| 04 December 2009
6. Wilson Ramos, C, 22 years old
2009 stats: .316/.316/.947, 19 PA, 3 HR, 0/0 K/BB at GCL (Rook); .317/.341/.454, 214 PA, 4 HR, 23/6 K/BB at New Britain (AA)
Last year’s rank: 11
Acquired: Un-drafted acquisition from Venezuela in July 2004
Wilson Ramos could be the most talked-about prospect in the Twins' organization. With Joe Mauer likely to be re-signed, the state of Minnesota isn't in desperate need of an elite catching prospect, yet Ramos could be too good to pass up.
Defensively, Ramos is perhaps the best catcher in the minor leagues. This defensive fame has been acquired, though, solely from his arm strength and ability to throw out runners. Various scouting reports claim that he is an average receiver and blocker behind the plate. It is also said that he needs to improve his ability to call games, which could be a result of his broken English.
With a bat in his hands, Ramos is a natural hitter. Although he suffered a broken hand and an injured hamstring this past season while with the the Rock Cats, Ramos hit a very impressive line of .317/.341/.454. This production would be more than enough to keep him in the big leagues as a catcher.
Ramos has above-average strength, but he has yet to harness this ability and utilize it in game situations. Some scouting reports claim that he has the potential to hit 20-25 home runs per season when his power is fully developed.
Patience at the plate is another thing Ramos will need to work on before hitting the major leagues. Ramos drew just six walks in the 54 games he played in 2009; a walk rate of just three percent. Although his strikeout rate did decrease to a respectable eleven percent this past year, warning flags do fly for various scouts.
If the power starts to show itself, Ramos will be universally hailed as one of the best prospects in baseball. Until then, though, I'll be happy with an above-average defender who hits for a good average and is capable of effectively leading a pitching staff.
Ideal scenario: Ramos finds his power and becomes less aggressive at the plate. He should start 2010 with New Britain, but could quickly find himself with the Triple-A squad. He could be with the Twins in either 2010 or 2011.
Path to the majors: Ever hear of Joe Mauer? Assuming the Minnesota native is locked up to a long-term contract, Ramos is stuck behind the best catcher in baseball for the foreseeable future. Ramos' bat may be too much to ignore, though, so he could be a regular DH for the Twins in a few years, relieving Mauer behind the plate when necessary. Others claim that Ramos should be considered a trade chip.
(NOTE - Ramos' future is a hot topic these days. Be sure to stick around TwinsTarget, as I'll hopefully have much more on that subject in the near future.)
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