Ismael Ramirez
| IP | 919.0 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 3.84 |
| WHIP | 1.287 |
| BB/9 | 2.4 |
| SO/9 | 6.0 |
- Full name Ismael Jose Ramirez
- Born 03/03/1981 in El Tigre, Venezuela
- Profile Ht.: 6'3" / Wt.: 200 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Rafael Rangol
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Ramirez has toiled for eight years in the organization and started to garner attention the past three seasons. The Florida State League's 2004 pitcher of the year, Ramirez has posted consecutive solid seasons in Double-A. His solid-average fastball sits at 90-92 mph and has reached 94, but he has trouble locating it down in the zone because he struggles to get over his front side in his delivery. He also has trouble repeating his mechanics, as he frequently flies open, affecting his command. His sharp slider is his best pitch and his below-average changeup will need more refinement for him to succeed against lefthanders. Soreness in his triceps delayed Ramirez' promotion to Triple-A. He'll probably open 2007 in the Syracuse rotation, though his long-term future is likely as a swingman or middle reliever. -
The Florida State League's 2004 pitcher of the year, Ramirez moved up to Double-A last year and was nearly as effective except for becoming much more vulnerable to homers. He sometimes gets lost in the shuffle of Toronto's upper-level pitching prospects, but he has good stuff. He throws a sinking 90-92 mph fastball that can reach 94. His slider and changeup can be plus pitches at times, though he doesn't produce as many groundballs as someone with his sinker/slider combo should. Ramirez uses his changeup as his main weapon against lefthanders, and he'll need to refine it to remain a starter. A streaky pitcher, he gets hit when he falls behind in the count. His mechanics place stress on his elbow--he came down with tendinitis at season's end--and the Blue Jays are working with him to close his delivery, which also will aid him in keeping his pitches down. He employs a slight pause in his windup to help throw off hitters' timing. He may return to Double-A to start 2006, but Toronto would like to see him force his way to Triple-A in his eighth season in the organization. -
Ramirez had never won more than six games in any of his previous five pro seasons before leading the high Class A Florida State League with 15 victories in 2004. The FSL's most valuable pitcher was a bit old for his level, but he has a nice fastball that should get outs against more advanced hitters. He uses a quick arm action and over-the-top slot to achieve a downward plane on his 90-93 mph heater. The Jays worked with Ramirez to slow down his delivery and keep him more in line to the plate, eliminating his tendency to fly open and elevate pitches. He has a slight hesitation that throws off batters' timing. He throws strikes with all three of his pitches, and his changeup and slider can be plus pitches at times. Ramirez has a good feel for pitching and great competitive makeup. He's finally ready for Double-A.
Minor League Top Prospects
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In a league filled with great arms, Ramirez topped everyone with 15 victories and was named the most valuable pitcher in a vote by league managers, coaches and media members. It's a sign of the respect he garnered by showing a feel for pitching, great makeup and command of solid stuff. Ramirez' fastball usually sits at 90-91, but he occasionally bumped it up to 94-95 he needed it. His straight-over-the-top delivery gives him a good downward plane, and he has a slight hesitation that makes it hard for hitters to time him. He has an uncanny ability to read swings and get inside batters' heads, allowing him to keep them off balance. Neither Ramirez' changeup nor his slurvy curveball stands out at this point. There's a lot of effort in his delivery, which is also a concern.
