Baseball America noted that MI/CF Alexei Ramirez, a Cuban defector who played in the 2006 World Baseball Classic, has selected Jamie Torres as his agent and is ready to come to MLB. Ramirez is reportedly 26-years old and has played CF for the Cuban National team in the WBC, SS for Pinar Del Rio in the Cuban National League, and also at 2B for the Cuban national team. From what I can find, he seems to most resemble Julio Lugo in terms of projected abilities.
If he can play center field, he seems to be an intriguing option for the Nationals this off-season. His salary demands would not seem to be at the level of the top tier CFs on the market (Andruw Jones, Torii Hunter, Aaron Rowand) but it definitely would be a risk on whether he would provide a solid return.
Louis J. | 19-Sep-07 at 2:14 pm | Permalink
Brian
Are the Nats interested in spending the $$$ to sign him? While I still like the future with Justin Maxwell in CF, if Ramirez can hit, he can fit in now at SS, 2B or CF.
estuartj | 19-Sep-07 at 2:58 pm | Permalink
CF, SS & 2B are all positions of need so his flexibility and age are huge assets. Is there any way of judging his abilities based on his play in the WBC or in the Cuban National League?
Louis J. | 19-Sep-07 at 3:05 pm | Permalink
I remember watching the Japan-Cuba WBC game. I remember that I liked the 2B. I don’t know if that was Ramirez. I also remember that the CF had some speed in the outfielder but was not as smooth as Logan or Maxwell.
estuartj | 19-Sep-07 at 3:05 pm | Permalink
To partially answer my own questions Ramirez stats from the ‘06 WBC;
.375/.389/.500 nice numbers although he only had 16 ABs so not much to work from…
Mjames | 19-Sep-07 at 4:38 pm | Permalink
If I am the Nats I do not spend a bundle on one of the top free agents. I would give this kid Maxwell a shot. I have only seen him bat maybe five/six times but he does not look over matched. Actually I though he put one out lastnight. That is two warning track shots from him in RFK. Maybe try the Ramirez or stay with Logan and Maxwell but no Jones, Hunter or Rowand.
A DC Wonk | 20-Sep-07 at 8:58 am | Permalink
Mjames — I was at the game two nights ago, and I really thought Maxwell had put one out, too! He crushed it, high and deep, into the left field power alley — but it seemed like something held it up, and the Mets LF caught it with his back almost touching the 380 ft sign.
I thought Maxwell would be overmatched, having no experience above Potomac, but I’ve been very impressed at what he’s done with limited pinch hitting duties (and another pinch hit last night)
estuartj | 20-Sep-07 at 10:33 am | Permalink
We thought Zimmerman would be overmatched when they brought him up in September of ‘05, but he hit amazingly well (flirted with .400) and earned himself the starting job for ‘06.
I hope they start J-Max the last 10 games so we can see what he’s got, both offensively and defensively - before he heads to ARI Fall Ball (Go Javelinas!).
If he can do well the next 10 games and continue to excel in the off-season I think he should be given every opportunity to win the starting CF job in Spring Training.
I’m all for signing Alexei Ramirez to play middle infield and potential back up the outfield, which is another huge position of need.
Mjames | 20-Sep-07 at 11:25 am | Permalink
I will say the guy who looked overmatched last night was Logan. If Acta wants to field the best team against the Mets and Phillies I think he should include Maxwell and Church in the mix not just Logan. I agree Maxwell has earned a few starts.
Tom | 22-Sep-07 at 9:46 pm | Permalink
After AFL Justin will get a good look see during spring training.
I see him proving he is mature enough to be given a chance next year.
It all about staying healthy.