I'm Standing on a Bridge In a Town Where I Lived As a Kid: Blue Jays System Minor League Report
Bluebird Banter — ... has been ice-cold recently -- after a hot May, he is hitting only .200/.235/.262 in June.  He does have 19 doubles and 8 home runs on the season but things aren't going well at the moment at all.  Randy Ruiz has always put up big minor-league numbers and this season is no exception - he has 41 extra base hits (including 15 home runs) already this season and a .972 OPS.   ...

I'm Not the Way I Thought I Was: Solving the Blue Jays' DH-Sized Dilemma
Bluebird Banter — ... Randy Ruiz:  Ruiz, essentially a career minor-leaguer, has a nice track record in the minors, and is currently OPS-ing .971 with AAA Las Vegas, with solid power numbers.  On the other hand, he's a right-handed hitter (though he has hit well against righties in the minors) so a platoon isn't really an option and his hitting didn't translate to the majors last season in his first taste of the bigs (at 30).  He probably wouldn't be any worse than starting Millar every day, but that doesn't necessarily make him a great option as an ...

Jays Get Thumped
Bluebird Banter — ... batting cleanup. I never want to see that again. The boy is hitting .213 this month with a .319 slugging average. After a .218 May, I think we can pretty much say that he isn't what we'd like as a major league cleanup hitter. I know, I've talked about him way too much. And he was not bad back in 2006. But his bat has slowed since then. Randy Ruiz or ...

That Was So Much More Fun; Romero and Jays Beat Rays
Bluebird Banter — ... swing the bat anymore. Sitting Vernon, I understand, he isn't hitting well, but Millar is miles worse. Millar hasn't been good in years, it's time to release him and try Randy Ruiz or ...

Garrett Jones: Let's Not Get Carried Away Here
Bucs Dugout — ... Jones is so familiar he's practically a caricature--the big, defensively challenged slugger who isn't quite good enough as a hitter to make an impact in the bigs but who puts up some superficially impressive numbers at AAA just by virtue of being there for so many years. Every year the Pirates have a couple of these guys at various levels of the system. Jones is just Graham Koonce with fewer walks. He's Brad Eldred with less power and fewer strikeouts. He's Randy Ruiz playing at a higher level. He's Adam Boeve. Ryan ...

minor lines, 7/4/09
McCovey Chronicles — ... but I'll mention these three: (a) Brett Pill homered and doubled; (b) Bustery Posey had two hits, including a double, while playing his first game behind the plate in over a week; and (c) Rafael Rodriguez reached base three times while having his first multi-hit game. AAA: Fresno lost to Las Vegas 14-5 (after giving up six runs in 1st inning) Fresno: CF Eugenio Velez: 3 for 5 Las Vegas: 2B Joe Inglett: 5 for 6, HR, 2B Las Vegas: LF Randy Ruiz: 3 for 6, HR, 2B, SO Las Vegas: 1B Brett Harper: 2 for ...

minor lines, 7/6/09
McCovey Chronicles — Highlights from the Giants' farm: (a) Eugenio Velez had four hits; (b,c) Brock Bond and Buster Posey had three hits each; and (d) Jorge Bucardo had another fine start with 1 ER in 6.0 IP. AAA: Fresno lost to Las Vegas 6-5 (allowing four runs over the last three innings) Fresno: CF Eugenio Velez: 4 for 5, 2 SB, CS Fresno: 3B Ryan Rohlinger: 2 for 4, 2B, BB Las Vegas: 1B Randy Ruiz: 2 for 3, HR, 2 HBP Fresno: RHP Kevin Pucetas: 6.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K--2 HR, 2 HB Las Vegas: ...

Rolen Keeps His Hit Streak Going, but Jays Lose.
Bluebird Banter — ... had 2 hits. Yes, Kevin Millar had 2 hits and a walk. And made a nice play in the field. After watching Dellucci, Kevin at least can occasionally be a useful player. But no I'd still rather try Randy Ruiz and/or ...

Dellucci gets his first hit, we still lose
Bluebird Banter — ... back. A) he can't hit worse than Dellucci and B) even if he does let's let him learn from Cito and Tenance.  Bring him up and play him everyday the rest of the way. The other, let Millar go and bring up Randy Ruiz or ...

