Posted: Wednesday, August 20, 2008, 1:45 PM | 47 comments |
 

Ross Clears, Phillies Make Contact
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Catcher David Ross cleared release waivers at 1 p.m. today and the Phillies have contacted his agent.

Phillies assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said they are hopeful they can work out an agreement with Ross, who the Cincinnati Reds released Monday.

Ross hit .231 with three home runs and 13 RBIs in 134 at-bats this season for the Reds. But he also had a .381 on-base percentage. It's unclear what would happen to Ross if he signs with the Phillies. The most likely scenario is Ross finishing the month in triple-A Lehigh Valley, then joining the team Sept. 1 when the Phillies can expand their roster. Ross hit 21 home runs in 2006 and 17 home runs in 2007. He is a .223 career hitter, but Carlos Ruiz is hitting just .220 with two homers and 21 RBIs in 246 at-bats this season.

Chris Coste is hitting .272 with eight homers and 28 RBIs in 217 at-bats, but Charlie Manuel said yesterday he considers Coste as somebody who should catch two to three times a week.

Update: Ross isn't headed to the Phillies. Instead, he likely is headed to the Boston Red Sox.
Posted by Todd Zolecki @ 1:45 PM  Permalink | 47 comments
47
Comments   
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 2:42 PM, 08/20/2008
    While I agree with the assessment that Coste is good only for 2-3 times a week, I don't see the improvement of Ross over Ruiz. I'd be happier with Marson for the 3-4 times a week, or if after Sept 1, give coste 2-3, Ruiz 1-2 and Marson 1-2
    — jeff gross
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 2:42 PM, 08/20/2008
    David Ross can't hit any better than Ruiz, except that he has a little more power. And I mean a little. So why mess with the staff's chemistry. It's like the Phillies management is brain dead. Have they watched Ross play?
    — RichNC
  • Comment removed.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 2:56 PM, 08/20/2008
    I probably deserved that Comment. I just don't see the point of Ross and know they won't dump Ruiz entirely.
    — jeff gross
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:02 PM, 08/20/2008
    Ruiz has regressed to the point that he doesn't look to ever be an everyday player in this league. Another player that once the league learned how to pitch to him couldn't cut the mustard. If the rest of the Phils offense were producing, he may have been able to get out from under the microscope. David Ross ? Why not ? The catchers no longer call the game anyway. Marson must be part of that stategy that if you wait to bring him up later rather than sooner you get that bargain basement sale in salary. AKA Ryan Howard. I think eventually the odd man out is Coste. His defense has been a big time liability. If it weren't for that great start he'd be at Ruiz numbers. I know he's a fan favorite. Oh well, truth hurts....
    — pat h
  • Comment removed.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:08 PM, 08/20/2008
    pat h: The numbers don't support your statement regarding Coste's defense. For the season Coste has 2 errors, Ruiz 5. Coste has 34 steals against him and has thrown out 11 for a throw out percentage of 24%. Ruiz has 53 steals against him and has thrown out 16 for a throw out percentage of 23%. They are pretty much equal defensively and if anything Coste is a little better.
    — fischman
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:08 PM, 08/20/2008
    pat h: The numbers don't support your statement regarding Coste's defense. For the season Coste has 2 errors, Ruiz 5. Coste has 34 steals against him and has thrown out 11 for a throw out percentage of 24%. Ruiz has 53 steals against him and has thrown out 16 for a throw out percentage of 23%. They are pretty much equal defensively and if anything Coste is a little better.
    — fischman
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:08 PM, 08/20/2008
    pat h: The numbers don't support your statement regarding Coste's defense. For the season Coste has 2 errors, Ruiz 5. Coste has 34 steals against him and has thrown out 11 for a throw out percentage of 24%. Ruiz has 53 steals against him and has thrown out 16 for a throw out percentage of 23%. They are pretty much equal defensively and if anything Coste is a little better.
    — fischman
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:08 PM, 08/20/2008
    pat h: The numbers don't support your statement regarding Coste's defense. For the season Coste has 2 errors, Ruiz 5. Coste has 34 steals against him and has thrown out 11 for a throw out percentage of 24%. Ruiz has 53 steals against him and has thrown out 16 for a throw out percentage of 23%. They are pretty much equal defensively and if anything Coste is a little better.
    — fischman
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:08 PM, 08/20/2008
    pat h: The numbers don't support your statement regarding Coste's defense. For the season Coste has 2 errors, Ruiz 5. Coste has 34 steals against him and has thrown out 11 for a throw out percentage of 24%. Ruiz has 53 steals against him and has thrown out 16 for a throw out percentage of 23%. They are pretty much equal defensively and if anything Coste is a little better.
    — fischman
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:08 PM, 08/20/2008
    pat h: The numbers don't support your statement regarding Coste's defense. For the season Coste has 2 errors, Ruiz 5. Coste has 34 steals against him and has thrown out 11 for a throw out percentage of 24%. Ruiz has 53 steals against him and has thrown out 16 for a throw out percentage of 23%. They are pretty much equal defensively and if anything Coste is a little better.
    — fischman
  • Comment removed.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:45 PM, 08/20/2008
    Hey fischman, you should post more often!
    — Kecker
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:54 PM, 08/20/2008
    Welcome to the party, fischman. One of each post will do.
    — bobby


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