Grasshoppers from Jamestown Jammers.
Jamestown Jammers signed free agent Ramon Benjamin.
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