2008 Statistics:
480 At Bats
.290 Batting Average (139 Hits)
21 Home Runs
77 RBI
65 Runs
13 Stolen Bases
.317 On Base Percentage
.475 Slugging Percentage
.296 Batting Average on Balls in Play
Thoughts:
He signed out of Cuba and originally it appeared that he would play immediately for the White Sox. A slow start (.138 in 29 April AB) caused some to lose faith, but as the season wore on Ramirez started to heat up, quickly proving just how valuable he could be.
This season he shifts to SS, adding to his value due to positional flexibility (he is eligible at 2B from last season). He also proved to have plenty of power and speed, though I have my concerns on if it can continue at this pace. In seven seasons in Cuba, he hit just 87 HR. Obviously, it’s an extremely different game, but it is still worth noting.
Yes, his 13.8% HR/FB is believable, as is his 36.6% FB%. Maybe he was just a 26-year old who found his groove, but at the same time, maybe not. He did only hit 22 doubles and 2 triples, so it is not like he was an extra base machine.
There’s also concern with the RBI, as four of his HR were Grand Slams (a rookie record). Obviously, you just can’t expect that again, which could influence his RBI potential. I would expect more AB, which could offset a decreased rate, so don’t look for a dramatic falloff.
2009 Projection:
.295 (152-515), 20 HR, 73 RBI, 84 R, 19 SB, .309 BABIP, .328 OBP, .474 SLG
Conclusion:
He spent the majority of his time hitting towards the bottom of the order last season and there have been rumblings that the same could hold true in 2009. I don’t fully believe that, expecting him to be near the top by mid-season, at the latest, which is why I have him where he is in the runs scored department. Still, that will have an adverse affect on his RBI.
I’m expecting about the same in power, average and speed, making him a SS option well worth owning. No, I don’t think he’s going to step up and join the conversation with Hanley Ramirez, Jose Reyes and Jimmy Rollins, but after that, he has the potential to be the best of the bunch. Given the flexibility he provides, that certainly makes him a great buy on draft day.
What does everyone else think? How much do you expect him to surpass my projections?
Picture courtesy of Icon Sports Media, Inc.
I drafted Ramirez in the fifth round of my CBS draft and I’m feeling pretty terrific about it. I have him slotted at 2B, with Furcal at SS (Round 18) and Jed Lowrie at 3B (Round 21). All three are SS eligible, which provides great flexibility as the season goes on.
I love what Ramirez brings in terms of power, speed and average, but I’m most excited about the the versatility he brings in terms of the 2B/SS split. If Furcal is healthy this year and performs, I’ll be aggressively looking to move him for a stud, and simply shift Ramirez over (or Lowrie if plays well).
Should be a fun year
I like this 2B/SS versatility too. Your projections are more cautious with the HRs, which I think is smart. I’ve seen him projected for 27 HRs, which would be wonderful, but as you say, he was not “an extra base machine.”
It seems thought that there’s a lot of buzz about the guy, so he may go off draft boards pretty quickly, perhaps higher than he should.
His versatility is nice, but I do agree with RollTide that he’s going to drafted way early. Rather wait a little for Tulo or Drew.
I recently traded Ramirez in a league for Phillips. I’d rather take the sure thing over still the somewhat unknown Ramirez.