WASHINGTON — When the Cubs were on the lookout for pitching at the trade deadline, one of their more sought-after young players was Pedro Ramírez, whom Chicago valued highly and was reluctant to move. Ultimately, there wasn’t a deal that made sense. Ramírez was just too important to Chicago’s present plans and future ambitions.“I’m really thankful to still be part of this team,” he said through an interpreter Tuesday. “I didn’t think much about (the trade deadline) because I don’t have any say in that situation. I was just focusing on my game and being able to do the job that’s expected of me out there.”What’s expected of Ramírez has grown exponentially over the last year. Entering last season, he wasn’t even viewed as one of Chicago’s top-10 prospects. But the Cubs were higher on Ramírez than most. When he was brought up in smaller deals last summer, minor-league coaches and staff recommended against including him, believing there was more in the tank for the hard-working infielder.That work ethic is what initially got Ramírez noticed.“I feel like I’ve always tried to be focused,” Ramírez said. “Ever since I signed, that’s what I thought to myself: that I wanted to be a disciplined player. It’s how I’ve always been, focused and doing things the right way.”By spring training, the big-league coaches and players were seeing what others were talking about. Manager Craig Counsell, not one to easily dish out praise, made sure to commend Ramírez for the way he carried himself. Veterans noticed it as well.