Detroit Tigers Farmhands Await Rule 5 Draft Fate

Ramon Garcia spent his early years in the minors as a starter but made just eight starts in his 38 appearances between Lakeland, Erie and Toledo in 2010. He gave up more than one hit per inning but didn’t lose many hitters to walks, just 18 to be exact while striking out 65. Garcia spent all of 2009 in Erie and made progress in 2010.

Deik Scram may have a great name but his prospect potential is limited. He finished with some good batting averages in the lower levels of the minor leagues but he hasn’t been able to find the same level of success as he rises up the ranks. Scram got some playing time with Toledo in 2010 but it appears that his career has plateaued at the AA level. He has a decent glove in the outfield but may never get the chance to show it at the major league level.

Brent Wyatt spent most of last season in Lakeland but did play in 16 games with Erie. He has played mostly as an outfielder but has the ability to play some middle infield as well. He has the ability to steal some bases but only hits in the mid-.250s while striking out more than he walks.

Kyle Peter was drafted four different times, including three times by the Tigers. The Red Sox were the first to call Peter’s name with their 42nd round pick in 2004. The Tigers then drafted him in three consecutive years with a 40th round pick in 2005, a 49th round pick in 2006 and then a 34th round pick in 2007. His offensive numbers don’t indicate that the Tigers are being rewarded for their persistence but Peter did steal 42 basis for the West Michigan Whitecaps in 2008. He has not hit a home run in his 759 career at-bats and has a .262 career batting average.

Wilfredo Ramirez became a professional baseball player after the Cleveland Indians signed him out of Venezuela in the fall of 2005. He played for the Tigers’ Venezuelan summer league team in 2009 and the Lakeland Flying Tigers in 2010. He made three starts this past year but saw most of his game action as a reliever and finished with a 4.94 ERA. Ramirez did put up an impressive 37 strikeouts compared to just 5 walks.

Check back Wednesday for a review of the players more likely to be selected in the 2010 rule 5 draft.