AAA All-Star GDT 10PM EST
DRaysBay — Triple-A All-Star lineups Pacific Coast League 1. Eric Young Jr. (Rockies), 2B 2. Alcides Escobar (Brewers), SS 3. Matt Murton (Rockies), DH 4. Randy Ruiz (Blue Jays), 1B 5. Terry Evans (Angels), CF 6. Matt Miller (Rockies), LF 7. Chris Robinson (Cubs), C 8. Brendan Katin (Brewers), RF 9. Esteban German (Rangers), 3B Bud Norris ...

Game Review: Out of the Park Baseball 10
Bluebird Banter — ... for a non-prospect who was playing in A-Ball.  I brought Randy Ruiz up to fill his spot. Like real baseball, players have to be on the 40 man roster to be on the major league team, which complicates things. ...

Thursday Pebble Report: Stuff actually happened in the minors last night other than Chacin getting pulled
Purple Row — ... (0-2, 4.13)   couldn't shut the door.  He faced six hitters, getting only one out (on a bunt), allowing the other five to score, the last three on a Randy Ruiz walk-off home run. ...

If Roy Halladay is traded, then what?
Bluebird Banter — ... :  He is 32 years old and he trade value isn't as high as Rolen or Scutaro but could be a handy left handed bat for a contender. With Brian Dopirak and Randy Ruiz in Vegas, he could be replaced with pieces we have but I'm not sure what we could get in return for him. ...

Las Vegas 51s Scouting Report
Minor League Ball — ... college days at Oklahoma, and I've always kind of liked him, but he looked terrible Wednesday. His best fastball was 88 MPH, most of them were 85-86, and elevated in the zone to boot. He couldn't do anything with the breaking ball...struggling with location. He threw two of them about 55 feet. He walked four and gave up four hits and five runs, being removed after one inning of work. He looked like an injured pitcher, to be frank. . .there was something clearly wrong with him. Randy Ruiz, DH     Veteran minor league slugger, 31 ...

Cubs Lose 11-5, Fall Two Games Out - But Cubs Win, Too! (Iowa Cubs, That Is)
Bleed Cubbie Blue — ... , who has put up gaudy numbers since being promoted, was called on in the seventh, issued a walk and struck out Howie Clark, and then was yanked -- couldn't possibly let him face a right-handed hitter, right? (Granted, it was Randy Ruiz, who has 106 RBI in 113 Triple-A games this year.) ...

Surprisingly enough, there was a game tonight, Jays beat Yankees
Bluebird Banter — ... batting well enough for a corner outfield spot. Jays of the Day are Camp (.229 WPA), Frasor (.209), Overbay (.169), Carlson (.146), Bautista (.126) and League (.110). Aaron Hill deserves honorable mention. Suckage Jays are Rzep (-.321, though I still think he was ripped off on the strike zone), Marco Scutaro (-.111) and Rod Barajas (-.109 and a error on a terrible throw trying to get Jeter stealing).  In other news, it looks like Randy Ruiz is coming up from Las Vegas to fill Alex Rios' roster ...

The Next Day
Bluebird Banter — ... it is time to start the full rebuild: So I'm ready to write it off. Close the books on this window of opportunity and look ahead to the next one. If the Jays tried to bring back most of the current roster next season, and didn't import ANY well paid free agent (which means you get buck coats or Joe Inglett in LF among other things) they would STILL be sitting almost exactly on the same payroll they have this year?  Anyway Randy Ruiz likely is the guy coming to fill the spot, Minor League ...

Game 113: Regular rest
Pinstripe Alley — ... Lyle Overbay - 1B Alex Rodriguez - 3B Vernon Wells - CF Hideki Matsui - DH Randy Ruiz - DH Jorge Posada - C Edwin Encarnacion - 3B ...

The Birds and Cars Speak Up When They Reach Morning / I Know Someday Spring Will Return Again: 8/11 Game Thread, Blue Jays at Yankees
Bluebird Banter — ... Lyle Overbay - 1B Alex Rodriguez - 3B Vernon Wells - CF Hideki Matsui - DH Randy Ruiz - DH Jorge Posada - C Edwin Encarnacion - 3B ...

Sometimes the Pen wins one for and sometimes they lose one for you, today was the latter: Jays lose to Yankees
Bluebird Banter — ... a tough first couple of innings, giving up two runs in the first. that could have been much worse if Mark Teixeira hadn't tried to score from first on a double. Vernon Wells threw him out by 20 feet or so. In the second Richmond gave up another run but got of the inning with the bases loaded, so that could have been worse too. After that he pitched 4 innings allowing just 1 hit and 1 walk.   Offensively we got 5 runs on 7 hits, helped out by homers by  Randy Ruiz and Edwin Encarnacion. Ruiz looked over-matched at the ...

Jays at Yankees Game Thread
Bluebird Banter — ... Lyle Overbay - 1B Alex Rodriguez - 3B Vernon Wells - CF Jorge Posada - C Randy Ruiz - DH Robinson Cano - 2B Edwin Encarnacion - 3B ...

Long and it didn't end well, no not the Transformers movie. Jays lose to Yankees in extras.
Bluebird Banter — ... We had 14 hits and a homer, how can we have only scored 3 runs? I guess when all the hits but the Randy Ruiz homer were singles, that might have something to do with it. Every starter in the lineup had at least one hit, but we could have used some doubles. ...

Little bits of Jay News
Bluebird Banter — ... went to talk to JP after Randy Ruiz was called up. I'm sure he can see that his play hasn't been enough to guarantee him playing time. It also writes about the difference between the  ...

8/14 Game Thread, Jays at Rays
Bluebird Banter — ... Lyle Overbay - 1B Ben Zobrist - 2B Vernon Wells - CF Carlos Pena - 1B Randy Ruiz - DH Pat Burrell - DH Edwin Encarnacion - 3B ...

It's time for a change I'm tired of that same ol same: Jays at Rays
Bluebird Banter — ... Only one other Blue Jay in team history, Doug Ault, had hit homers in each of his first two starts with the Jays before Randy Ruiz did it. I guess the down side is that Doug Ault didn't become a star player after that. A couple of other minor leaguers leaguers are making their cases to move up. ...

That was a sad effort. Rays beat Jays
Bluebird Banter — ... hit a homer. Randy Ruiz was 2 for 4 and really hustles. I'm sure he's not the most talented player but he really seems to be trying his hardest. ...

Scott Kazmir K's 7 As Rays End Five Game Skid; Defeat Blue Jays 8-3
DRaysBay — ... . Dan "Big City" Wheeler made a quick cameo and struck out Randy Ruiz on three pitches: slider, curve, curve in the dirt. Wheeler is also sporting a full beard now as I'm sure he is trying to establish that he and Springer are in fact two different people. ...

When Gregg Zaun beats you, you know life is not going well, Jays lose to Rays
Bluebird Banter — ... . Navarro didn't move, but he also didn't drop the tag on Hill before Hill reached past to touch the base. After that Randy Ruiz struck out and ...

Should he stay or should he go, J.P. Riccardi
Bluebird Banter — ... or say that Randy Ruiz was a minor league hitter or a number of other things he but I really don't care if the GM is a jerk or not. ...

GT: Boston Red Sox at Toronto Blue Jays, Aug 18, 2009
Over the Monster — ... Lyle Overbay - 1B Jason Bay - LF Vernon Wells - CF Mike Lowell - 3B Randy Ruiz - DH David Ortiz - DH Edwin Encarnacion - 3B Nick ...

I Will Sing, Sing a New Song - 8/18 Game Thread, Red Sox at Jays
Bluebird Banter — ... Lyle Overbay - 1B Jason Bay - LF Vernon Wells - CF Mike Lowell - 3B Randy Ruiz - DH David Ortiz - DH Edwin Encarnacion - 3B Nick ...

Travis Snider hit a homer in his first game back. Oh yeah we lost.
Bluebird Banter — ... Red Sox 10 Blue Jays 9 Travis Snider had a great game in his first game back. 2 for 3 with a walk and homer, 2 runs and an RBI. Cito I know you think you are protecting the guy but let's move him out of 9th in the order. Soon. Tomorrow for example. He looked great at the plate. His out was a strikeout. Beyond that? Who cares. Well, if you want to know, Randy Ruiz hit his 3rd homer and Rod Barajas had one as well. Everyone in the line up had at least one hit and our little power slump is over since we ...

