Carlos Ruiz

2013

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2012

Ruiz put together another solid year in 2011 but failed to build on his 2010 campaign. His batting average dropped, and despite increased at-bats, he also ended up with fewer home runs and RBI than his 2010 season. Ruiz is considered an excellent catcher and his glove will keep him in the lineup five to six games a week. He's not going to win your league for you, but there are worse options to have to plug into your catching spot each week.

2011

Ruiz had the best offensive season of his career in 2010. He hit more than .300 for the first time and posted a team-high .400 OBP. He may not be able to match those numbers again this season, but we don't expect his average to drop too much given his solid eye at the plate. Ruiz doesn't have a ton of power, but it wouldn't be shocking to see him hit double-digit home runs one of these years as he's been close twice now. Ruiz isn't a player who will carry your fantasy team, but he's a rare catcher who doesn't hurt your chances either.

2010

Ruiz bounced back from a poor 2008 to post respectable numbers for a catcher last season. He has a good eye at the plate but he doesn't make a lot of contact when he does swing which holds his batting average down. Ruiz's greatest strength is his work behind the plate. That will ensure him the majority of the starts for the Phillies behind the plate. Brian Schneider shouldn't see more than a start or two per week, but he could cut into Ruiz's playing time should Ruiz get into a funk at the plate. Ruiz has the potential to finish in the low-teens in home runs this year and should hit around .260 which makes him a pretty good option in NL-only leagues.

2009

Ruiz should continue to be one of those players that has a bunch of value to his real-life team but is unable to provide much to any fantasy squads. Ruiz hit .219 with four home runs, 31 RBI and 47 runs in 2008. He platooned with Chris Coste for most of the season, but received 49 of the 51 at-bats between the two in the postseason, with Philadelphia preferring Ruiz's superior defense. A similar platoon situation is expected in 2009, at least during the first-half of the season, so Ruiz does not have much, if any, fantasy value beyond deep leagues. Ruiz’s value is also tied to Lou Marson’s development, as the youngster could compete for Ruiz’s job later in the season if he continues to develop as expected.

2008

Ruiz stole the starting job behind the plate away from Rod Barajas in April but enters spring training in 2008 as the undisputed starter at catcher. Ruiz had pretty mediocre stats, .259, six homers, 54 RBI, but provided a calming influence to the Phillies' suspect pitching staff. This was only Ruiz's second season in the big leagues, so he should be expected to improve as he gains experience.

2007

Ruiz has quietly emerged as a starting catching prospect for the Phillies after two good years of production at Triple-A. His defense is acceptable and he showed good power in 2006, with 41 XBH in 100 games at Triple-A. Check on him in spring training to see if he has the job—Ruiz could play most of the year in the majors, or could have the rug pulled out from under him with a late-spring acquisition.

2006

Ruiz, the Phillies' top catching prospect, had a slow start at Triple-A because of a sprained knee but finished off the year pretty well. Scouts aren't crazy about him because he's already 26, but some catchers break into the majors that late and have good careers. Ruiz makes good contact and has an opportunity, since 2006 is the last year of Mike Lieberthal's contract. He'll head back to Triple-A, and hopefully rediscover the power stroke he displayed in 2004.