Santiago Ramirez

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Kansas City Royals #17 prospect in 2005
  Ramirez rebounded from a shoulder injury, which didn't require surgery but cost him most of 2003, to save 32 games and earn Texas League all-star honors in 2004. He signed with the Royals as a minor league free agent, and a strong winter performance in his native Dominican Republic had them worried they might lose him in the major league Rule 5 draft. Ramirez has good sinking life on his 90-93 mph fastball, and his curveball and changeup are also reliable pitches. He keeps the ball down in the zone, though he'll get himself into trouble at times with walks. Outside of his shoulder problems in 2003, he has been durable and resilient. He'll compete for a set-up job in the beleaguered big league bullpen as a nonroster invitee to big league camp.
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  Ranked Houston Astros #10 prospect in 2003
  Ramirez didn't make it past low Class A in his first five pro seasons, but his six scoreless outings for the Dominican Republic at the November 2001 World Cup showed he might be ready to turn the corner. He didn't just turn it; he blew right past it and reached Triple-A in 2002. His age was revised upward two years but it isn't a major issue now that he's so close to Houston. Ramirez always has shown arm strength. He has a 92-93 mph fastball that he can pump up to 95, and he locates his heater well. He didn't succeed as a starter because he had no breaking ball, but he has found consistency with a hard curveball. He needs a good pitching coach and catcher to keep him focused, and Ramirez had two of the best last year at Round Rock with Mike Maddux and John Buck. He still has to gain more feel for his curveball and slider. In all likelihood, Ramirez will open 2003 in Triple-A to build up his confidence. By the end of the year, he could be forming a dynamic set-up trio with Octavio Dotel and Brad Lidge in Houston.