Horacio Ramirez

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #11 prospect in 2003
  After placing second in the Carolina League with 15 wins in 2000, Ramirez threw just three games in 2001 before succumbing to Tommy John surgery. The lefthander made a rapid recovery by excelling in Double-A during the second half of last season. Ramirez won seven of his last eight decisions and tossed at least six innings in eight of final 10 outings. He capped that effort with a strong showing in the Arizona Fall League. Ramirez is a solid four-pitch pitcher with excellent command and good poise. His fastball sits in the low 90s, and he complements it with a natural cut fastball with a sharp break. His curveball is effective when he repeats his delivery, and his changeup has shown steady development and added depth. Ramirez fought through a dead-arm period shortly after reporting to Greenville last June. While he has made impressive progress in his rehabilitation, he must continue to rebuild his arm strength. From a pitching standpoint, regaining the feel of his curveball on a consistent basis is a must. Pitchers typically make their greatest strides during their second season back from reconstructive elbow surgery. With that in mind, the Braves feel Ramirez is close to pitching in Turner Field. He'll be evaluated closely in spring training, and could reach at Atlanta at some point this year after starting in Triple-A.
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  Ranked Atlanta Braves #11 prospect in 2001
  Ramirez combined with Christian Parra to give Myrtle Beach the minors' best one-two punch in 2000. The lefthander had battled minor arm injuries throughout his first three seasons before making every start last year and ranking second in the Carolina League in wins and fifth in ERA. Ramirez is a four-pitch pitcher who works off his 92-93 mph fastball and an effective curveball. He also has a natural cut fastball with outstanding movement that produces little strain on his arm. He has made significant improvement with his changeup, which also served as a key to his success last season. Because of Ramirez's health history, the Braves held their breath as he inched toward 150 innings, which is the point he would have been shut down. Though he came within two innings of reaching that level, Ramirez still needs to add strength to help him stay healthy. He also must stay consistent in the strike zone and throw his changeup more often in order to keep hitters off balance. An improved two-seam fastball also will enable him to climb the final rungs of the organization. A promotion to Double-A awaits Ramirez in 2001.

Minor League Top Prospects

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  Ranked Carolina League #6 prospect in 2000
  If Parra was the most effective righthander in the CL, Ramirez was his counterpart among lefties. Thanks to his ability to throw three pitches for strikes and aggressiveness in the strike zone, Ramirez ranked among the league leaders in wins and ERA. He projects as a quality No. 3 starter at the major league level. Ramirez’ best pitch is his slider, which is especially tough against righthanders. Surprisingly, righties hit 62 points lower against him than lefthanders. He also has a fluid motion that makes it difficult to distinguish one pitch from another.

• December, 1999 Scouting Report
  If Parra was the most effective righthander in the CL, Ramirez was his counterpart among lefties. Thanks to his ability to throw three pitches for strikes and aggressiveness in the strike zone, Ramirez ranked among the league leaders in wins and ERA. He projects as a quality No. 3 starter at the major league level. Ramirez’ best pitch is his slider, which is especially tough against righthanders. Surprisingly, righties hit 62 points lower against him than lefthanders. He also has a fluid motion that makes it difficult to distinguish one pitch from another.