This is the first part of a lengthy article series I will write in which I will analyze each member of the Phillies 40-man roster (plus some others), and how he fits into the Phillies plans of the future.
Carlos Ruiz just finished his fifth season as the Phillies’ full-time starting backstop, in what was his 12th season in the organization. Ruiz has quietly developed into one of the best all-around catchers in the game; he’s an offensive force, terrific behind the plate and adept at handling one of the game’s best pitching staffs. He’s been an unsung hero and a key part of a Phillies team that has now captured five consecutive NL East titles – Jayson Stark named Ruiz to his All-Underrated Team before this past season, typifying the type of player Ruiz is.
Ruiz set the stakes high for himself coming into the 2011 season, as he batted .302 with a .400 on-base percentage the year before. His numbers dropped off as expected, but he still finished with a very solid .283 batting average. ...
Original Story:
