After trading catcher Hank Conger earlier today to the Houston Astros in exchange for C Carlos Perez and RHP Nick Tropeano. The Angels have acquired LHP Cesar Ramos from the Tampa Bay Rays in echange for RHP Mark Sappington.
Ramos, is coming off a season that saw the 30-year old pitch his way to a 2-6 record with a 3.70 ERA in 82 2/3 innings over 43 games. Ramos, has spent the last four seasons in Tampa Bay where he was a solid relief option for former Rays' manager Joe Maddon to go to late in games. Over his career in Tampa, Ramos made 167 appearences going 5-9 with a 3.66 ERA in 223 2/3 innings. One issue for Ramos throughout his career has been his walks to strikeouts ratiio; last season, Ramos walked 39 batters while only striking out 66. Averaging almost 4.2 walks per nine innings last season, and 3.8 walks per nine innings over his career. With left-hander Joe Thatcher leaving Los Angeles in costless-agency, Ramos appears to be Thatcher's replacement.
Sappington, a fifth round draft pick in 2012, saw time in A+ and AA last season. In 42 (17 starts) appearences total last season, Sappington went 4-11 with a 6.02 ERA in 113 2/3 innings pitched. Sappington's biggest problem last seaon was his command, walking 79 batters to just 114 strikeouts. With a plus fastball, Sappington has potential to turn into a middle of the rotation or set-up man at the Major League level if he can find his control around the plate.