Manuel eager to watch Ruf this spring
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Manuel eager to watch Ruf this spring
Bob Brookover
It remains to be seen who will be most impacted by the late offseason addition of right fielder Delmon Young, because that's the sort of thing that gets sorted out in spring training.
Do the Phillies carry 11 pitchers, opening the door for six infielders and six outfielders? Does it cost an outfielder a job? Does it mean Darin Ruf opens the season at triple-A Lehigh Valley, a stop he skipped on the way to the big leagues last September?
These and other answers will be revealed under the swaying palm trees of Florida's Gulf Coast when the Phillies report to Clearwater, Fla. in two weeks.
What we can tell you on a morning that had a wintery mix here in Philadelphia is that manager Charlie Manuel remains enamored with Ruf.
"We got a situation in the outfield that is going to be good, especially with Ruf," Manuel said without being asked about the power-hitting outfielder recently. "He could make it real interesting."
Those words jarred Manuel's memory from his days in Cleveland. He recalled the time when Indians general manager John Hart acquired Ruben Amaro Jr. from the Phillies in exchange for Heathcliff Slocumb.
"John Hart and I talked and we thought that Ruben and Wayne Kirby were going to be platooning in right field," Manuel said. "The only trouble was a guy by the name of Manny Ramirez came by at the age of 19 or 20 years old.
"So you get what I'm talking about with Ruf? Ruf might be ready."
It's a stretch to compare Ruf to Ramirez for a number of reasons. Ramirez was a first-round pick who was expected to become a star player and did. A year ago at this time, Ruf still wasn't on the radar as a prospect.
Ruf, a 20th-round pick in 2009, didn't reach the big leagues until the age of 25.
Regardless, it's clear that Manuel has an open mind about who will be his opening-day left fielder and that's good news for the kid who powered his way into the picture a year ago.
Thing about Ruf is that everyone thinks he's just a power hitter. But he has also batted over .300 at every level of the minor leagues. (neither Howard nor Utley did that) And with a 386 OBP that tells me he knows how to take a walk.
Another guy who has batted well over .300 at every level of the minors ... Ben Revere.
Here's hopin that these two guys will be around for a while.— zubzub
Ruf could be a help but he will need to put up impressive offensive numbers to compensate for weak defense and lack of speed on the bases. Slowest runner I have ever seen for a 25 year old guy.— candidly- Darrin Ruf = Greg Luzinski as Ben Revere = Garry Maddox protecting him, the right fielder has to hold his own.
The "Bull" had that great compact swing too - made him a dangerous two strike hitter - because he didn't need to shorten up - giving up power.— robinlupe - Phils fans eager to see Sandberg (or anyone else) as Phils manager— warbiscuit
- @thePackleader --no, actually, i'm thepackleader, you're copper, copper is robinlupe, robinlupe is candidly, candidly is "it"— warbiscuit
- I always saw Utley as having a compact swing; let’s not overanalyze Ruf. Let’s play ball, break him in gradually if needed. A half season at AAA wouldn’t upset me at all unless spring training results show he’s ready. I like the idea of him subbing at first base to rest Howard and counter lefties.— terrycindyian
- I was one of those Hamilton or nothingers and was crushed when it didn't happen. But you know what? Darrin Ruff can provide that power. I know it sounds nuts but I think Ruff can hit 35 and100 and also can hit for average. how much better would Hamilton have been?(I know just let reality go a bit, Hamilton would be great)But I do think Ruff is for real and will reach those numbers. And let's not forget Mike Young is only one year removed from his norm. Chase Utley is healthy, as is Howard and Halliday. Along with the fastest player in the game with Revere, and whatever happens with Dom Brown and or Delmon Young (2guys who should be very motivated)the PHILLIES have one of the best pitching staffs in baseball, which is now sured up by a revitalized bullpen. So look for for the Phils to bring everyone in D.C. Back to reality this year! Go Phillies!— MikeL37
