Ruiz gets $5 million option; Phils buyout Wigginton and Contreras
We always knew catcher Carlos Ruiz would at least remain with the Phillies through the 2013 season and, barring the unlikely scenario of a trade, that became official Monday when the club exercised the $5 million option on his contract.
Ruiz gets $5 million option; Phils buyout Wigginton and Contreras
Bob Brookover, Inquirer Baseball Columnist
We always knew catcher Carlos Ruiz would at least remain with the Phillies through the 2013 season and, barring the unlikely scenario of a trade, that became official Monday when the club exercised the $5 million option on his contract.
The next question is whether the Phillies will work out a contract extension with their All-Star catcher who turns 34 in January.
Ruiz’ agent, Marc Kligman, said at this point the two sides have not talked about an extension.
“No, I haven’t received phone calls or overtures from the Phillies regarding an extension for a new contract,” Kligman said.
The Phillies, meanwhile, declined options with utility man Ty Wigginton and reliever Jose Contreras. Wigginton, who hit .235 with 11 home runs and 43 RBIs in 2012, will receive a $500,000 buyout rather than his $4 million option. Contreras, who was limited to 34 games the last two seasons because of elbow injuries, will also receive a $500,000 buyout rather than his $2.5 million option.
No announcement was made on third baseman Placido Polanco, although it's a foregone conclusion they will not exercise his $5.5 million option for 2013. He will receive a $1 million buyout.
Kligman said he was not discouraged by the fact that discussions had not yet taken place about an extension for Ruiz.
“I don’t think it’s surprising because they have him under contract for another year,” Kligman said. “You look at Cole Hamels’ situation last year and it’s similar. Going into the offseason, they had not done anything.
“I would assume they are interested in extending their National League All-Star catcher and team MVP. There is plenty of time, but it would be best to have something in place sooner rather than later so Carlos can focus on baseball.”
Amaro said talks about an extension for Ruiz would "probably at some point" take place this offseason.
Ruiz is coming off the best year of his career, which included his first All-Star Game appearance. He established career highs in batting average (.325), doubles (32), home runs (16), RBIs (68) and OPS (.935) despite missing 32 games because of a partial tear in his left foot.
The Inquirer’s Matt Gelb detailed Ruiz’s outstanding season earlier this month.
Because Ruiz did not reach the big leagues until he was 27 and did not become a starting catcher until the age of 28, it will be difficult to find comparable players if and when negotiations begin between the Phillies and Kligman.
Amaro acknowledged that fact earlier this month and Kligman agreed.
“It’s true,” the agent said. “It should help Carlos that (A.J.) Pierzynski had such a good season at 35 (with the Chicago White Sox) and Carlos has a short stocky build that I think ages well. He also didn’t get to the big leagues until he was older, so he doesn’t have the normal wear and tear that some catchers may have had who started the big-league grind at a younger age.”
Kligman, like any good agent, made some other strong arguments on behalf of his client.
“Even if his offensive production goes back to his career norms, you’re still talking about a player with an outstanding on-base percentage and someone who sees a lot of pitchers. And his defensive contributions can turn the tide on winning a World Series for a team. The way he prepares to catch each pitcher is not going to diminish.”
Kligman said Ruiz is scheduled to play for Panama in preliminary-round games of the World Baseball Classic, which begin Nov. 15 in Panama City. The agent said he thought Ruiz would also participate in the World Baseball Classic if, as expected, Panama advances.
“I think it will be a wait-and-see approach in terms of how he feels,” Kligman said. “He played in the last two and I know he has a lot of pride in his country. Carlos wants to come through for his home fans, so there is a good possibility he’s going to play.”
In other news, the Phillies announced that Ruiz and shortstop Jimmy Rollins are finalists for Gold Glove awards.
Trade him while you can get something for him. He's breaking down.— Wilhelm Von Humboldt- Chooch is 34 and breaking down rapidly. He's not worth $5 million, and a longer extension is completely insane.— bil,l atkins
- Get rid of Placido, Rollins, Utley, Howard and pay Chooch long term.— Boru
- I am very happy that Ty Wigginton is no longer a Phillie. Nopefully Carlos will go with a 3 year deal. I don't think the Phillies will sign him any longer than 4 years. Please, can we stop the Ryan Howard bashing. 130 rbi's a year, is well worth what we paid him. Look how much money it Detroit to sign Prince Fielder. Howard has a World Series ring & played well in post season & Fielder's bat was silent & Detroit just blew it again. So you really want Jim Leyland over Charlie? I don't. Charlie for 1 more year & then we give the keys to Sandberg.— Philsfan56
- I wouldn't go past 2114 for Chooch. He's been absolutely great for us but catchers have a limited shelf life. We also have two prospects at catcher which we could plug in. Kratz is a solid backup for a year or two.— HTBNM#
- The true and unsung backbone of our team. This fall to mediocrity has nothing to do with his leadership and play, but I would wait until the All Star break to begin thinking of talks with Carlos on a possible 2 year extension. Let's see what happens with this team until then.— DelawareRiverRat
- two year extension is Ok. 5 year 125 million is bad.— z03mbm
- RAJ from your previous experience of signing players to multi year deals with a year left on the current deal...... wait and see first!!!!
— pr0f3ss0r - uhh, i oughta realize by now that irony ain't a strong point with many posters on this site. so when i wrote that 'when you consider 5 mill for chooch...' what i meant was that the mvp of the 2012 team, easily the best clutch hitter we have, to say nothing of one of the three best catchers/handler of pitchers in america, gets but 1/5th of --. ah, never mind.— bubba church & granny hamner
- Darrin Ruf.....VZL Winter League....8 Home Runs in 50 ABs......just saying....leads the league.....just saying.......the guy can hit— psp7204
- Emotions running high: That's why we over-extended Howard and Utley. No, sorry, Ruiz is a very good catcher and I'm glad he'll be back in 2013. Maybe one more year after that. But, catcher is ONE position in which we appear to have prospect-depth. Don't extend a 36-year-old Ruiz at $6 million and suppress a 25-year-old at 1/10th the salary.— eman
- drhoff - totally agree re: the sheer classitude of one Carlos Ruiz. Nothing was as cool as him being on the cover of SI !! You are also right with your assessment of the age factor. Let me add the obvious though: he didn't even begin catching until most career catchers were halfway through their careers. He is young in "catcher's years." How cool it is to contemplate the dearth the Phillies now have.— dwp66
- Choochie is worth every penny they pay him and more! The only guy who played with heart his year, and should be good for another 3 year deal. Joseph is only 21. If Choochie holds down the fort until Joseph is ready, I'd say we are all set. Molina got 15 million per year. Choochie is worth a 3 year / 27 million deal.— cdedrick05
- Would Jhonny Peralta move to 3rd? Perfect solution as he has great hands and would provide some pop. His range as a SS isn't great and will only get worse as he ages. Seems worth a call to his agent...— wilcowaits
- Posters are not thinking along with agents of the players. 9 million is not going to bring Chooch back. There are some outstanding catchers in NL now such as future HOF Posey and Molina. Handling pitching staff likely more important in evaluating catchers. Guess Joseph will be up in 2014 as backup catcher. What Ruiz does in 2013 will play into eventual contract. Look for Ruiz to get 3 years at 12-14 million per. Of course if he has another year like 2012 he will get the 14+. Factor in all the teams that need catchers such as the 2 NY teams which will drive up contract.— Don w
