Elizardo Ramirez
| IP | 160 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 6.413 |
| WHIP | 1.594 |
| BB/9 | 3.038 |
| SO/9 | 5.4 |
- Full name Elizardo Ramirez
- Born 01/28/1983 in Villa Mella, Dominican Republic
- Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 180 / Bats: S / Throws: R
- School Liceo Pedregal
- Debut 05/25/2004
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Ramirez is one of the rare pitchers who may throw too many strikes. Picked up with Javon Moran and Joe Wilson from the Phillies in the Cory Lidle trade in August 2004, he has earned short stints in the majors during each of the past two seasons. The results haven't been pretty, primarily because big leaguers have discovered that he's always around the plate with hittable stuff. He currently lacks an out pitch, and he doesn't do a good job of expanding the zone to get batters to chase pitches. He especially has troubles against lefties, who hit .386 off him in the majors and .303 in Triple-A in 2005. But Ramirez does have three very usable pitches: an 88-92 mph fastball, an average curveball and an average changeup. He throws them all with a loose and easy motion and nearly flawless mechanics. He's working on adding a cutter or developing some sink to his fastball. He'll work on refining his stuff in Triple-A to begin the season. -
Ramirez spent a month last season in Philadelphia as an emergency fill-in reliever. He finished the year in a new organization. The Reds acquired him from the Phillies in a deal for righthander Corey Lidle. The other players in the trade, outfielder Javon Moran and lefthander Joe Wilson, have flashier tools, but Ramirez is much more polished. He emerged as a prospect with a 73-2 strikeout-walk ratio and 1.10 ERA in the Gulf Coast League in 2002. While he hasn't posted numbers quite that gaudy at higher levels, he's still pounding the strike zone with three average pitches. Ramirez has an effortless, easily repeatable delivery and a loose arm, which account for his excellent command. He has maintained his mechanics while going from 140 pounds when he signed to his current 180. He throws his fastball anywhere from 86-92 mph, complementing it with an average curveball and changeup. The Reds want him to be more aggressive early in the count because he lacks a true out pitch that misses bats. In past years, he'd stand a good chance of making the Cincinnati rotation, but the club's improved depth will allow it to give Ramirez his first taste of Triple-A in 2005. -
Ramirez jumped from the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League to high Class A in 2003 and made the move look much like his nickname, "Easy." He didn't repeat his 73-2 strikeout-walk ratio from 2002, but still registered a 101-33 mark. His composure, command, desire and build recall a young Pedro Martinez, but Ramirez doesn't have that kind of stuff. Ramirez has a loose arm and an easy, compact delivery that should allow him to be a workhorse. His fastball sits at 90 mph and tops out at 91-92. He throws an average curveball and changeup. Ramirez succeeds because of his advanced feel for pitching and excellent location. While his command is impressive, Ramirez' strikeout and hit rates were troubling, owing to average stuff across the board. He must stay sharp and maintain a consistent delivery, being careful not to be too precise by working around batters he can retire. Ramirez also can become more consistent with his breaking ball. Ramirez could repeat high Class A because of his youth and a glut of pitchers ahead of him in the system. If there's an open spot in the Double-A rotation, however, he'll be ready for it. -
Ramirez carries the nickname "Easy" because of his arm action and ability to throw strikes. He led the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League with a 1.10 ERA and tossed a two-hit shutout in the playoffs. He has the same body type and command as Pedro Martinez, but he doesn't have nearly the same stuff. Ramirez has an exceptional approach, shown by his 73-2 strikeout-walk ratio. He can throw any of his three pitches--a fastball that touches 92 mph, a solid curveball and an average changeup--for strikes. Better yet, Ramirez can place them wherever he wants in the strike zone. He's unflappable on the mound and demonstrates a great feel for a pitcher his age--which isn't questioned, except by those who believe the baby-faced pitcher is still a teenager. The Phillies want Ramirez to bulk up his slight frame, improving his velocity and durability. He also would benefit from working off his fastball more and using it to set up his offspeed pitches. Ramirez has demonstrated the savvy to succeed in the FSL, though the organization's pitching depth may dictate that he at least begins 2003 at Lakewood.
Minor League Top Prospects
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Ramirez led the league with a 1.10 ERA and pitched a two-hit shutout in the playoffs, leading the Phillies to their first GCL title. More impressive was this eye-popping ratio: 80 innings, two walks. Amaro credits Ramirez' uncanny ability to throw strikes to superior athleticism, fundamentally sound mechanics and an advanced understanding of his craft. "He can throw any of his pitches for strikes at any time in the count," Amaro said. Ramirez' fastball registers only 88-91 mph, but it has good life. His curve and changeup are also considered major league average pitches. His ability to locate all three is what gives him an edge.
