Q&A With St Louis Cardinals Prospect Steven Ramos

By: Andrew Martin
@historianandrew
BaseballHistorian.Blogspot.com

With the departure of free agent Albert Pujols, and veteran mainstays like Chris Carpenter and Lance Berkman advancing in years, the St. Louis Cardinals expect to infuse a good amount of young talent into their team over the next few seasons. One of those players that they are excited about is outfielder Steven Ramos.
Ramos was taken in the 22nd round of the 2010 MLB draft; skipping college to pursue his dream of a major league career. He is a natural center fielder, but can play at all three spots in the outfield, sporting excellent range and a strong arm. The right-handed Ramos’ most advanced skill at this time is his speed, and while he doesn’t have a frame that suggests he will develop into a power hitter, he does has the talent to become an effective hitter.
Ramos played his first two professional years came in short-season leagues, hitting a combined .269 in 108 games, with 3 home runs, 36 RBI, and 34 stolen bases. He will be assigned to a full-season team in 2012 and look to build on his progress while continuing to move steadily through the St. Louis system.

Who were your favorite team and player when you were growing up, and why?
I grew up a San Francisco Giants fan because that was my parents’ favorite team. Favorite player was Roberto Clemente for what he did on and off the field.

How did you know that the Cardinals were interested in you?
They gave me a call two weeks before the draft and invited me to a pre draft workout.

Can you describe what your draft day experience was like?
It was very exciting and stressful waiting to hear my name called.

What made you decide to sign with St. Louis rather than pursuing your scholarship with Cal-State Fullerton?
I told myself before the season if I somehow got drafted I would take it. I have heard a lot of stories about people not getting drafted a second time, and didn’t want that to happen. Plus, the Cardinals are known for winning and being a great organization.

What has been your favorite moment so far in your career?
Playing in the Appalachian League championship series.

What specific skill do you hope to improve upon most in 2012?
My vision and plate discipline.

Have you ever gotten any advice or instruction from players or coaches who are at the major league level?
Skip Schumacher gave me pointers on switching outfield to infield like he did. Nick Punto just gave me some advice about the game as a whole.

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