Were You Fretful to Wade Into the Room? / Oh, I'd Been Wanting to Hear From You: 8/19 Game Thread, Red Sox at Jays
Bluebird Banter — ... Lyle Overbay - 1B David Ortiz - DH Vernon Wells - CF Jason Bay - LF Randy Ruiz - DH Casey Kotchman - 1B Edwin Encarnacion - 3B ...

GT: Red Sox @ Blue Jays - Aug. 20
Over the Monster — ... Rod Barajas - C Jason Bay - LF Kevin Millar - 1B David Ortiz - DH Randy Ruiz - DH Mike Lowell - 3B Edwin Encarnacion - 3B J.D. ...

8/20 Game Thread, Red Sox at Jays
Bluebird Banter — ... Rod Barajas - C Jason Bay - LF Kevin Millar - 1B David Ortiz - DH Randy Ruiz - DH Mike Lowell - 3B Edwin Encarnacion - 3B J.D. ...

if i get up they'll knock me down again but what are you gonna do, my friend When i'm almost fed up with the Blues: Angels at Jays Game Thread
Bluebird Banter — ... Vernon Wells - CF Mike Napoli - C Travis Snider - RF Kendry Morales - 1B Randy Ruiz - DH Howie Kendrick - 2B Jose Bautista - 3B ...

That was more exciting than it needed to be.
Bluebird Banter — ... Offensively Vernon had a good game with a double, a homer, 2 runs and 2 RBI. Hill had a homer. Bautista had a 2 run single and 2 walks. Randy Ruiz had a single and 2 walks. ...

And I won't get any older, now the angels wanna wear my red shoes. Angels at Jays Game Thread
Bluebird Banter — ... Vernon Wells - CF Kendry Morales - 1B Jose Bautista - 3B Erick Aybar - SS Randy Ruiz - DH Gary Matthews - CF Rod Barajas - C ...

Jays Lose to Angels
Bluebird Banter — ... Angels 7 Blue Jays 3 When you get 7 hits and 4 walks in 6 innings off a lousy starter you ought to score more than 3 runs. Adam Lind hit a three run homer and that was the end of our scoring. Randy Ruiz, Lyle Overbay, And Lind had two hits each. The o for group was Vernon Wells(one walk), Jose Bautista (who did have 2 walks) and Rod Barajas (but then I've already ranted about him. Vernon was caught stealing after his walk, a stupid moment to try to steal as Bautista was walked right after ...

And the beer I had for breakfast wasn't bad, So I had one more for dessert. Angels at Jays Game Thread
Bluebird Banter — ... Lyle Overbay - 1B Juan Rivera - LF Vernon Wells - CF Mike Napoli - C Randy Ruiz - DH Kendry Morales - 1B Jose Bautista - 3B ...

We ought to hire a couple of those Angel pitchers to throw BP, Jays beat Angels
Bluebird Banter — ... . Man is their scouting out of date. It didn't work, Randy Ruiz hit a double down the line after to clear the bases,  ...

Bits on a Monday
Bluebird Banter — ... seems a little much. A long time coming? The guy is 21. But it is a nice piece with quotes from grizzled veteran Randy Ruiz. ...

My Kind, Your Kind: 8/24 Game Thread, Rays at Jays
Bluebird Banter — ... Lyle Overbay - 1B Carlos Pena - 1B Vernon Wells - CF Pat Burrell - DH Randy Ruiz - DH Gregg Zaun - C Rod Barajas - C Gabe ...

Doc has a Bad Day, Jays lose to Rays.
Bluebird Banter — ... hit into a double play when we reloaded the bases. We got another run in the 3rd and one more in the 8th on Randy Ruiz' 4th homer. Ruiz had 3 hits today, including an infield single. That goes with his stolen base as what will be one of my favorite moments of the season. You would figure 7 runs would be enough on a day that Doc starts.  ...

