Edwar Ramírez
Ramírez with the New York Yankees
Pitcher
Born: (1981-03-28) March 28, 1981
El Cercado, Dominican Republic
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
July 3, 2007, for the New York Yankees
Last MLB appearance
May 12, 2010, for the Oakland Athletics
MLB statistics
Win–loss record7–2
Earned run average5.19
Strikeouts126
Teams

Edwar Emilio Ramírez (born March 28, 1981) is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher. Ramírez appeared in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a relief pitcher for the New York Yankees (2007–2009) and Oakland Athletics (2010). After finding himself out of baseball in 2004, Ramírez revitalized his career by developing an effective changeup.

Originally a member of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim organization, Ramírez pitched for the Angels only in minor league baseball. The Angels released Ramírez before the 2004 season. After spending the next year mastering a changeup, he spent parts of the following two seasons in independent league baseball. Ramírez signed with the Yankees in 2006, and made his MLB debut the next season. Ramírez enjoyed success and popularity among the fan base during the 2007 and 2008 seasons. He struggled in 2009, and pitched for the Athletics early in the 2010 season before returning to minor league baseball in the Athletics organization. He pitched in the Mexican League in 2011.

Career

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: 2001–2005

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim signed Ramírez as an international free agent in February 2001.[1] He made his professional debut in minor league baseball with the Arizona Angels of the Rookie-level Arizona League in the 2002 season. He pitched in 13 games for Arizona, and also pitched in two games for the Provo Angels of the Rookie-level Pioneer League. The Angels promoted Ramírez to Class A in the 2003 season. He pitched for the Cedar Rapids Kernels in the Class A Midwest League. He reached the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes of the Class A-Advanced California League. When the Angels invited players of the Quakes to Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Ramírez refused to leave the bleachers and step on the field unless he was invited to play for the Angels.[2]

Ramírez had difficulty with his vision; he could not see which pitch the catcher was calling for. He was fitted for prescription goggles, which he continued to wear throughout his career. Yankees backup catcher Jose Molina would later admit that he didn't remember Ramírez from their shared years in the Angels' organization.[2]

The Angels released Ramírez in March 2004, without being promoted beyond the Class A level.[3] Disappointed, Ramírez considered retiring from baseball. With the advice of his father, Ramírez decided that, since pitchers often relied on a slider or curveball as a complementary pitch to their fastball, he would develop a different pitch.[4] Ramírez spent his time that year learning a changeup on baseball fields in Miami, Florida, and did not pitch professionally during the 2004 season.[2] Working with Maximo Soto, a fellow minor league pitcher released by the Angels, Ramírez developed his changeup to provide him with a new weapon in his pitching arsenal.[2]

Independent leagues: 2005–2006

Ramírez played independent league baseball for the next two seasons. After receiving an invitation to try out for the Pensacola Pelicans of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball, the Pelicans signed Ramirez for the 2005 season.[5][6][7] In 43 games with Pensacola, Ramírez pitched to a 1.45 earned run average (ERA), struck out 93 batters and walked only 15. He finished the season with a record of 2–2 with 11 saves over 62 innings pitched.[8] In September 2005, the Angels purchased Ramírez from the Pelicans.[9][10] He pitched in one game for their Class AAA affiliate, the Salt Lake Stingers of the Pacific Coast League (PCL).[8] The Angels released Ramírez in spring training in 2006.[11] Ramírez was not provided with a reason for his release.[2]

Ramirez signed with the Edinburg Coyotes of the independent United League Baseball for the 2006 season.[6] He served as the Coyotes' closer.[12] With Edinburg, he threw 25+1⁄3 innings of relief over 25 games, finishing with a 1–1 record and 16 saves. He also had 46 strikeouts, 10 walks and a 1.07 ERA.[8] He appeared in the United League All-Star Game.[12]

New York Yankees: 2007–2009

Searching for a pitcher recently released by an MLB organization to fill a relief pitching role in Class A, Yankees professional scouting director Billy Eppler purchased Ramírez from Edinburg for an unreported amount of cash, estimated to be between $1,500 to $3,000.[13][14] It was the first time a United League player was purchased by an MLB organization.[12] Ramírez signed with the Yankees on July 9, 2006. Later that July, the Yankees purchased Carlos Mendoza from the Pelicans.[15] Ramírez pitched for the Tampa Yankees, their Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Florida State League, for the remainder of the 2006 season. He pitched 32+2⁄3 innings, compiled a 4–1 win–loss record, 1.17 earned run average (ERA), and 47 strikeouts.[8]

