Here are the day’s minor transactions from around the game…
- The Cubs announced a list of 27 non-roster invitees to Major League Spring Training, including the addition of right-hander Carlos Ramirez. The 27-year-old (28 in April) logged 25 innings at the big league level between the Blue Jays and Athletics across the past two seasons, working to a combined 2.88 ERA in that time but with a less-impressive 19-to-12 K/BB ratio. He’s had some success in the upper minors, posting a 2.71 ERA with 65 strikeouts against 28 walks in 63 innings of work at the Triple-A level. Ramirez represents the latest in a series of low-cost and/or minor league signees that the Cubs have added in an effort to bolster their bullpen depth while operating under the specter of payroll constraints.
Carlos Ramirez type guys get my full heart cheers. Soon to be 28 and still grinding, hoping for MLB dream come true.
Wish more of these types would sign for Rays or Indians. Those two teams have the magic sauce for maximize pitcher prospect potential.
For the bluejays he didn’t allow a run his full time on the MLB and triple A in 2017
He did indeed allow a run (5 to be exact) in the Majors but yes the 27+ minor league innings with no runs IS indeed quite impressive I must say! Nice low-cost/risk pick-up here by the Cubs. Makes you wonder what the H*** teams like the Red Sox who barely have enough pitchers to round out a bullpen are doing not taking a look at guys like this! lol (Sorry – I know this isn’t the idea place to vent my Red Sox bullpen frustrations — but in all seriousness I would like to see them bringing in a couple of guys LIKE THIS! High upside guys with minor league track records — not just guys who have had mediocre stints here and there and maybe can put something together — why not take a chance on a guy like this who albeit hasn’t really established himself as anything special BUT at the same time seems to excel at every opportunity he’s been given!
as long dd in charge then they will miss bullpen pieces
Since we are correcting others We might as well get it right.
Sept. 21, 2017
After going the entire 2017 season — 47 1/3 innings between Double-A, Triple-A, and the Major Leagues — Ramirez was tagged by Whit Merrifield for a solo bomb in the sixth inning of Wednesday’s blowout loss to the Royals. Ramirez ended up getting drilled for four earned runs on three hits and a walk.
Majority of innings were in AA and AAA, but I agree, quite the feat, and a solid pick up.
How was my comment “not getting it right” … all I said was that he didn’t in fact go the entire season without allowing an earned run (which he didn’t – he allowed 5) but that what he did was regardless – VERY impressive!
ramirez might be a nice bullpen piece once he gets a real shot in the Majors.
Off topic here but just thought of this.
What if the big mouth Phillies (spend stupid $) sign MM to a 10/280 and BH to a 3/110 with 2 opt outs.
Then, when Bryce leaves, they can trade/sign Trout.
I think the fan base is expecting something huge after those remarks by the owner.
Boom! Here’s the answer.
Thoughts ???
There’s plenty of Phillies stories to post this comment on. Please…..
Great pick up. Cards ought to feast on him.
The Cubs bullpen was top 3 in the game last year. The Cardinals had Bud Norris as their closer (lol)
Good depth signing
Great addition to compliment the young core.
Payroll constraints… hahahahahahah.. Shirley you jest.. MLb teams are richer by far than ever before , every team now valued at over a Billion dollars, the profits they report are huge, the profits they hid are much larger.. this isn’t about payroll this is about duping fans so they can sell them cheaper products and increase their obscene profit margins.. ..
This
….and don’t call me Shirley
I was waiting for this comment. Surprised it took so long…..
All of the cubs moves this offseason have been minor MLB transactions.
All this minor league stocking makes sense as to how the Cubs approach call ups to refresh/rest the bullpen first couple months of season. Use up all the options then put em on waivers and maybe reassign if not claimed. Mostly mop up arms but none-the-less, Cubs have been burnt through some decent arms last couple seasons because out of options and no roster spots to keep on. It could also be misdirection: Look at how little we have to spend then be right in the mix of the Harper sweeps.