RADIO
BALLER MOVE: Target ~275
CURRENT ADP: 285.5
ANALYSIS: Erasmo Ramirez is coming off a breakout 2015 season in which he posted a 3.75 ERA and 1.13 WHIP over 163.1 innings. Maintaining a 2.20 BB/9 and a .272 BABIP, Ramirez significantly improved on his performances in 2013 and 2014, when he compiled a composite 5.12 ERA and 1.50 WHIP in 147.2 innings.
Ramirez kept the ball in the strike zone and improved on his BB/9 rate, he threw a first pitch strike 65.3% of the time, 13th highest in the majors, and threw strikes on 66.4% of his pitches, 15th best in the big leagues. Concerns about Ramirez’s .272 BABIP is warranted, but fortunately, his batted ball profile differed significantly from that of his 2013-2014 seasons. During those dark ages, he maintained a 40.1 GB% and a 6.5 IFFB%. In 2015, the Rays' right-hander induced more grounders (47.8%) and had hitters popping up more frequently (13.0%).
What makes Ramirez even more intriguing is his SwStr%, which was 11.3% in 2015 and good for 17th best in baseball. Currently No. 101 in Rotoballer’s starting pitcher rankings, Ramirez has potential to become a strikeout artist, and should have little trouble matching the 1.13 WHIP he posted in 2015.
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