C-Ram vs. R-Pod

He hasn’t pitched a single game professionally yet, but already Ricky Podsednik is drawing comparisons to Christopher Ramirez, arguably the best pitcher in the world. While such comparisons may be a bit premature – the 18-year old Podsednik most likely will not be ML ready for at least four seasons – it does pose an interesting debate. Will Ramirez eventually pass the torch of the World’s best pitcher to another player in the NL East? A look comparing the current ratings of Ramirez, to the projected ratings of Podsednik.

Stamina

Ramirez: 94

Podsednik: 84

Advantage: Ramirez

Control

Ramirez: 90

Podsednik: 97

Advantage: Podsednik, slightly

Splits

Ramirez: 95 vs LH, 93 vs RH

Podsednik: 91 vs LH, 77 vs RH

Advantage: Ramirez

Velocity

Ramirez: 91

Podsednik: 88

Advantage: Draw, Ramirez has a slightly better number, but three points is too close to call.

Pitches

Ramirez: 4 (84 4-Seam FB, 68 Curveball, 70 Change Up, 36 Cut FB)

Podsednik: 5 (83 4-Seam FB, 84 Slider, 66 Curveball, 83 Change Up, 44 Split FB)

Advantage: Podsednik

Of course all these projected numbers mean nothing yet. Ramirez is a 5-time Cy Young winner, and that number will most likely get higher before he’s ready for retirement. Podsednik also is seen by some as an injury risk who could fall victim to Mark Prior/Kerry Wood syndrome. But like all top prospects it will take a few years before we know just how good this young phenom will be.