[THE HANGOVER] The One Where We Discuss A Yankee Castoff, Tomorrow’s Lineup And The Giraffe’s New Confidence
Edwar Ramirez, Jason Bartlett, Jeff Niemann, Sean Rodriguez, Tim Beckham March 2nd. 2010, 9:01am
A couple of days ago, the Yankees designated relief pitcher Edwar Ramirez for assignment. This led to the following speculation from Dave Cameron (via Twitter)…
Be interesting to see which SABR friendly team makes a move for recently DFA’d Edwar Ramirez. I’m betting on Tampa Bay.
Ramirez is what some would call the classic four-A pitcher. He has a top-notch change-up and a fastball that can reach the low-90s. In the minors he posted a career 2.50 ERA, 12.0 K/9 and a 4.3:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. But in 98.1 innings, big leaguers have feasted on his fastball that lacks movement and he has a strong tendency to give up walks and longballs (2.45/9, 18.2%/FB in ’09). That’s a deadly combination.
So why would the Rays be interested? For one, some might think his tendency to give up home runs is unlucky. Only seven relievers in all of baseball had a worse rate in 2009 (min. 20ip).
But maybe more importantly, the Rays LOVE a relief pitcher that has at least one dominating pitch and the ability to work more than one inning. Ramirez has both. In addition to his change-up, Ramirez has averaged almost 5 outs per appearance the past three years in the minors.
Of course, the Rays may only offer a minor league deal and no promise of playing time. That could easily be trumped by another team. But if Ramirez clears waivers, expect to see the Rays in on the bidding.
DEVIL DOGS WEBTOPIA…
- Rob Neyer writes about Edwar Ramirez’ big league struggles. [ESPN]
- Tomorrow is the first game of the spring and Joe Maddon will play some of his regulars in the opener and hold some back for Thursdays game. Sean Rodriguez will be the shortstop in the opener. [The Heater]
- Roger Mooney writes about the adjustments Jason Bartlett will have to make this year with new double-play partners. [Tampa Tribune]
- Bill James ranked the Rays as having the best young talent. [The Heater]
- Dock of the Rays wonders what the Rays would have to do to land Adrian Gonzalez. [Dock of the Rays]
- Roger Mooney has 5 questions for Tim Beckham. [Tampa Tribune]
- Joe Smith writes about Jeff Niemann’s new-found confidence. [St. Pete Times]
- Roger Mooney has the results from the Rays charity golf outing Monday. [Rays Report]
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Don’t we already have our own version of Edwar Ramirez in Winston Abreu? Abreu’s AAA numbers seem at least as impressive (13.59 K/9, 2.82 BB/9, 1.94 ERA in 51 IP last year) and his major league numbers just as crappy (7.7 K/9 and 10 HRs given up in 44 career ML IP). What would Ramirez bring that Abreu doesn’t already? They seem pretty interchangeable to me, and if we don’t really have room for Abreu I don’t see why it’d make sense to make room for Ramirez.
I agree with the Professor that he’d make sense on an Abreu-like minor league deal with an invite to spring training, but I could see another team with more pressing need for bullpen help giving him a better offer.
I definitely see the comps, but a couple of things. One, Edwar is 4 years younger and Abreu is coming off off-season surgery. Besides, cheap talent is something the Rays can have too much of. But that being said I am not sure either would make the team, but both would potentially be the first guy on the plane should an injury happen to the big league bullpen.
But yeah, I’m guessing somebody else finds a spot on their 40-man roster
I would think that any discussion for Adrian Gonzales would start (and quickly end) with either Hellboy or Jennings or both if the Padres are feeling brassy. The problem is, the guy’s already pretty much indicated that he’s looking to shoot the moon with his next contract (as well he should) and the Rays will not part with that talent for a guy they have no chance of resigning when the time comes.