The Phillies have yet to come to a contract agreement with catcher Carlos Ruiz, despite the fact they have had all season to do so. As time passes, it is looking more and more like the Phillies could have a different catcher when they open the 2014 season.
According to the Denver Post, Ruiz's defense is something the Rockies would like:Motivated to improve their defense and get Wilin Rosario's bat in the lineup more often, the Rockies are pursuing free-agent catcher Carlos Ruiz, according to multiple major-league sources.
Rockies owner Dick Monfort has identified landing an impact bat as a priority this winter. Ruiz would not be expected to help on offense as much as on defense, where Rosario has struggled. Colorado has also expressed interest in free-agent catcher Brian McCann, but he could be the highest-paid player on the market, leaving the veteran Ruiz a more realistic target.
Willin Rosario was arguably the Rockies' top offensive player in 2013, hitting .279 with 21 home runs and 79 RBI in just 121 games. The Rockies could get Rosario into the lineup 162 games a year by playing him at first base, vacated by the retiring Todd Helton.
The Denver Post piece says that Ruiz has "multiple suitors" that "including the Phillies whose pitchers want him back". Does that mean that the Phillies front office does? Stay tuned.
The Phillies have until 5:00 p.m. today to extend a "qualifying offer" to Ruiz. Such an offer would be a guarantee of one year and around $14 million, probably more than Ruiz is worth. I only say "probably" because every free agent contract seems to surprise. Should the Phillies extend the offer and Ruiz signs elsewhere, they could receive a compensatory draft pick.
As more time goes on, the Phillies' chances of keeping Ruiz are getting smaller and smaller.
