Ramon Ortiz has made a nice impression during the first month of the major league baseball season. The 33-year-old right-handed pitcher signed with Minnesota as a free agent before this season and the Twins Nation crossed its collective fingers he could be as good or better than his previous six-plus major league seasons. Playing for Washington last year his record was 11-16 with a 5.57 ERA. For all seasons through 2006 he was a not too exciting 79-76 with a 4.85 ERA.
In search of at least two starters to emerge as regulars in the team’s five man rotation, the Twins signed Ortiz in January for $3.1 million, according to espn.com. So far the results have been, well, sort of un-Ortiz like. His 3-1 record and 2.57 ERA place him among the American League leaders in both categories. Ortiz and Johan Santana lead the Twins in wins. Ortiz’s ERA is the best among the team’s starters and his walks are the fewest.
In five starts, he has been consistently sharp. He won his first three games including a three hit, eight inning game against the Yankees. Each game he’s pitched at least six innings, never given up more than eight hits and twice had no walks in games.
“Mr. April” has been pitching all month like a man with confidence. Ortiz raves about pitching coach Rick Anderson. “How much this guy helped me this year…it’s unbelievable,” Ortiz told Sports Headliners last week. “He worked me hard the whole spring training and now in the season. It’s unbelievable the way we pitch right now. …”
Ortiz has pitched for three other major league teams. Is Anderson his best pitching coach? “Well, believe it,” Ortiz answered. “Yes, the best one. …The best one because he doesn’t have a special guy. …He’s working for everybody. He be happy for everybody. …I am happy here.”
Ortiz’s best seasons were with the Angels in 2001-2003 when he won 13, 15 and 16 games. A visitor mentioned winning 15 games or more for the Twins. “I want to pitch the best I can,” Ortiz said. “Every time you get an opportunity to go get it, you pitch the best you can. …”