Edwar Ramirez

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked New York Yankees #29 prospect in 2008
  Ramirez' story would have been outstanding if he'd never reached the majors. Discarded by the Angels in spring training in 2004, he pitched in two independent leagues before the Yankees noted his gaudy numbers in the independent league United League in 2006. Scout Mark Batchko, working on a tip from pro scouting assistant John Coppolella (now with the Braves), drove six hours to see Ramirez pitch and kindly asked the Edinburg manager to use Ramirez. Based on that one look--during which Batchko saw a major league changeup--the Yankees signed him. Ramirez has dominated ever since, at least until he got to the majors. Former manager Joe Torre used him erratically, and while he continued to pile up strikeouts, Ramirez made too many mistakes and got hit hard. He proved that he can fool big league hitters with his top-of-the-scale changeup, and he can locate it well and vary the velocity as need. He's liable to throw three in a row if hitters don't catch on. The rest of his package, however, is fringy, starting with a scrawny frame that has scouts doubting his durability over a full big league season. His 90-91 mph fastball lacks life. His below-average slider must improve if he's to become anything more than a sixth-inning long man--and a great story.