Following new training program, Ramos sets high goal for '15
The backstop has not played 100 games since 2011 season
VIERA, Fla. -- Wilson Ramos is confident this is the year he can stay healthy after suffering a knee injury in 2012, hamstring injuries in 2013 and again in 2014 along with breaking his hamate bone in his left wrist.
He has not played 100 games since 2011, when he appeared in a career high 113. But on Thursday, the first day Nationals' pitchers and catchers reported to Spring Training, Ramos stated his goal of catching 120 to 125 games in 2015.
"I think this is the year to do that," he said.
Considering the Nationals have assembled one of the best pitching rotations in the Majors, it certainly is.
Ramos said he was surprised and excited when he found out the team added Max Scherzer during the offseason to a staff that led the National League in many categories last season.
"We've got a really good rotation," Ramos said. "With this guy, it feels really good to have the best rotation in baseball."
Ramos, thanks to a recommendation by a doctor, has been doing agility workouts during the offseason to strengthen his hamstrings. Instead of always running straight ahead for conditioning, he zig-zagged, ran sideways and backwards.
Ramos is looking to join an exclusive group. Just six catchers caught 120 games last season while only three caught at least 130.
"This year, I feel 100 percent," he said. "I feel like I'm running without problems. When I feel 100 percent when I'm running in the field, that's when I don't have any problems behind the plate."