She needs wide open spaces Room to make her big mistakes She needs new faces She knows the high stakes: What to do about the outfield?
Bluebird Banter — ... I guess if we did do this, the problem for next year would be finding a place for everyone one to play. Randy Ruiz is looking pretty good, at the moment. Lind and Snider have to play. Vernon isn't going anywhere. And ...

Rays at Jays Aug 25th Game Thread
Bluebird Banter — ... Lyle Overbay - 1B Carlos Pena - 1B Vernon Wells - CF B.J. Upton - CF Randy Ruiz - DH Dioner Navarro - C Rod Barajas - C Gabe ...

Yeah another one that wasn't fun
Bluebird Banter — ... . So one would have expected that that we would score more than 3 runs, but one would be wrong. Everyone in the starting lineup had at least one hit expect Randy Ruiz, but he's been great since coming up so we'll give him a pass today. ...

Lord, I'm Discouraged / She Ain't Come Out Dancing in Some Time: 8/26 Game Thread, Rays at Jays
Bluebird Banter — ... Vernon Wells - CF Evan Longoria - 3B Kevin Millar - 1B Pat Burrell - DH Randy Ruiz - DH Gabe Kapler - LF Jose Bautista - LF ...

Feelin' Massachusetts: 8/28 Game Thread, Jays at Red Sox
Bluebird Banter — ... Lyle Overbay - 1B Kevin Youkilis - 3B Vernon Wells - CF David Ortiz - DH Randy Ruiz - DH Jason Bay - LF Rod Barajas - C J.D. ...

Home Runs by Aaron Hill and Rod Barajas not enough, Jays lose.
Bluebird Banter — ... game was that Marco Scutaro was hit in the head by a Josh Beckett pitch and left the game with a head contusion. Really, nothing else is important other than Marco be ok after that. John McDonald took Scoot's place and had a double in 2 at bats. Odds are we'll  Mac out there the next few days. Offensively we had 10 hits, 6 walks, 2 homers, one each for Aaron Hill and Rod Barajas. Hill had 3 hits. Everyone in the lineup had a hit except Randy Ruiz, Travis Snider and Jose Bautista, but they each ...

Cito
Bluebird Banter — ... The flip side? Randy Ruiz is called up and gives the team a shot in the arm. Do I think he's a great player? No. But man he is hustling, hitting the ball hard and clearly trying to show well. Where has he been the last 3 or 4 games? The bench. I mean he sat yesterday so we could have both Bautista and McDonald in the game. On bluejays.com there is a story 'scuffing offense needs a spark'. What has Ruiz been but a spark? ...

He Cleaned Her Cuts and Then We Prayed / Oh, Dallas, You Shine With an Evil Light: 8/31 Game Thread, Jays at Rangers
Bluebird Banter — ... Kevin Millar - 1B Marlon Byrd - CF Vernon Wells - CF Nelson Cruz - DH Randy Ruiz - DH David Murphy - LF Rod Barajas - C Taylor ...

That was so much better than Yesterday's game, Adam Lind drives in 8 runs in a Jays win over the Rangers
Bluebird Banter — ... Marco Scutaro, Aaron Hill and Lind scored 3 runs each. We had 14 hits and 7 walks. John McDonald even had 3 hits. You know life is good when Johnny Mac gets 3 hits. Vernon Well had a double and a triple. He also almost pulled a Alex Rios, with 1 out in the 9th he ran off 2nd base on a fly ball, apparently thinking there were already 2 outs. Thankfully he got back in time. If he hadn't got back we wouldn't have scored our last 5 runs.   Randy Ruiz walked 2 times and was caught stealing once. He was a hit and run ...

Things I don't understand
Bluebird Banter — ... Cito did not have Randy Ruiz play at all yesterday. Yeah he has had a few bad at bats, if he has 150 more bad at bats he'd be Millar. The other half I really don't understand is why we didn't call up ...

Dallas Ain't a Woman To Help You Get Your Feet on the Ground: Game Thread, Jays at Rangers
Bluebird Banter — ... Lyle Overbay - 1B Josh Hamilton - CF Rod Barajas - C Nelson Cruz - RF Randy Ruiz - DH David Murphy - LF Travis Snider - RF Ivan ...