Ramírez with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees

He began the 2007 season with the Yankees' Class AA affiliate, the Trenton Thunder of the Eastern League. In nine relief appearances, he had a record of 3–0 and one save, allowing only one run in 16+2⁄3 innings, for an ERA of 0.54. He compiled 33 strikeouts and eight walks.[8] He was promoted to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees of the Class AAA International League, where he pitched 26+2⁄3 innings of relief in 15 games, allowing only two runs over that span while striking out 47 strikeouts and walking nine.[16]

Ramírez was called up to the Yankees, his first promotion to MLB, on July 1, 2007.[17] He made his MLB debut on July 3 against the Minnesota Twins, pitching the ninth inning. He struck out all three batters he faced, including reigning American League Most Valuable Player Justin Morneau, in an 8–0 win for the Yankees.[18] The last Yankee to strike out the side in his MLB debut was Stan Bahnsen during the 1966 season.[19] The only other rookies to strike out the side in their debut inning are Tyler Robertson, Jordan De Jong, Todd Wellemeyer, Jeremy Fikac, Braden Looper, Angelo LiPetri, and Paul Giel.[20]

Ramírez remained with the club for nearly three weeks. However, Yankees' manager Joe Torre had a reputation for preferring veteran relief pitchers and used Ramírez sparingly. On July 6, against the Angels, he gave up one run on two hits in 1+1⁄3 innings; as the pitcher of record, he was awarded his first career win in the 14–9 Yankees victory.[18][21]

In tjust his third relief appearance with the major league club, he faced the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on July 20. Without an appearance since July 6 in Anaheim, he was pitching on two weeks of rest.[22] Without control of his pitches, Ramírez walked four batters and allowed a grand slam to Dioner Navarro without recording an out. Only two of his 19 pitches were called strikes. After the game, Ramírez, shaken by his performance, cut short his comments to reporters, and was seen crying at his locker.[23][24][25] The Yankees optioned Ramírez back to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre the following day.[26] In his first appearance with Scranton/Wilkes Barre following his demotion, Ramírez continued pitching effectively, striking out two in 1+1⁄3 hitless innings, helping Joba Chamberlain hold onto his first career Class AAA victory.[27]

"It's an amazing story, given the fact we got him out of an indy league. We thought maybe he can help us in Double-A [this season]. We sorely underestimated what he was capable of, the numbers he put up are hard to believe."

Yankees Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations Mark Newman[3]

Between Trenton and Scranton, Ramírez pitched 56+2⁄3 innings, in which he allowed 26 hits and 22 walks while striking out 102. He held opponents to a .135 batting average and allowed only five earned runs, good for a 0.79 ERA. For his performance, Ramírez was named the Minor League Baseball Reliever of the Year for the 2007 season.[3]

After the conclusion of the minor league season, Ramírez was recalled by the Yankees on August 15.[28] He struck out three Baltimore Orioles in 2+1⁄3 scoreless innings in his return.[29] The success of Ramírez and Joba Chamberlain in the bullpen convinced Yankees general manager Brian Cashman that he had enough relief pitching depth to trade Scott Proctor for Wilson Betemit. On August 19, 2007, Ramírez earned his first save in MLB, in a game against the Detroit Tigers, with two hitless innings, striking out the side in the eighth inning, and remaining in the game to pitch the bottom of the ninth.[22]

Yankees closer Mariano Rivera took Ramírez and fellow reliever José Veras under his wing, mentoring the two in the Yankee bullpen during games.[30] Rivera instructed Ramírez to use his fastball more and save his changeup for key situations.[31] Ramírez started the 2008 season in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He was recalled on April 18, but was optioned back a day later. He was called up again on April 29.[32] He did not give up a run at any level of baseball through May 31, a total of thirteen consecutive appearances.[33][34] On July 30, in a game against the Orioles, Ramírez intentionally threw a pitch in the area of Kevin Millar's head during the top of the seventh inning; in response, Daniel Cabrera threw a fastball near Alex Rodriguez's head in the eighth inning. Ramírez was suspended three games, while Cabrera was suspended six games.[35] On the season, his 10.25 strikeouts per inning ratio was seventh-best among American League relievers.[1]

