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RAMON AGUERO
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RIGHT HANDED PITCHER
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Born: December 21, 1984 Height: 6′ 4″ Weight: 185 Bats: Right Throws: Right Signed: Int. FA, Pittsburgh Pirates, 2006 How Acquired: International Free Agent Birthplace: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Agent: N/A |
WTM’S PIRATE PLAYER PROFILES |
| I spent months . . . well, not literally . . . wondering where Aguero came from after he appeared on the State College roster at the start of the 2008 season. At the same time, I was wondering what happened to Samuel Vasquez, who put up very good numbers in the DSL in 2007 and was invited to spring training, yet never appeared on any roster anywhere. The answer is that they’re the same guy. The unfortunate part is that he’s four years older as Aguero than he was as Vasquez, who at a purported age of 19 when he reached AA in 2009 would have looked like a major prospect. The sudden increase in his age probably accounts for him being assigned to State College rather than the GCL. Aguero has a power arm and can throw as high as 96-97 consistently, although when he goes beyond one inning his velocity tends to drop. He also has a very good change, which makes him tough on lefties. His command is apt to falter at times, which isn’t surprising considering that he’s thrown fewer than 165 IP in US pro ball.
2008: Struggled at State College, getting hit very hard and not fanning many hitters. 2009: Opened in West Virginia rotation and got hammered in three starts. After moving to the bullpen, though, simply took off. Moved up to Lynchburg and then Altoona, getting better at each level, although Pirates sent him back to Lynchburg for Carolina League playoffs. Fanned over a batter an inning at last two stops. At times, control deserted him. Changeup made him very effective against lefties, who hit well under .200 against him at Altoona and Lynchburg. Righties hit him much better at both stops. 2010: Was eligible for Rule 5 draft in fall and Pirates added him to 40-man roster. Looked like he might be on fast track to Pittsburgh, but season was undermined by injuries. Missed about half the season in all, first with elbow soreness and later with stiff back, and couldn’t get anybody out in AA when he was able to pitch.Aguero in camp wasn’t throwing as well as he did when he was added to the roster, only in the low 90s. Possibly because of that, as well as the fact that he was 26 and hadn’t pitched above AA, the Pirates designated him for assignment to free a roster space up for Jose Veras. It seems unlikely that any team would claim him off waivers. If not, he’ll probably open 2011 in Altoona. |
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STATS
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| Baseball Reference–Minors Fangraphs MiLB.com |
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CONTRACT INFORMATION
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| 2011: League Minimum |
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PLAYER INFORMATION
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| Signing Bonus: N/A MiLB Debut: Summer 2006 MLB Debut: N/A MiLB FA Eligible: N/A MLB FA Eligible: N/A Rule 5 Eligible: Protected Added to 40-Man: 11/20/2009 Options Remaining: 2 (USED: 2010) MLB Service Time: 0.000 |
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TRANSACTIONS
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| 2006: Signed as an international free agent by the Pittsburgh Pirates. November 20, 2009: Contract purchased by the Pittsburgh Pirates. March 31, 2011: Designated for assignment. |
