Randy Ruiz Taking His Shot

by Jesse on Mar 9, 2008 6:18 PM EDT in News Comment 15 comments

No spring chicken, Ruiz is making a bid for spot number 25 on the roster.

At 30, Ruiz has seen his share of time in the minor leagues. He's never broken into The Show, not even for that elusive cup of coffee. Nevertheless he's the proud owner of a .300/.377/.522 minor league line.

Much of the beef in those numbers are due to the fact that Ruiz had a difficult time adjusting to his promotions earlier in his career. Through his age-26 season he hadn't broken past high-A ball. As a result he was kept in the lower echelons of farm systems with the Reds, Orioles and Phillies, where he absolutely mashed on the younger competition.

Since 2005 (at age 27) he's been in double-A, where he began putting up monster numbers once again. Last summer with the Phillies he earned his first taste of triple-A, hitting .215/.295/.418 in 79 at-bats.

This spring has seen Ruiz tear the cover off the ball, at least as far as the numbers are concerned. Radio broadcasts weren't glowing initially in regards to the quality of his at-bats, but in Sunday afternoon's game he went 1-for-1 with a walk. Randy Ruiz is now batting .471/.500/.882 in 17 at-bats, including two home runs and a double. He's not nimble, he's not too versatile, but right now he's absolutely raking.

Ruiz has crushed 50 home runs in the last two seasons, along with 65 doubles. In that same period he's collected 91 walks and 256 strikeouts. He's not a perfect player, but when you're discussing the final roster spot there's no such thing. If it comes down to Garrett Jones and Randy Ruiz, who wins?

Statistics for Randy Ruiz

Statistics for Garrett Jones

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Don't forget Jon Knott

I'd say he has a better shot than Ruiz.

P.S. if Kelly Theiser reports again that a pitcher had a bad start because he didn't keep the ball down, I might have to kill myself.

by caseintheface on Mar 9, 2008 6:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

True

Another minor league power hitter, who takes a few more walks than Jones or Ruiz. And he made it to AAA by...24 was it? I just looked and now I can't remember, but I'm pretty sure it was 24.

Knott's a couple years younger, has a better walk-to-strikeout ratio and has proven his ability to hit AAA. If he shows anything this spring, you're right, he might have a better shot.

by Jesse on Mar 9, 2008 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

HMM

Hmm, on one hand, he hasn't even mastered AAA yet. On the other hand, if he's 30, he's probably never going to get any better than he is now as far as being a major leaguer.

Looking at Knott's numbers, he's hit pretty well for three years now in AAA and is younger than Ruiz. I wouldn't mind seeing what Knott can do as a pinch hitter.

Baseball is great because you cant take a knee or kill the clock. You gotta put the ball over the plate and give the other guy his damn shot E Weaver abridged

by AdamOnFirst on Mar 9, 2008 6:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Knott

I am currently in the Knott camp. From what he has done so far he could be a find. Still too early to write off Jones though. Who knows who the final bench spot will pan out.

by WITwinsfan on Mar 9, 2008 8:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Roster filler

It's too late for guys like Ruiz and Knott. I suppose it happened with Seth's buddy. But he can catch and play several positions. Ruiz is barely able to play first base. Knott has some versatility. But he hits right handed. So he would be a guy who might come up if Monroe gets hurt or is ineffective. Until then, these guys will help Rochester.

The 25th man is down to Buscher, Pridie, and Jones. It depends on whether they want an extra outfielder or an extra infielder; also, whether they want a guy with power or speed. If I had to pick today, I would pick Buscher. He has the best bat.

"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot

by cmathewson on Mar 9, 2008 8:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

True, but...

That's where the business side of the game kicks in. Jones is the one that is out of options and because of that, as long as he doesn't do horrible, he should have that 25th roster spot. What guys like Buscher and Knott, and to a lesser extent Ruiz and Watkins and such, are able to do is show enough that if a roster decision needs to be made later, they could get a chance.

by SethSpeaks on Mar 9, 2008 9:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think it will come down to

Jones being out of options. I think the Twins will take him up to Minnesota and give limited at-bats and see what he does with them.

It's good that Jones is doing well in Spring training b/c I think the pressure is only going to grow.

by caluofmn on Mar 9, 2008 9:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Spring Training is not a tryout

If it were, me and my buddies would rent a motel every year in Florida and bring our gloves and spikes.

A guy like Ruiz is insurance. He has no chance to go north as a result of mashing the late inning mop up guys from other clubs.

If Ruiz, or Knott, or others do well at Rochester and prove out over time, then we can talk about bringing them up if there is an injury or other issue.

But, sorry, right handed pinch hitters are not exactly in short supply. And how many left-handed relievers really pitch a full inning any more? Can you name one on the Tigers, Indians or White Sox?

In other words, just due to the current logistics of the game, a lefty hitter off the bench is worth more than a righty.

Life ain't always fair.

by Old Twins Cap on Mar 9, 2008 10:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree...

it will come down to Buscher, Pridie, and Jones.

Personally, I prefer Pridie. Buscher is redundant to Lamb (and obviously not as good) and Jones just doesn't offer much to me.

Pridie would be my choice going away.

by djskilbr on Mar 9, 2008 10:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Randy Ruiz

I've been watching Randy play baseball since 2005 and year after year he has put up amazing numbers. Leading his leagues in homeruns, rbi's and his overall ability to swing the bat! Some people say he is to old for a spot in the major league, but for someone who has never been given the opportunity to do so, how do we know he wont do as well as he has proved himself to be in the minor leagues!! If you look at his spring training stats he has stepped up to the plate and is doing better than guys who are in the majors. Maybe this is his year and I hope he proves everyone wrong!!! You never know you just might be cheering for Randy Ruiz and the Minnasota Twins!!

by lcovel on Mar 10, 2008 12:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

We love to root for these guys

It's always been a mystery to me why guys get labeled as roster fillers and get stuck in their respective systems. Some systems are worse than others. I think the Phillies are the worst. Fans love guys like Chris Coste because they beat incredible odds against them. Hopefully Ruiz follows in Coste's footsteps. It would be a great story!

"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot

by cmathewson on Mar 10, 2008 12:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs