An interview with St. Louis Cardinals prospect Steven Ramos

Steven Ramos, an outfielder set to play this season with the short-season Batavia Muckdogs (A, New York-Penn League), joined Redbird Rants recently for an interview. Last season, Ramos played for the Johnson City Cardinals, the 2011 Appalachian League champions.

Daniel Solzman: Thanks for joining Redbird Rants today. Are you getting excited for the season to start at Johnson City?

Steven Ramos: Well, I’m actually getting sent to the Batavia Mucksdogs. But I am very excited for the season to start.

Daniel Solzman: My bad–I was going off the MILB profile and saw Johnson City under your name. How does the midwest and upper southeast compare to California?

Steven Ramos: Well, it’s a lot different. Only similarities is the hot weather pretty much.

Daniel Solzman: How has the offseason been treating you? Anything exciting happen?

Steven Ramos: It treated me good. Just had a lot of time to spend it with family and I got a new neice and nephew in the off season. So that was pretty exciting.

Daniel Solzman: What’s the best part that you like about having a July 4th birthday?

Steven Ramos: There is always some type of big event going on so it makes it easy to spend it with a bunch of family and friends.

Daniel Solzman: Flashing back to 2010 for a moment, you got drafted in the 22nd round out of Ohlone College and could have gone to Cal State-Fullerton. How long did it take to make a decision to go ahead and start your professional career?

Steven Ramos: About a week, I think. Just talked it over with family and decided I was ready to start my career.

Daniel Solzman: What are you looking forward to doing the most this season?

Steven Ramos: Just playing and getting to be a part of a new team. Also, hopefully take another shot at another championship.

Daniel Solzman: How has working with Johnson City Batting Coach Ramon Ortiz helped with your hitting technique in the past year?

Steven Ramos: It helped a lot. Ortiz is a very smart batting coach and knows a lot of drills for every problem. He fixed my swing numerous times last year.

Daniel Solzman: Thanks again for joining us. Any final words for the best fans in baseball?

Steven Ramos: Thanks for being the best fans out there. Go Cardinals.