Don’t expect Twins management to rush decisions about rookie catching sensation Wilson Ramos. Fans and media started wondering about his future with the team after a few games this week when he replaced the injured Joe Mauer.
Ramos, who was recalled recently from Triple AAA Rochester, had seven hits in his first nine at bats in the big leagues. That set off a frenzy about the young Venezuelan with observers speculating about his future after Mauer returns to the lineup.
General manager Bill Smith was noncommittal during an interview with Sports Headliners. But that doesn’t mean he too isn’t impressed with Ramos. “We love him,” Smith said.
There’s no doubt the 22-year-old is one of the organization’s best prospects (regardless of position) but Smith didn’t want to address whether the team will eventually option him back to Rochester. Ramos was impressive during spring training with the Twins, including a long home run in the team’s final game in Florida.
Ask Smith about Ramos and he expresses satisfaction with the catcher’s skills behind the plate. Ramos hit .317 with AA New Britain last season, but Smith doesn’t necessarily think batting .300 or better will be on the resume in the majors. He does believe 20 home runs or more per season is possible. “He’s a power hitter,” Smith said.
After five seasons in the minors and a nice spring training performance, some major league teams would have kept Ramos on their rosters. But Smith wanted him to play every day rather than mostly be a reserve with the Twins.
The Rochester decision disappointed Ramos and might explain his .179 average while playing there. When Mauer comes back, Ramos seems likely to ship out again but a more strategic matter is how the Twins will accommodate the two catchers in the future.
Mauer is among baseball’s most valuable players and is only 27 years old. The Twins have rewarded him with a $184 million contract that begins next year. Will the Twins consider moving Mauer or Ramos to another position? Neither one is experienced at any other position.
Again, Smith didn’t want to speculate. The Twins’ way is not to be too reactive and that approach won’t allow for much more now than to focus on a pennant race.
Catcher is a vital position in baseball and there’s a shortage of big leaguers who can contribute there. In addition to Mauer and Ramos, the Twins have 27-year-old Jose Morales who hit .311 with the club last season and Drew Butera, a 26-year-old defensive catcher who is in his first season on the roster. Morales has been injured and unable to play this season.
Smith has to not only like the team’s catching depth, but also the leverage it may provide in trade talks during the next off-season.