DAY 18: Carlos Ruiz
By Michael Rushton
The Phanatic Magazine
Talk about a tough act to follow.
While it’s true Mike Lieberthal had become a venting object for Philadelphia fans’ frustration over the past few
seasons, the truth remains that in his 13-year career with the Phillies, he accomplished a lot.
And don’t think Carlos Ruiz doesn’t know that.
Lieberthal is a two-time All-Star, a Gold Glove winner and the 2002 NL Comeback Player of the Year. However, he is also now a Dodger.
So in steps a trio of players to replace Lieberthal, and among them is Ruiz. The 28-year-old right-hander made his major league debut last season, and in limited action, didn’t disappoint. Ruiz batted .261 with three homers and 10 runs batted in last year in 27 games. However, it was his finish to the 2006 season that gave the Phillies hope for the future behind the plate.
In 10 games in the month of May, Ruiz hit a dismal .143. However, given a second chance later in the season, the Panama native hit at a .360 clip after the All-Star break. That included a .455 average with runners in scoring position.
Still, the Phillies weren’t ready to just hand over the starting job to Ruiz with Lieberthal now in LA, so they brought in veteran catcher Rod Barajas in the offseason. The 31-year-old former Texas Ranger will push Ruiz for the starting gig, and hopefully mentor him along the way.
Ruiz has an edge over Barajas and the Phillies third option behind the plate, Chris Coste, because of his age, but it won’t be surprising if Barajas is behind the plate on opening day.
Ruiz will most likely start the season as the second option off the bench, but will receive work this year as the club hopes to build him a comfort level with the likes of Brett Myers, Cole Hamels and the rest of the Phillies staff.
And if everything works out how the Philadelphia front office has it planned, Ruiz will be the Phillies opening day starter -- in 2008.
Tomorrow: Jayson Werth
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