The Rangers have acquired pitcher Edwar Ramirez from the Yankees in exchange for cash considerations. The Yankees designated Ramirez for assignment last week after posting a 5.73 ERA for the Yankees last season.
However, Ramirez had a tremendous 2008 season, so it is possible 2009 was a fluke year and that he will return to form in 2010.
Ramirez went 5-1 with a 3.55 ERA with 63 strikeouts in 55 1/3 innings in 55 appearances for the Yankees in 2008 and held the opposition to a .215 batting average, with right-handers hitting just .195. His 10.25 strikeouts per nine innings were seventh-best among American League relievers that year.
Ramirez has low-90s fastball that he mixes well with a potentially devastating slider. Yankee fans saw it at its true best in 2008, but he had issues commanding it in 2009.
Perhaps working with pitching coach Mike Maddux along with Nolan Ryan can work out some of the kinks in his mechanics.