Where in the world was Randy Ruiz?
So what exactly did Randy Ruiz do to get in the dog house? Aside from a pinch-running assignment and a late game substitution, Ruiz spend six straight games on the bench prior to today. This makes me think that maybe Randy picked up the Jeremy Accardo Book of Misbehavior to find himself on the bench so often.
These past few weeks, it seems like The Travis Snider Experiment has been the primary focus of the lineup changes and whether Snider would play left or right field.
Once again, Randy Ruiz was lost among the shuffle. But At least he’s not losing at bats thanks to Kevin Millar, who hasn’t started a game himself since September 11th.
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It’s almost certain that next year’s outfield will include Adam Lind, Vernon Wells and Travis Snider. Those three players are obviously in the long term plans of this team. So why are the Blue Jays squandering this chance to see if Ruiz can be the full time DH next year? Unless they are planning on signing a free agent designated hitter, Ruiz should be getting as many at bats as possible in September.
His .879 OPS alone should be shouting loud and clear to make him an automatic everyday lineup choice. But as we’ve seen before, sometimes the coaches prove that they can be very hard of hearing.
Update: For an explanation as to why the Ruiz sightings have been so sparse, check out Jordan Bastian’s post from yesterday. Basically, Cito wanted to ease Lind back into the DH role and not have him play in the field after getting hit on the foot last Friday. Once again, foot in mouth on my part.
Ruiz is definitely a decent player who can hit the long ball – his stats prove it. I've heard debate over his Minor League hitting record and its worth, since the PCL is a hitters league, but what the hell is the farm for if not to raise decent big league boys?
Understandably, Ruiz is a big fella and is limited (of course he can't play the outfield), and I'm surprised they haven't tried to use him more at 1B.
As for linking Ruiz and Accardo and their misbehavior, you may be on to something there. I've heard some buzz about the big league DH hopeful, and his nights on the town — (one of my boys spotted him in Vegas with a Asian chick) but hey, his personal life should be just that, personal. Let a player play! (Literally)
It'll be interesting to see what happens with Ruiz come December. He's up for Free Agency if the Jays don't resign him (which IMO, I think it would be a good move). This may be a repeat of his small Twins stint when they called him up late last season and released him in December.
I still think the post is warranted Ian, though the insight is helpful. The thing is, Ruiz should still be getting ABs whenever possible so long as he is healthy (playing 1B, pinch hitting even if it means replacing another right-handed bat) — I'm not saying you prioritize him over Lind, but I'd prioritize him over every non-regular player to see what he can do while the opportunity is there.
Hadn't read Wilner's recent musings prior to visiting here either — I guess it's possible that the team already has a plan in place that doesn't include Ruiz next year (Lind full-time DH, and a new high-priced left fielder) — I guess I could live with that.
"It'll be interesting to see what happens with Ruiz come December. He's up for Free Agency if the Jays don't resign him"
He isn't a free agent for, like, 6 more years…
Anon, Las Vegas is a tempting place for anybody. It's the younger players I worry about in a city like that, but so far there hasn't been any public tales of debauchery.
QJays, you're right – even if Ruiz isn't DH'ing, get him in there at first base to see how he can field at least. That way you kill two birds with one stone – you can see if Ruiz is the real deal with the bat, and on the field. Lind is guaranteed to be back next year and Ruiz is a question mark – that's why they should go easy on Adam and push Ruiz for the time being.
It will be a crowded lineup as is, so it will be interesting to see where (and if) Ruiz fits in next year.
Hello, yes – Ruiz is under control of the Jays for at least the next five seasons (if they choose)
Randy Ruiz hates baseball.