Ramirez agrees to terms with Rangers

Right-handed pitcher Neil Ramirez, the 44th overall pick in the 2007 MLB Draft, has agreed to terms with the Texas Rangers. Lone Star Dugout spoke with the Virginia Beach native after he did so on Wednesday afternoon.

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The Texas Rangers have reached an agreement with right-handed pitcher Neil Ramirez, the 44th overall pick in this year’s MLB Draft.

Ramirez says while he has not yet signed on the dotted line, he should be doing so before the end of the day.

“It’s not official yet because I haven’t signed,” said Ramirez, “but I’m supposed to be finalizing it later in the day.”

After over two months of negotiations, the Virginia Beach native is relieved to finally have a deal in place.

“It feels great,” he said. “It’s a relief to get this part of it over with. Now I can get out there and start showing what I’m going to do. As far as everything coming to a close like this, it’s a great feeling. My family and I are really excited with everything.”

The 18-year-old was able to stay in shape over the layoff by working out and throwing bullpens. However, he admits it was a little frustrating to not be pitching competitively this summer.

“It was a little frustrating just knowing all those guys were out there already playing,” replied Ramirez. “But I guess it had to happen like this. It wasn’t too frustrating, but it was a little bit knowing everybody else was already out there.”

Although Ramirez will not join the AZL Rangers for the remaining two weeks of their season, he expects to be at the club’s minor league complex in shortly.

“I’m not sure when I’m going to be heading out there,” said Ramirez when asked when he would go to Surprise, “but I know I will probably be going out there within the week.

“I’m pretty sure they’re going to send me to the instructional league in the fall,” he said.

While he plays in the instructional league, the 6-foot-3 hurler already has an idea of what he will be focusing on.

“I know they will try to work with me on my mechanics,” said Ramirez. “I guess I would like to get a more consistent breaking ball. That’s one of the things they were looking at getting for me.”

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