Scott Richmond and Jays lose to Rangers
Bluebird Banter — ... good night. No one really bad inning but he gave up a homers to Nelson Cruz and Elvis Andrus. 5 innings, 7 hits, 4 walks isn't going to do the job very often. Jesse Carlson, Cassey Janssen and Brian Wolfe did a good job over the last 3 innings. Wolfe was helped out by a great double play, started by a diving John McDonald stop and throw from his knees. Just a super play. Offensively, we only got 5 hits, including two each from Lyle Overbay and Randy Ruiz, who each hit a homer. Adam Lind's 1st inning double ...

9/3 Game Thread, Yankees at Jays
Bluebird Banter — ... Lyle Overbay - 1B Hideki Matsui - DH Vernon Wells - CF Jorge Posada - C Randy Ruiz - DH Robinson Cano - 2B Travis Snider - RF ...

The CN Tower is Built Upon Our Bones - 9/5 Game Thread, Yankees at Jays
Bluebird Banter — ... Vernon Wells - CF Alex Rodriguez - 3B Kevin Millar - 1B Jorge Posada - C Randy Ruiz - DH Robinson Cano - 2B Edwin Encarnacion - 3B ...

Cito Decides if He Can't Win Why Not Chase Fans Away
Bluebird Banter — ... I don't really want to talk about the game. Cecil was ok but pitched from behind in the count too much. Randy Ruiz hit a homer and was about a foot and a replay off of having two. The plate umpire made a terrible call at home when Bautista tried to score in fourth.  ...

Game 137: Win Series
Pinstripe Alley — ... Edwin Encarnacion - 3B Jerry Hairston Jr. - 3B Randy Ruiz - 1B Melky Cabrera - CF ...

9/6 Game Thread, Yankees at Jays
Bluebird Banter — ... Vernon Wells - CF Robinson Cano - 2B Edwin Encarnacion - 3B Jerry Hairston Jr. - 3B Randy Ruiz - 1B Melky Cabrera - CF Travis Snider - LF ...

Jays Thump Yankees
Bluebird Banter — ... as the cleanup hitter but if it is a choice between him and Millar, I'd take him every time. It was nice to see Randy Ruiz play first base for the first time this year, for the Jays. The pitch he took in the face was a very scary thing. It was great to see him come out on the field after the game, he didn't even look swollen. ...

The Long Weekend Bits
Bluebird Banter — ... Would have thought there would be some news or something worth talking about from the Jays but no not really. There was the scary moment when Randy Ruiz got hit in the jaw by the ...

Meet: Justin Huber
Twinkie Town — ... or Randy Ruiz, and I wouldn't blame you for thinking that.  But his potential for plate discipline and ability to consistently adapt to better competition as he came up through the minors gives me hope for something better. ...

9/8 Game Thread, Twins at Jays
Bluebird Banter — ... Adam Lind - LF Justin Morneau - 1B Vernon Wells - CF Michael Cuddyer - RF Randy Ruiz - DH Brendan Harris - 3B Kevin Millar - 1B ...

John MacDonald Hits a 3 Run Homer and Jays Win. Two Very Unusual Happening.
Bluebird Banter — ... Mac had 3 hits on the game but the other two were bloop singles that were lucky to fall. Bautista and Encarnacion had two hits each. Randy Ruiz was the only one in the team to go 0 for. But he did drive home a run with a sac fly.  ...

Cito Blames Fans for Losing.
Bluebird Banter — ... and Randy Ruiz in the lineup everyday. Get JP to call up some of the other young guys. You have some sway with him, you could convince him. I know ...

And the soul of motor city is bared across the land, Jays at Tigers Game Thread
Bluebird Banter — ... Rod Barajas - C Brandon Inge - 3B Edwin Encarnacion - 3B Curtis Granderson - CF Randy Ruiz - DH Gerald Laird - C Jose Bautista - RF ...

Nice Start for Brian Tallet, Jays Beat Tigers
Bluebird Banter — ... including 2 homers and 8 walks, so we should have scored more, but then it is hard to score when you have a few automatic outs in the lineup. Bluebird Banter mascot, Kevin Millar, had a terrible 0 for 4, though he did take a walk. I said this during the thread but will say it again. If I could ask Cito one thing, I'd ask "what could Kevin Millar do to get you to keep him out of the lineup?" It is way beyond ridiculous now.  Rod Barajas had a solo homer and Randy Ruiz had a 2 run shot and a infield single. Aaron Hill had the ...

