BRADENTON, Fla. - Space is tight at 90-year-old McKechnie Field, and the Phillies encroached upon the Pirates' batting practice when they began stretching Monday. Gaby Sanchez jogged past, dodging red jerseys and the batting cage. The Pittsburgh first baseman noticed Chase Utley in the pack and made eye contact.
»Read story: So far, Phillies have been a confident bunch in camp
»Read story: So far, Phillies have been a confident bunch in camp
Comments (71)
My biggest fear with this team is that Ruf is not given the chance he needs to get the job done. All we hear is that his defense is not good and that is effecting his bat. Amaro doesn't really like Ruf so that's another mark against him. He's already proven himself with his monstrous season last year. They sure gave Brown enough chances!— vietnamvet14- Where the hell do people like you come up with this kind of nonsense? His defense hasn't been good, but he's been improving. Seeing as how I haven't seen a single game, one would assume I HEARD that. What's your point with that anyway? The NL doesn't have a DH so if he's going to play he has to deal with working on defense and hitting together. He's already proven himself? Really? By playing well in AA and 12 games in the big leagues? That's proven himself? The best part of your moronic statement is your assertion that Amaro doesn't like him. What an incredibly stupid statement. You know this how? Is Amaro your buddy? Did he tell ya that the other day? There's nothing a GM likes less than a young kid, under club control, dirt cheap with high upside. Yea, I can see why Amaro wouldn't like him. — birdsfaninnc
- Take it easy birdsman.. you're comin' down a little heavy on someone who clearly is a Ruf fan.. no need to get so upset. There are some kids that post to this board, maybe some sons of Vietnam vets. Can't you make your point without getting hysterical and calling the other guy a moron?
— oldfriar - Friar, really? I'll bring him a box of tissues. Have you seen the rest of his posts on other articles? He's a moron. Plain and simple. This and his other posts are evidence. I have no problem debating someone who makes sense. "Amaro doesn't really like Ruf..." Based on? Making a statement like that just shows pure stupidity. He also compared Bynum to President Obama in another post. But yea, if what I said hurt his precious feelings then he probably shouldn't post in a philly sports forum. — birdsfaninnc
- Ruf can't hit anything so far this year. You can't make the team if you can't hit. He is almost certain to start in aaa this year.— Fritz and Alice
- I've been saying for weeks now that if this team is healthy, they're going to surprise people. They're healthy. They're better at 3B, the bullpen is much better, and their #4 & 5 starters are better. Only question is the bench, but with Wigginton gone, I say they're better there, too.— Dave14
- If Dom Brown and the new guys - Revere, Mike Adams and Michael Young - have good years and everyone can stay healthy for the season = no reason that we're not right in the race.
— oldfriar - It sounds like Steve Henderson and Wally Joyner have made a big impact on the hitters. If Dom Brown lives up to his potential and Mike Adams locks down the eighth inning, this team is going to be tough in 2013. Finally, some cause for optimism in this city regarding a professional sports team.— ManU63
- I think Ruf will keep getting his shot. They can afford to do that with the rest of the team doing so well. In time if Ruf doesn't hit a little, they'll work DYoung in there and his RH bat will surprise a lot of people. The guy can rake and is apparently healthy for the first time in 2 years.— Mark1npt
- If Ryan extends his hot spring into a full season, Utley is healthy and Doc is near top form plus Brown has a breakout season, Ruf is irrelevant. Ruf is a nice add-on piece but is not the savior or centerpiece of a successful team. It stops and starts with the big stars plus a revitalized bullpen— davi
- you don't learn how to field by riding the bench. Ruf will start in AAA and if someone gets hurt, or someone (brown, young) doesn't hold his head up will get a call. In any case, we'll see him come Sept— jeff gross
-  birdsfaninnc..Evidentally you have Amaro's ear. You've opened your mouth and without provocation came down pretty heavy on
vietnamvet14. His comparison between the time they gave Brown to fumble around on the field and the less that 13 games for Ruf. He made a good point. The fact is we still don't know if Brown can really catch a ball.
Perhaps you talked to Amaro and found out who his secret left fielder would be if Ruf doesn't win the job.
Please tell us. We always like someone with inside information.— phineas - It's great to hear that the atmsophere and attitude in Phillies Spring Trauining camp has been optimistic and hopeful. Sometimes attitude is all-important. It can push a last place team to an over .500 finish, propel a slightly above average team to make the playoffs, and it can elevate Wild Card teams like the 2002 Angels, 2006 & 2011 Cardinals, and 1997 & 2003 Marlins to become World's Champions. Optimism and a great attitude is any team's Secret Weapon.— D.K.O.
- Fritz and Alice-you got it. IMO Ruf has to get his Spring BA above .260 with at least 4 HR to make the opening day roster.— Smoothellc
- People want Ruf to be "the guy" so bad - me included. Dom Brown would be buried by now if he started out like this. He still has a few weeks to turn things around. If he doesn't start hitting, he will start the season in AAA, rightfully so. You can't tolerate poor hitting and fielding.— CRK
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