Horacio Ramirez

Jeff Weaver might have been the posterboy for bad front-office decisions, but Ramirez was more deserving of top billing. Ramirez was one of five major league pitchers last season to start more than 10 games and post more walks (42) than strikeouts (40). He failed to go more than six innings in 16 of 20 starts, lasting less than six innings in 13 starts. Ramirez suffered a mid-season shoulder injury and later tinkered with his release point, but neither had a dramatic effect on his performance as he finally lost his rotation spot late in the season. Stunningly, the Mariners offered Ramirez a contract for 2008. Perhaps the team just can't admit its mistake in trading Rafael Soriano, now Atlanta's closer, for a pitcher who belongs nowhere near a major league staff - let alone a fantasy staff.

Ramirez will pitch in the fourth spot in Seattle's rotation after being traded from Atlanta. He endured an injury-plagued 2006 season, which saw him miss a month due to a hamstring problem two weeks after getting hit in the head by a line drive and then missed the final two months with a partially torn ligament in his left middle finger. When healthy, Ramirez wasn't much different than the prior season with a meager strikeout rate and poor control (37:31 K:BB ratio). Pitching in Safeco Field should help his numbers to an extent. He's been much better against left-handers in his career, which could eventually push him into the bullpen as a lefty specialist. Ramirez throws a four-seam fastball, a cut fastball and a slider.

Ramirez will try to hold off a number of promising arms this spring to keep a spot in the Atlanta rotation after a mediocre 2005 season. Ramirez stayed healthy for a full season after shoulder problems in 2004, but his already meager strikeout rate fell and he struggled with his control (80/67 K/BB ratio). Ramirez has consistently performed better versus left-handed batters (.812 OPS vs. righties, .689 vs. lefties) which could reduce his role to a lefty specialist in the bullpen. While he may win a spot this spring in the Atlanta rotation, we're not sold on his ability to keep the job.

Ramirez got of to a strong start with a 2.28 ERA through May, but missed most of the 2004 season with shoulder problems and had offseason arthroscopic surgery. Be wary given his poor strikeout rates and injury history (Tommy John surgery in 2001) but if healthy he should win a spot in Atlanta's rotation.

Ramirez will begin the season in the Atlanta rotation after a strong rookie season, making the jump from Double-A to the majors and winning 12 games. He gave up a few too many home runs and walks, but at age 24 he should improve. One worry is that he struggled against right-handed batters (.809 OPS vs. RH, .585 OPS vs. LH). If he slumps, he could be moved to the bullpen.

After a strong Arizona Fall League (2.55 ERA, 28/15 K/BB) and solid year in Double-A Ramirez appears to have made it all the way back from elbow surgery. He will be in the mix to earn a 2003 rotation slot in Atlanta or bullpen role.