I don’t need to go travelin’ Open my door and the world walks in: Jays at Yankees Game Thread
Bluebird Banter — ... in the lineup. Of course there is no Randy Ruiz in the lineup either. I honestly wish I could explain it but I can't. In a ball park where every fly ball has a chance of going out, you wouldn't want a guy with power playing.  ...

Two Homers For Travis Snider, a Fight and the Jays Beat the Yankees, That One Had Everything
Bluebird Banter — ... was hit with a pitch, before that Encarnacion was hit with a pitch. Likely neither was intentional, but the Jays have been hit a ton lately. And you'll likely remember the Yankees hit Randy Ruiz in the face their last series together. Jays have been hit something like 15 times so far this month. In the bottom of the inning ...

Thanks Jorge Posada for reminding me why I hate the Yankees
Bluebird Banter — ... gave a perfect demonstration of what I dislike about them. The sense of entitlement. In the four game series last week in Toronto, Yankee pitchers hit 6 Jays, including Randy Ruiz in the face. Yesterday Edwin Encarnacion hits a homer, his next time up to bat he is hit with a pitch. In the 8th ...

Scott Richmond and Jays Thumped by Rays
Bluebird Banter — ... he can tie Carlos Delgado's single season team RBI record. Nah it ain't happening. No Jay of the Day today, though honorable mention goes to Vernon. Richmond (-.340) and Wolfe (-.146) get the Suckage awards.  Tomorrow night Ricky Romero (12-8, 4.22) goes against Matt Garza (7-10, 3.84). It can't be worse than tonight's game. Unfortunately (well unless the game is like tonight's) I'm out tomorrow and will miss most of the game. There was a Randy Ruiz sighting tonight, he came into the game in the 6th for ...

Jays at Rays Game Thread
Bluebird Banter — ... Rod Barajas - C Willy Aybar - 1B Kevin Millar - 1B Gregg Zaun - C Randy Ruiz - DH Akinori Iwamura - 2B Jose Bautista - RF B.J. ...

The John McDonald Farewell Tour
Bluebird Banter — ... Yeah I know it doesn't work to just extrapolate that to a full season. Every fan of every player does that. Small samples size warnings are just that. You can't tell anything from them. No, if he had a full time job, Randy Ruiz wouldn't hit 60 homes. But it does seem to be Mac's plan to pull everything down the line and doing that he'll get the occasional pop. Enjoy it when it happens. ...

Gamethread: Orioles (60-90) @ Blue Jays (67-83), 7:07 PM
Camden Chat — ... Rod Barajas - C Ty Wigginton - DH Kevin Millar - 1B Lou Montanez - RF Randy Ruiz - DH Michael Aubrey - 1B Travis Snider - LF ...

9/22 Game Thread, Orioles at Jays
Bluebird Banter — ... Rod Barajas - C Ty Wigginton - DH Kevin Millar - 1B Lou Montanez - RF Randy Ruiz - DH Michael Aubrey - 1B Travis Snider - LF ...

Why Cito drives us crazy, Part 75
Bluebird Banter — ... Designated hitter/first baseman Randy Ruiz was out of the starting lineup for the eighth time in the past 10 games on Wednesday night. Jays manager Cito Gaston said a main reason is that outfielder ...

Cito Gaston drives us crazy, Part 76
Bluebird Banter — ... , a player not known for his bat. We have Randy Ruiz on the bench, as well as 2 other catchers. Randy, you might know has 7 homers in the 95 at bats Cito has allowed him. Seems an obvious moment to pinch hit, right? Nah. If not, an old school manager like Cito would bunt, right? No again. Chavez flies out after he fouled off a hit and run attempt earlier in the at bat. A hit and run attempt with Raul Chavez at the plate. What in his history would make you think he could work the hit and run? ...

After all this, my love is up and must be leaving: Last Home Game Thread
Bluebird Banter — ... Edwin Encarnacion - 3B Mike Sweeney - DH Vernon Wells - CF Adrian Beltre - 3B Randy Ruiz - DH Bill Hall - LF Rod Barajas - C ...

