2008 Player Reviews: Justin Ruggiano

by R.J. Anderson on Nov 29, 2008 12:57 PM EST

Yes, Ruggiano earned a spot. After all, he did have one of the most memorable at-bats of the season. Yes, the strikeouts stink, and he did so a ton, but he's a slight plus defender, despite a few hiccups, and can crush lefties. In Ruggiano's majors career he's shown the ability to hit for more than 20% line drives, but has yet to be rewarded with a decent BABIP. It is a bat speed issue? Perhaps, there's no way of knowing, but giving up on Ruggiano when he's yet to record 100 major league PAs is not a good idea. Especially not when the Rays happen to need a corner outfielder capable of hitting left-handers with some power.

Unless Ruggiano is a reptilian humanoid on a sabotage mission, I don't see much of a reason why he shouldn't get a shot at an outfield bench spot. Especially not with Fernando Perez likely Durham bound.

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I remember his brilliant catch off the wall

that was the 27th out and gave the Rays the W

by joeybw on Nov 29, 2008 2:12 PM EST reply actions

Why exactly should Perez be Durham bound but not Ruggiano?

Perez is more flexible, both defensively and offensively, and fits the profile of a 4th outfielder much better than Ruggiano, not to mention that Ruggiano just seems to have trouble making contact off major league fastballs.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Nov 29, 2008 2:15 PM EST reply actions

They don't like Fernando switch hitting.

by R.J. Anderson on Nov 29, 2008 2:27 PM EST up reply actions

Source?

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Nov 29, 2008 4:27 PM EST up reply actions

People.

by R.J. Anderson on Nov 29, 2008 4:29 PM EST up reply actions

His numbers.

He struck out 24% of the time in AAA left handed. He also had a .431 BABIP and only 10% of his hits were line drives. I know he’s fast and that affects it, but not that much. He’s just very unrefined from the left side of the plate. And he’ll be 26 early next year. He just doesn’t have enough time to keep working on it.

Tools Whore

Sign Bonds!

by Tyler on Dec 2, 2008 10:34 AM EST up reply actions

Probably because

They think highly of Perez and dont want him to be just a 4th outfielder. They would rather have him playing everyday at Durham and working on a few things, namely the strike outs and hitting from the left side (has only been switch hitting for a few years), than just getting a handfull of at bats a week and likely not getting any better. He has too much upside too just be a pinch runner, defensive sub, and occasional starter. There are pleanty of cheap options of guys who can do that who dont possess the talent and potential of Perez. Having him on the bench 5 days a week would be a huge waste.

by BossmanJunior333 on Nov 29, 2008 2:25 PM EST reply actions