WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES

2007
VSL:  6-3-0, 2.47 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 62 IP, 3.2 BB/9, 6.7 K/9

Had strong first season in the VSL although his K rate wasn’t high.

2008
VSL:  5-3-0, 2.69 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 60.1 IP, 1.8 BB/9, 7.0 K/9 

Ramos’ second season was very similar to his first, with the main difference being improved control.

2009
VSL:  5-0-0, 1.82 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, 34.2 IP, 0.8 BB/9, 8.6 K/9 

Ramos returned to the VSL for a third season and posted outstanding numbers, although he didn’t pitch as much.  Opponents batted only .192 against him.

2010
A-:  3-1-2, 1.62 ERA, 0.78 WHIP, 33.1 IP, 1.1 BB/9, 7.6 K/9
A:  1-1-0, 6.63 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, 19 IP, 0.9 BB/9, 8.5 K/9 

The Pirates tried Ramos in the West Virginia bullpen in June and he didn’t fare well.  He got hit hard (.345 opponents’ BA), but at least he walked just two and fanned 18 in 19 innings.  He spent July and August at State College before returning to the Power for a couple of September games.  He pitched well for the Spikes, allowing very few baserunners.

2011
A:  0-0-0, 0.00 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, 5.1 IP, 1.7 BB/9, 6.8 K/9
A+:  4-3-1, 3.72 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 72.2 IP, 2.7 BB/9, 5.6 K/9 

Ramos spent the season with Bradenton, pitching in long relief until mid-July, when he joined the rotation.  He made six starts before being placed on the disabled list in mid-August.    He also was sent to West Virginia to make just one relief appearance in August.  He struggled at the beginning and end of the season at Bradenton, posting an ERA of 4.38 in April and 12.38 in August, but 2.24 in between.  For the season he had an opponents’ average of .292.  His K rate dropped significantly.  He was more effective in relief than starting.  He also had a significant platoon split, with right-handed batters hitting .323 against him and left-handers .235.

2012
A+:  6-3-1, 4.65 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 60.0 IP, 3.2 BB/9, 5.6 K/9
AA:  2-1-0, 2.61 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 20.2 IP, 2.6 BB/9, 6.1 K/9

Ramos was eligible for the Rule 5 draft after the 2011 season, but wasn’t selected.  He alternated the first three months between the Altoona and Bradenton bullpens, then spent the last two months with the Marauders, including three starts in August.  Despite the much higher ERA in AA, he pitched about the same for both affiliates.  He had a much smaller platoon split this time.

Ramos has been a solid organizational pitcher and won’t be eligible for minor league free agency for another year.  He was eligible for the Rule 5 draft but wasn’t selected.  He’ll be in the bullpen at Bradenton in 2013.