Dodgers Prospect #50 Miguel Ramirez

Today LAdugout.com begins its annual look at the top prospects in the Dodger system. We'll count down until we reach the very best. Today:Prospect #50.

Name- Miguel Ramirez
Position- Relief Pitcher
Birthday- July 15, 1983
Residence- Fondo Negro, DR
B/T- R/R
Ht- 5-11
Wt-180

How Obtained- Signed as a free agent 2002

2007 Clubs- Great Lakes ; Inland Empire


Unlike many closers who were converted to that job along the way, Ramirez has been one almost from the outset. As such he has steadily risen through the system.

In 2007, he spent most of the year in the bullpen for Great Lakes where he did an excellent job, going 2-1 with a 1.57 ERA, gaining 15 saves for a team that didn't win all that many. He was promoted to Inland Empire toward the end of the season where he won his lone decision and picked up another save although he was also treated roughly on another occasion to wind up with a 7.27 ERA.

He throws a fast ball in the low 80's and gets good movement out of it and his breaking pitches. They earned him 66 strikeouts in 60. 1 innings. He seems to have the mentality needed to come into tight spots and throw quality stuff

. He'll probably open 2008 with Inland Empire.