Carlos Joaquin Ruiz (born January 22, 1979 in David,
Panama) is the starting catcher for the Philadelphia
Phillies. Also known by the nickname "Chooch", he
has been on the Phillies' 25-man active roster since
the start of the 2007 season. The Phillies signed
Rod Barajas before the 2007 season because they had
some concerns about Ruiz' ability to catch, hit, and
generally hold up over a full season at the
major-league level; however, those concerns were
dispelled. Barajas' injury left an opening for
current backup Chris Coste on the Phillies' roster,
but Ruiz played 115 games in 2007 and projects to
play even more in 2008.
In 2004, Carlos spent his entire season with the
Reading Phillies (AA), where his 17 home runs were
second among catchers in the Eastern League. He also
had a season-best 10-game hitting streak in July and
hit .343 (23-67) over his final 17 games. He played
in the developmental Arizona Fall League as well.
In 2005, Ruiz batted .300 in 100 games (347 AB) with
25 doubles, 30 walks, and 4 home runs. In 2006
before his callup, Ruiz was batting .385 with an
on-base percentage of .448, including 5 doubles and
6 home runs in 91 at-bats. He also participated in
the 2006 inaugural World Baseball Classic, playing
for Panama.
In 2007, Ruiz hit six home runs and compiled a .259
batting average. He had one of the highest fielding
percentages in baseball among catchers with a .997,
with only 2 errors in 744 chances. On June 26, 2007,
Ruiz stole home on the front end of a double steal
in an 11-4 home win over the Cincinnati Reds,
becoming the first Phillie to steal home in 10 years
and the first Phillies catcher to steal home in 25
years.
Ruiz was selected to the 2007 Topps Major League
Rookie All-Star Team. The selection was the result
of the 49th annual Topps balloting of Major League
managers.