Off of the strength of his 2008 season, the Dominican Republic national baseball team offered Ramírez the opportunity to pitch for his country in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.[36] However, Yankees' manager Joe Girardi indicated that Ramírez was in competition for a middle-relief job, and Ramírez focused on his chances of making the Yankees' roster, declining the invitation and remaining in camp with the Yankees. In February, Ramírez suffered shoulder bursitis, which was initially considered mild.[37] Ramírez underwent an MRI on his right shoulder during spring training.[38] He made the Yankees' Opening Day roster, but disappointed with poor results. Ramírez pitched to a 5.19 ERA in 15 games, allowing 15 walks in 17+1⁄3 innings. On May 19, 2009, Ramírez was optioned to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to make room on the roster for pitcher Brian Bruney, who was activated off of the disabled list.[33]

Ramírez warming up in the bullpen for the Athletics

Ramírez pitched for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre for the remainder of the International League season, finishing with a 1–5 record and 3.19 ERA in 29 games. Ramírez was promoted to the Yankees when MLB rosters expanded on September 1.[39] He was expected to absorb some of the workload in the bullpen, helping to spare the overworked Alfredo Aceves, Phil Hughes, Phil Coke, and Dámaso Marte.[40] Towards the end of the season, he was only used in blowout games as a result of his ineffectiveness.[41] Ramírez finished the season with a 5.73 ERA, allowing fourteen earned runs in 22 innings; though he did strike out exactly one batter per inning,[42] he also issued too many walks as he struggled with consistency.[43] Though Ramírez did not appear in the 2009 postseason with the Yankees, the organization did present him with a 2009 World Series ring.[44]

During spring training in 2010, the Yankees signed pitcher Chan Ho Park to a one-year contract. To make room for Park on their roster, Ramírez was designated for assignment by the Yankees on February 28, 2010.[45]

Texas Rangers: 2010

The Texas Rangers acquired Ramírez from the Yankees on March 9 in exchange for cash considerations.[42]

Oakland Athletics: 2010

After the Oakland Athletics suffered injuries during spring training to relief pitchers Andrew Bailey, Michael Wuertz, and Craig Breslow, the Athletics traded infielder Gregorio Petit to the Rangers in exchange for Ramírez on March 24.[46][47]

Ramírez began the 2010 season with the Athletics on their opening day roster. In his first six appearances, Ramírez recorded 4.50 ERA. He was optioned to Triple-A on April 27.[48] The Athletics recalled Ramírez on May 7 and he made his seventh appearance on May 12 against Texas, allowing one run on two hits and two walks in one inning.[49] After the game, he was designated for assignment. He was outrighted to the Sacramento River Cats on May 21.[50] He spent the rest of the season in the minors.

Leones de Yucatán: 2011

Ramírez pitched for the Leones de Yucatán of the Mexican League in 2011, where he joined other MLB veterans including Jorge Sosa and D'Angelo Jiménez.[51] Leones activated him on May 21,[4] and he made his first appearance for Yucatán the next day.[52] He was released Ramírez in June.[53][54]

Coaching Career

Ramirez has since returned to the Yankees organization as a coach. He has served as pitching coach for the Yankees Dominican Summer League team since 2019.[55][56]

Scouting Report

At 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m) and 150 pounds (68 kg), Torre once compared Ramírez's appearance to a thermometer.[11] Ramírez primarily throws a fastball with slight lateral movement that averages 91 miles per hour (146 km/h). He also has two offspeed pitches: a standard changeup, and a low 80s circle changeup, his primary strikeout pitch, that has similar movement to a palmball, and is particularly effective against left-handed batters.[3][11][18] The changeup, Ramírez said, gave the fastball the appearance of being as fast as 98 miles per hour (158 km/h).[11] He developed a low 80s slider into his repertoire. His delivery was unusual, making it difficult to pick up the ball out of his hand.[18]

Personal life

Ramírez is from the Dominican Republic. He was born in El Cercado,[57] and raised in Brecon.[4] He is the only MLB player from El Cercado.[57] Ramírez's father resides in the Dominican Republic.[58]

