Ramos was born in Aurora, Illinois. He went to Pflugerville High School in Pflugerville, Texas, where he also resides today.[citation needed] He was a 5\'11", 180-pound pitcher. Before being drafted, Ramos attended Rice University.\n', '

In 1996, the Kansas City Royals drafted him in the 48th round (1399th overall). He decided not to sign and continued to pitch for Rice. In 1999, he was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 6th round (183rd)—this time he signed.\n', '

From 2000–2001, Ramos had a 30-9 record in the minors. On January 14, 2002, he was traded to the Texas Rangers along with Jason Hart, Gerald Laird and Ryan Ludwick for Carlos Peña and Mike Venafro.\n', '

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