#27 Pirates Prospect - Harold Ramirez

Buried Treasure Top 30 Prospects
#27 - Harold Ramirez

Measurables: 5'11, 175
Bats: R, Throws: R
Position: CF
Acquired: IFA, 2011
Bonus: $1,050,000
DOB: 09/06/1994
Buried Treasure 2012 Top 20: Not Ranked



2012

Harold Ramirez was only the second player ever to come out of Latin America that received a 7 figure bonus, the other being Heredia.  Like Heredia, Ramirez was also sent stateside for his first professional season, making him one of four prospects in the Pirates organization to ever receive such an aggressive placement during his first professional campaign.

In his first season, Ramirez did well to hold his own as a 17 year-old playing in the GCL.  He played 39 games and had 146 plate appearances.  In those plate appearances, he posted a .259/.310/.333 line and had an unlucky .298 BABIP, unlucky especially in the light of Ramirez's plus-plus speed.  Ramirez had a low 4.1% BB rate and a decent 13.7% K rate. In addition, he showed minimal power hitting 1 homerun and having only 6 other extra base hits out of 35 hits total, calculating out to a .074 ISO.  Still, he managed to get on base some and not seem overwhelmed at the plate, positive signs for a 17 year-old stateside.  In addition, a leg infection cost Ramirez the first month of the season, making his performance even more impressive.

From a scouting perspective, Ramirez has outstanding speed that should serve him well in centerfield and on the bases.  Defensively, Ramirez has a good shot to stick in centerfield, although his arm is fringy.  At the plate, Ramirez's small frame doesn't offer much power potential, but he has a good swing to hit for average and a polished approach for such a young player.  Ramirez might not have the potential of tall, lanky, athletic teenagers coming out of Latin America, but he's got a good chance to fulfill his potential and become an above-average centerfielder in the major leagues, reliant on his plus-plus speed and ability to get on-base.