References

  1. 1 2 Sanchez, Jesse (March 9, 2010). "Rangers acquire Ramirez from Yankees". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Jenkins, Lee (August 22, 2007). "Yankees' Ramírez Finally Arrives in Anaheim". The New York Times. Retrieved May 6, 2012.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Mayo, Jonathan (October 10, 2007). "Ramirez was unhittable in the Minors". MILB.com. Archived from the original on May 27, 2011. Retrieved October 24, 2011.
  4. 1 2 3 "Ramírez, contento con los Leones". Diario de Yucatán (in Spanish). May 21, 2011. Retrieved May 6, 2012.
  5. ↑ "14". Pensacola News Journal. April 25, 2005. Archived from the original on March 11, 2016. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  6. 1 2 "Yankees call up former Pelican". Pensacola News Journal. July 2, 2007. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved May 6, 2012.
  7. ↑ King, George (July 1, 2007). "Digging deep for bullpen help". New York Post. Archived from the original on September 5, 2012. Retrieved May 6, 2012.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 "Edwar Ramirez Player Card - The Baseball Cube". The Baseball Cube. Archived from the original on 2021-07-14. Retrieved October 24, 2011.
  9. ↑ "L.A. Angels purchase contract of Pelicans pitcher Edwar Ramirez". Pensacola News Journal. September 2, 2005. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  10. ↑ "Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Purchase Pelican Pitcher Edwar Ramirez". OurSports Central. September 1, 2005. Archived from the original on 2005-09-24. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  11. 1 2 3 4 Kepner, Tyler (July 5, 2007). "Changeup Changes Everything for Yankee". The New York Times. Retrieved May 6, 2012.
  12. 1 2 3 "Former Pelicans Now with Braves, Yankees, Pirates and Devil Rays". OurSports Central. July 18, 2006. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  13. ↑ Neyer, Rob (July 17, 2007). "Yanks use stats to find a gem". ESPN. Retrieved October 24, 2011.
  14. ↑ "Bronx Bombers Nab Ramirez". OurSports Central. July 8, 2006. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  15. ↑ "Former Pelicans Succeeding with New York Yankees". OurSports Central. August 14, 2006. Archived from the original on 2014-08-11. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  16. ↑ Gergen, Joe (July 3, 2007). "Ramirez makes striking debut". Newsday. Archived from the original on 2021-07-14. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  17. ↑ King III, George A. (July 1, 2007). "DIGGING DEEP FOR BULLPEN HELP". Retrieved 2024-01-07.
  18. 1 2 3 4 Sabino, David (July 10, 2007). "Riding the young hot hands". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 2024-01-07.
  19. ↑ Breakey, Caleb (July 4, 2007). "Ramirez strikes out side in debut: Yankees callup fans Cuddyer, Morneau and Ford in ninth". New York Yankees. MLB.com. Archived from the original on July 7, 2007. Retrieved July 10, 2012.
  20. ↑ Eymer, Rick (June 29, 2012). "Beyond The Box Score". San Carlos Patch. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved July 10, 2012.
  21. ↑ Breakey, Caleb (July 7, 2007). "Yankees outslug the Angels in opener". New York Yankees. MLB.com. Archived from the original on December 29, 2007. Retrieved July 7, 2007.
  22. 1 2 Kepner, Tyler (August 20, 2007). "Yankees 9, Tigers 3: Yanks' Latest Victory Is Another Inside Job". The New York Times. Retrieved May 6, 2012.
  23. ↑ Kepner, Tyler (July 22, 2007). "A Rookie Reliever Can't Shake the Rust for Yankees". The New York Times. Retrieved May 6, 2012.
  24. ↑ Morrissey, Michael (July 21, 2007). "Ramirez Rocked". New York Post. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  25. ↑ Hoch, Bryan (July 20, 2007). "Yanks knocked around by Rays". New York Yankees. MLB.com. Archived from the original on September 10, 2007. Retrieved July 20, 2007.
  26. ↑ "Yankees 7-3 Devil Rays (Jul 21, 2007) Game Recap". ESPN. Retrieved 2024-01-07.
  27. ↑ "Scranton/Wilkes-Barre v. Louisville Box Score, July 25, 2007". Minor League Baseball. July 25, 2007. Retrieved October 24, 2011.
  28. ↑ "Yankees add Ramirez, Henn to bullpen". Covers.com. Associated Press. August 15, 2007. Archived from the original on August 17, 2007. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  29. ↑ "Baltimore v. New York Yankees Box Score, August 15, 2007". Fox Sports. MSN. August 15, 2007. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved October 24, 2011.
  30. ↑ Kepner, Tyler (March 9, 2008). "Rivera's a Closer With an Open Heart". The New York Times. Retrieved May 6, 2012.
