Ruiz gets $5 million option; Phils buyout Wigginton and Contreras
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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.
Two year extension at $9M/yr sounds good!— Chicago_Phils_Fan- when you consider 5 mill for cooch and 25 for the turkey plays first, it puts into perspective the entire organization.— bubba church & granny hamner
- bubba, i love chooch. but when his career high is 16 HR and the guy at first has what 12? in a half a season with a major injury.— palmyra21
- Since Carlos Ruiz is one of the top 3 to 5 catchers in MLB, an extension is well in order! Church and Hamner not showing a great lot of sense there!— BEMiller
- CHOOOOOCH!!!!!!!! and Wigginton is gone! Ring the bell!!!! Hallelujiah!— bingbangbong
- CHOOOOOCH!!!!!!!! and Wigginton is gone! Ring the bell!!!! Hallelujiah!— bingbangbong
- We're damn lucky to have Ryan at 1st. You can count on 30+ Hr's and 125+rbis at half the price of Puholtz, Votto or Fielder. Doesn't make ANY difference how many SO's-all power hitters SO a lot.So count your blessings and wait for another great season next year.You guys are SO lucky-I remember being in 7th place was great.— philsfansince1946
- Way to hijack the thread, Bubba, to push your misguided agenda. Love Chooch and hope his agent's demands are reasonable. 2 years may be off the table now.— vafan
- With the acquisition of Tommy Joseph(Hunter Pence trade) it will be interesting to see how the Chooch saga unfolds.
If Doc is the same wobbly Doc of 2012 and KK and Worley are- well KK and Worley- I can see this team being 20 games out again next July. IMO Chooch along with alot of other players will be trade bait.
This front office needs to be sharp this offseason. Another disaster like last winter and its complete rebuilding stage.— argonne - That option on Wigginton was pretty smart on Amaro's part. Basically locked him up for 2 years at little cost. Shame it didn't work out here but somebody will pick him up for their bench. Contreras was pretty good when he was healthy. He may be too old for a comeback, though.— vafan
- Argonne - Ruiz's age and Joseph, possibly Valle, or Kratz as a wildcard, are why we're thinking 2 years. 3 years is borderline and 4 is gonna be a deal breaker.— vafan
- ...
i hope he is a philly for life on out...
bury him behind and under the plate - in due time, he is one of the few Phillies with a heart, and desire to play the game...
and unlike others who get their guaranteed contracts and quit - he keeps playing the game that we love...— LivePhilly_DiePhilly - The most handsome philly sports figure GONE. O Wiggy.. Please come back.— stoky
- Chooch is the heart and soul of the Phightens. He manages a pitching staff like no other backstop. He stepped it up last season when the likes of Utley, Howard, Polanco, etc...were unable to play. He hit well when guys like Rollins, Victorino, and Pense hit well below their career norms. He basically carried the team through June. The July collapse had nothing to do with Chooch. I have nothing but great admiration for Chooch. However, with all that said, he will start the 2013 season at 34. A two year extension means that he will be behind the plate for ages 35 and 36. We also know that in the post PED era, 35 is the "wall" for many MLB players and their careers beging declining in earnest. With Valle, Joseph, and Rupp waiting in the wings (there is also a rumor that Travis D'Arnoud may be in the trade winds coming back to Philly), there is no reason to keep the kids blocked from CBP. Transitioning to a younger/cheaper roster that can be productive is what kept Atlanta competative for so long. RAJ has his job well in front of him this November/December. We'll see how the chess game progresses.— drhoffman
- Who can forget the Wiggy home-run trot? for that matter who can remember it? Our Adonis is gone— stoky
