What do I want to see from Bryan Ramos?

Yesterday, Bryan Ramos was brought up to the big league club from Double A Birmingham. This move probably had more to do with not wanting to have to DFA someone than anything else. With Moncada, Mendick, and Sosa all injured, there were no other infield options. This despite someone telling me last year that Andrew Vaughn should be the every day third baseman.

I personally don’t care why the move was made. I care that we’re going to get to see a player that not only White Sox prospect hounds love, but one that has made top 100 prospect lists. Not to mention, we’ve heard he smells great (don’t ask).

Ramos is only 22 years old and while he struggled to start this season, over the 100+ games he’s played in AA, the bat has the attention of the prospect folk. So what do I want to see?

Fielding

As much as Ramos is a bat first prospect, the guy is going to have to be able to field his position. I don’t need him to be a gold glove third baseman, but he can’t be Ryan Braun. He needs to be a solid defender, he needs to make good decisions, and he needs to limit providing the opposing team with extra bases. It’s not a high bar, but it’s one White Sox prospects have continually failed to rise above. The more he can do here, the less pressure there will be on the bat. If we find out he’s bound for a corner outfield spot or first base, he’s gonna have to really thump.

At the Plate

I want to see a guy that looks like he knows the strike zone. His K rate in AA hasn’t been anything I’d really worry about if he’s gonna hit for power, but the move to the MLB usually comes with some percentage points added to that. I want to see him work counts and find the pitches he likes to hit. There is less of a book on him than any of the pitchers he’s going to face, so I want him to be prepared to get what he wants and jump on it.

Bryan Ramos 3 Run Homer

The other thing, is the power. He had 14 HR and 10 doubles in 339 plate appearances at Birmingham last year. I need to see some pop. Even if he struggles at the plate, which most 22 year olds will at this level, I gotta see some long drives.

Pedro

It sounds like Pedro is gonna play Bryan Ramos, so I ain’t too worried about this. But I want to see as little Shewmake as possible while Ramos is with the team. Ain’t no platoon here, cuz Shewmake can’t hit anyone no matter which hand they pitch with.

-Chorizy-E