Julio Ramirez Stats & Scouting Report

AB	96
AVG	.167
OBP	.216
SLG	.229
HR	1

Full name Julio Cesar Ramirez
Born 08/10/1977 in San Juan De La Maguana, Dominican Republic
Profile Ht.: 5'11" / Wt.: 195 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Escuela Otilia Pelaez (DR) HS
Debut 09/10/1999

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

Once considered the Marlins' top position-player prospect, Ramirez' career arc has slowed dramatically the past two years. As a result, Florida traded him to Chicago for big league outfielder Jeff Abbott in December. Though blessed with five-tool talent, Ramirez has struggled to master the game's subtleties. His command of the strike zone remains spotty at best, and a nagging quadriceps injury slowed him considerably on the basepaths last season. A sore shoulder also plagued him early in 2000, and he missed close to two months overall in his first exposure to Triple-A. His frustration at the plate carried over to his defense, where cracks began to show for the first time. His effort sometimes lagged on balls he used to run down with ease in center field. He still projects as a No. 3 hitter with speed and power to all fields, but at 23 the clock is starting to tick louder for him. He dropped as low as seventh in the order as he tried to work himself out of a season-long funk. One positive out of his difficult season at Calgary was an increased willingness to take instruction. Headstrong at times, Ramirez finally realized his free-swinging ways leave him open to lengthy slumps. He began to shorten his stroke somewhat late in the year. The White Sox have been trying to upgrade in center field, though Ramirez almost certainly will begin 2001 in Triple-A.
Background: Signed at 16 as a catcher with average speed, Ramirez has morphed into something altogether different over the last six years. He has progressed slowly and steadily through the Marlins system. Strengths: Ramirez has the speed and arm to become a perennial Gold Glove candidate in center field. He has above-average power and continues to develop his baserunning skills. He has been timed at 3.69 seconds from home to first, remarkable for a righthanded hitter. He projects as a No. 3 hitter with 30-30 potential. Weaknesses: He still chases too many pitches out of the strike zone, a habit that has harmed his attempts at becoming a leadoff hitter. Good breaking balls still give him trouble and he has struggled to keep his legs integrated into his swing. His willingness to accept input has improved. The Future: Having received his first big league taste during a September callup, Ramirez will head back to Triple-A Calgary knowing a permanent promotion is around the corner.
Background: Signed shortly before his 17th birthday, Ramirez was the rare Dominican who was already toned and muscled upon reporting to the Marlins. He has made a slow but steady climb through the organization and has drawn comparisions to Juan Encarnacion and Vladimir Guerrero. His 71 stolen bases ranked third in the minors last year. Strengths: Ramirez is a five-tool talent, but his speed stands out. He has been timed at 3.69 from home to first, despite hitting righthanded. On defense, Ramirez gets outstanding jumps, patrols both gaps and has a plus arm. He's very aggressive on the bases and shows good basestealing instincts. He has 30-homer power but has still developed his bunting to the point where he's a threat to reach that way as well. Weaknesses: His swing tends to get a little long and strikeouts remain a concern. He still needs to add maturity and consistency, and better plate judgment is a must if a leadoff role is to be in his future. The Future: Ramirez will begin 1999 at Double-A Portland. His big league arrival could come late in the 2000 season. The Marlins will continue to take things slowly with him.

Minor League Top Prospects

Flashy, exciting, gamebreaker. Those were the adjectives attached to Ramirez both on offense and defense. "He brings it all," Hale said. "He can beat you so many ways. He beat us in Portland with his glove, his bat and his basestealing. He went over the wall a number of times to take away home runs. And you have to respect that arm. He's a five-tool player who has a high ceiling." "I love his athleticism," Sisson said. "He has a great body; nothing but muscle. He's a 70 runner at least. He's a 70 arm. He probably has the best raw tools in the league."