Scouting Report - Elvin Ramirez, SP

Scouting Report: Elvin Ramirez, SP, New York Mets

Elvin Ramirez is off to a solid start in 2009 as his ERA currently sits at 3.40 through ten Sally League starts. However, at 21, a 34/21 K/BB ratio in 50 1/3 innings leaves something to be desired. While he has had some success, from watching him a couple of times, nothing in his repertoire tells me he is primed and ready to move up to the FSL.

Physique: At 6'3", the big righty is an intimidating presence with his powerful lower body and muscular frame. He's the most impressive Sand Gnats starter from a purely physical standpoint, but likely has little room for future projection.

Mound Presence: Versus Andrew Brackman, he was staked to a one run lead and seemed to take his intensity to a new level. When I saw him a second time, the confidence I had seen during his first outing had turned into his simply trying to overthrow his way out of trouble. When he learns to be more consistent, he should level out some, but this would go a long way in explaining his inconsistent outings.

Fastball: His best pitch, it features above average velocity, but the offering is relatively straight and does not fool opposing hitters. Topping out at 94, the pitch is generally in the 91-93 range making it consistently the hardest offering I've seen this season. In his start against Andrew Brackman, he was the harder thrower. With easy arm action at 90 MPH he can and will continue to maintain his velocity deep into games.

Curve ball: Flashing average on rare occasion, Ramirez works in two pitches earlier than most Sally league pitchers do. However, the pitch is slower than it probably should be (75 MPH average) and lacks bite. He also only uses the pitch early or ahead in the count and relies solely on his fastball in key situations. I've seen a number of hitters taking an at bat 10-12 pitches because Ramirez simply does not have an out pitch. With his curve being better than his change, it's his best bet as a consistent second offering, but it's a long ways from being a pitch which will make batters swing and miss.

Change up: A rudimentary third pitch at this point, his velocity is fine at 83-84 MPH. In games, he rarely uses the pitch and when he does, it lacks the movement and deception to make much difference. I can see him scrapping the pitch in the future and becoming a two pitch relief pitcher.

So far this year, Ramirez has been the epitome of an average pitcher both in box scores and in person. His being unable to strike opposing hitters out in key situations prolongs innings and raises his pitch counts. While I don't doubt his make up, I question whether or not his repertoire is going to improve much in the near future. He just seems to have less of a feel for pitching than a number of his younger teammates which leaves him as more of a thrower than pitcher.