  31. ↑ Kepner, Tyler (May 25, 2008). "Lessons in Pitching From Mariano Rivera". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2008-05-27. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  32. ↑ "The Official Site of The New York Yankees: Team: Transactions". New York Yankees. MLB.com. Archived from the original on May 6, 2008. Retrieved October 24, 2011.
  33. 1 2 "New York Yankees activate Brian Bruney, send down Edwar Ramirez". ESPN. Associated Press. May 19, 2009. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  34. ↑ O'Brien, Kat (May 19, 2008). "YANKEES NOTEBOOK: Unscored-upon Ramirez a big part of bullpen". Newsday. Archived from the original on 2021-07-14. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  35. ↑ "Baltimore's Cabrera, New York's Ramirez disciplined". MLB.com. July 31, 2008. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  36. ↑ "Edwar Ramirez Playing in World Baseball Classic". OurSports Central. February 25, 2009. Archived from the original on September 6, 2012. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  37. ↑ Hoch, Bryan (February 24, 2009). "Ramirez will take a few days off". New York Yankees. MLB.com. Archived from the original on February 26, 2009. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  38. ↑ Carig, Marc (February 23, 2009). "New York Yankees reliever Edwar Ramirez undergoes MRI". The Star-Ledger. NJ.com. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  39. ↑ "Former Pelican Back in the Bigs". OurSports Central. September 2, 2009. Archived from the original on 2013-12-21. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  40. ↑ Carig, Marc (September 4, 2009). "NY Yankees bullpen ready to work overtime". The Star-Ledger. NJ.com. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  41. ↑ Sherman, Joel (September 14, 2009). "WONDER-PHIL NEWS! - HUGHES SETTING UP TO BE LIKE MO IN '96". New York Post. Archived from the original on December 21, 2013. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  42. 1 2 "Rangers acquire RHP Edwar Ramirez from New York Yankees for cash considerations". Texas Rangers. MLB.com. March 9, 2010. Archived from the original on September 17, 2011. Retrieved October 24, 2011.
  43. ↑ Neyer, Rob (February 28, 2010). "For Yankees' Edwar Ramirez, K's not enough". ESPN. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  44. ↑ Stiglich, Joe (April 20, 2010). "Chad Gaudin, Edwar Ramirez get World Series rings from New York Yankees". East Bay Times. Archived from the original on 2021-07-14. Retrieved May 6, 2012.
  45. ↑ Hoch, Bryan (February 28, 2010). "Reliever Park finalizes deal with Yanks: Veteran inks one-year contract to seal move to Bronx". MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2010. Retrieved February 28, 2010.
  46. ↑ "A's to open 10-game stretch vs. West foes". Victoria Advocate. April 27, 2009. Archived from the original on 2016-03-05. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  47. ↑ Lee, Jane (March 24, 2010). "A's acquire reliever Ramirez for Petit". MLB.com. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved October 24, 2011.
  48. ↑ "Oakland puts LHP Brett Anderson on DL, option RHP Edwar Ramirez to triple-A". Guelph Mercury. April 27, 2010. Retrieved 2024-01-07.
  49. ↑ Lee, Jane (May 15, 2010). "A's promote slugger Cust from Triple-A". Oakland Athletics. MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 20, 2016. Retrieved April 30, 2012.
  50. ↑ Gonzalez, Alden (May 21, 2010). "A's send Ramirez to Triple-A, release Gaudin". Oakland Athletics. MLB.com. Archived from the original on March 18, 2012. Retrieved May 31, 2010.
  51. ↑ "Los Leones salen del bache en Cancún". Diario de Yucatán (in Spanish). June 18, 2011. Retrieved May 6, 2012.
  52. ↑ "Falla el bulpén y pierde Yucatán". Diario de Yucatán. May 22, 2011. Retrieved May 6, 2012.
  53. ↑ "Padilla: "Quiero ser útil a los Leones"; Está dispuesto a hacer labores de abridor o relevista". Diario de Yucatán (in Spanish). June 22, 2011. Retrieved May 6, 2012.
  54. ↑ "Edwar Ramirez Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight, Fantasy & News". MLB.com. Retrieved 2024-01-07.
  55. ↑ Axisa, Mike (March 4, 2019). "Update: Yankees announce 2019 minor league coaching staffs". River Avenue Blues.
  56. ↑ "DSL NYY Yankees Top Prospects, Rankings & Roster". Baseball America. Retrieved 2024-01-07.
  57. 1 2 "Gaudin, Ramirez get World Series rings". ESPN. Associated Press. April 20, 2010. Retrieved July 10, 2012.
  58. ↑ "Silva roughed up as Yankees, Wang blank Twins". ESPN. Associated Press. July 3, 2007. Archived from the original on 2007-09-08. Retrieved July 10, 2012.
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