by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (3/14/2013) Yankees starting pitching prospect Jose Ramirez had been opening eyes early in spring, but he probably would have prefered nobody watch his performance Thursday against the Blue Jays. Ramirez, who had yet to allow a run in nine innings of Grapefruit League action prior to Thursday, was unable to get out of the first inning in the game. He allowed six earned runs on two hits and four walks, while failing to record a strikeout in 1/3 innings of work. He took the loss in a 17-5 final, as his ERA ballooned to 5.79 in four appearances. Ramirez is unlikely to make the team no matter how well he pitches in the spring, as he has yet to reach Double-A in his minor-league career. Ramirez has a 3.37 ERA in five seasons between four minor league levels and will likely pitch at Double-A Trenton this season.
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/9/2013) Yankees pitcher Jose Ramirez permitted just one hit in four scoreless inning during New York's 2-1 loss to Atlanta in a Grapefruit League matchup Saturday. Facing a lineup sprinkled with some major-league players in the middle of the order, Ramirez was touched for only one single and posted four strikeouts during his second start of the spring. "He’s been great," manager Joe Girardi told The Journal News. "The kid has thrown the ball really well. He’s throwing strikes. He’s got an outstanding changeup. His slider is a work in progress. He spots his fastball with velocity. He’s had an outstanding spring."
