Heliot Ramos Answers The Call At Augusta

BEST PLAYER

Though outfielder Heliot Ramos’ numbers for the 2018 season might seem pedestrian, they become more impressive when you put them in perspective with this number:

18.

That was Ramos’ age this season at low Class A Augusta, where he hit .245/.313/.396 with 11 home runs in 124 games.

“In this day and age, when you’re trying to move younger players to the big leagues faster,” general manager Bobby Evans said, “you’ve got to challenge them at a younger age. On the surface, it might not look as pretty.”

When the Giants made the 6-foot-2, 185-pound Ramos their first-round pick in 2017, they said he had five-tool potential. Evans believes that’s still the case.

BEST PITCHER

Shaun Anderson moved from Double-A Richmond to Triple-A Sacramento this season. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound righthander could have a shot at the big club’s rotation in 2019.

“He’s definitely going to be in the conversation for us next year,” Evans said.

Anderson went 8-7, 3.69 in 25 games (24 starts) at the two stops, striking out 127 and walking 33 in 141.1 innings.

“He’s smart out there,” Evans said. “He has a plan. He executes to plan . . . He’s got a good feel for pitching.”

The Giants acquired Anderson from the Red Sox in the Eduardo Nunez deal in July 2017.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Sometimes it takes a player a year or two—or three—before he completely adjusts to pro ball. After struggling in his first three minor league seasons, second baseman Jalen Miller put together a strong 2018 at high Class A San Jose.

“This was an important year for him, and I thought he did a really great job,” Evans said.

While repeating the California League, Miller hit .276/.321/.434 with 35 doubles and 14 home runs, three more than he had hit entering the year.

A 2015 third-rounder out of the Atlanta suburb of Sandy Springs, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound Miller spent some time at shortstop through 2017 but played second base exclusively this season.

“The game’s starving for athletes,” Evans said, “and this is a great athlete up the middle of the diamond.”