Carlos Ruiz

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #13 prospect in 2007
  It's been a slow, steady development road for Ruiz since international scouting director Sal Agostinelli signed him for the bargain basement price of $8,000 in 1998. Ruiz impressed scouts with his defense in the Arizona Fall League in 2004, but it's been his development as a hitter that has the Phillies envisioning Ruiz carrying the bulk of the catching load in the big leagues this season. Ruiz, who played for his native Panama in the World Baseball Classic, has a line-drive stroke that produces natural loft and surprising power. Defensively he remains adequate, with an above-average arm, solid mechanics in his transfer, good blocking ability and a strong lower half. He threw out 35 percent of basestealers in Triple-A but just 21 percent in his big league stint. Barring a move on the free agent market, Ruiz is the frontrunner to be the everyday catcher in Philadelphia in 2007, sharing duty with another minor league veteran, Chris Coste.
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  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #18 prospect in 2006
  Ruiz' strong arm and limited agility drove international scouting director Sal Agostinelli to try him out at catcher. He liked what he saw and signed Ruiz for $8,000, a shrewd investment for a player with a good chance to make the Phillies' big league roster after his second straight strong offensive season in the minors. The Phillies saw Ruiz as little more than a backup catcher during his first five years in the organization. An injury to Russ Jacobson granted Ruiz more than a platoon role in 2004, and he slugged .484 with 17 home runs to greatly enhance his standing. A .458 slugging performance in 2005 reinforced his raw power. He continued to show the ability to make adjustments and control the strike zone while improving how he handled offspeed pitches. Ruiz' defense remains solid, as he has an above-average arm, good feet and a strong lower half. He threw out 31 percent of basestealers in Triple-A. Durability cropped up as a concern in 2005, as he missed time with a possible concussion and later a sore shoulder that pushed him to DH and likely prevented a September callup. Ruiz will contend for a backup role in Philadelphia.
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  Ranked Philadelphia Phillies #11 prospect in 2005
  Sal Agostinelli watched a young Ruiz playing second base in Panama, noticing both his lack of agility and impressive arm strength. Agostinelli put Ruiz behind the plate, liked what he saw and signed him for $8,000. The Phillies profiled Ruiz as a backup catcher with solid defense and a little pop in his bat, but he had struggled to get in an entire season between platoon duties and minor injuries. He opened 2004 in a platoon, but an injury to Russ Jacobson opened the door to a more regular role that his bat and improved maturity meant he wouldn't relinquish. Ruiz set career highs in nine offensive categories, none more eyeopening than his home run total. His raw power emerged as everyday at-bats allowed him to make adjustments and cut down his swing. He capped his year by hitting .297/.409/.622 in the Arizona Fall League and getting added to the 40-man roster. Now, Ruiz projects as a .250 hitter capable of delivering 20 home runs in a season. Defensively, Ruiz shows an above-average arm, quick feet and a strong lower half. He ranked sixth in the Double-A Eastern League by throwing out 29 percent of basestealers. At Triple-A in 2005, Ruiz will be just a step away from backing up Mike Lieberthal, or possibly replacing him in 2006 if the Phillies buy out his $7.5 million option for $1.25 million.