This come from behind stuff is great, why couldn't we do this earlier in the season?
Bluebird Banter — ... I don't understand why we would pinch hit for Randy Ruiz today when we wouldn't pinch hit for Chavez, McDonald or Bautista the other day, but it worked out. ...

What do the Jays have they can trade?
Bluebird Banter — ... but likely none with trade value. Value will never be higher: Frasor. Good value: League. Value will never be lower: Downs. Could be throw ins: Accardo, Camp, Carlson, Roenicke, Hayhurst. No trade value: Janssen, Wolfe. We have 4 guys in the LF/DH/1B that are at least kind of major league ready. But if the Jays were to go after Jason Bay like people keep saying we'll have excess. At the moment there are Adam Lind, Travis Snider, Randy Ruiz and Brian Dopirak. Great trade: Adam Lind ...

How can we be going into the end of September with no players on the bench?
Bluebird Banter — ... played third base last night. So many that we had just 3 healthy bodies on the bench to fill in, in case of more injuries. The 3 were Randy Ruiz, ...

It's Memories that I'm Stealing, But You're Innocent When You Dream: GameThread for Toronto Blue Jays at Boston Red Sox, 30 Sept 2009, 7:10 PM EDT
Bluebird Banter — ... Lyle Overbay - 1B Rocco Baldelli - RF Rod Barajas - C George Kottaras - C Randy Ruiz - DH Alex Gonzalez - SS Travis Snider - LF ...

Great Game by Roy Halladay, Jays Sweep Red Sox
Bluebird Banter — ... , who threw a one run 9th, striking Randy Ruiz out to end the game. But before that strikeout we had 17 hits, 7 walks, 4 homers and 12 runs. ...

Players Unhappy with Cito?
Bluebird Banter — ... So if they won't let their names be used, you really don't have a story. All teams will have unhappy players. I'm sure Randy Ruiz is not trilled at how he's been used. That falls short of 'everybody'. ...

Jays lose to Orioles
Bluebird Banter — ... Blue Jays 7 Orioles 13 With everything else going on you would be forgiven in forgetting there was a game tonight. Our 6 game win streak is over. David Purcey was terrible, allowing 7 runs on 8 hits and a walk in 3.2 innings. Josh Roenicke and Dirk Hayhurst were no better giving up 6 runs between them in 3.1 innings. The only Jay pitcher to do good was Brian Wolfe who pitched a scoreless 8th. Offensively we did quite well, Randy Ruiz, Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista continued ...

Waiting for the End of the World: Game 162 Game Thread, Jays at Orioles
Bluebird Banter — ... Lyle Overbay - 1B Melvin Mora - 3B Rod Barajas - C Luke Scott - DH Randy Ruiz - DH Michael Aubrey - 1B Travis Snider - LF Lou ...

Goodbye, Goodnight: Orioles 5, Jays 4
Bluebird Banter — ... added an RBI double.  Randy Ruiz had 2 doubles, a single, and a walk for a nice afternoon at the office. Vernon Wells had one of those days, going 0-5 and leaving a lot of men on base before Joe Inglett took his spot in the lineup to give him a bit of an early end to the season. ...

Happy Birthday Jose Bautista and Randy Ruiz
Bluebird Banter — ... Randy Ruiz turns 32 today. In the 33 games he got called into after being called up in August Randy hit .313/.385/.635 with 10 homers and 17 RBI. It would have been nice if Cito would have got him into more games so we could have some idea if he could have continued hitting that well with enough at bats to be a worthwhile sample. But we did see enough of him to know that he could fill the ...

Bill James Player Projections, Part 2
Bluebird Banter — ... James Handbook, that will come out soon from  ACTA Sports. Edwin Encarnacion 259/.343/.465/.808 28 doubles, 21 Hr, 5.4 RC/27, 64 Runs, 69 RBI, 129 G I'd be quite happy with this from Edwin if he plays a decent 3B. He looks to have a strong arm, I'm thinking with help from Brian Butterfield through spring training and we'll have a good player there. Or it is possible I'm kidding myself. Randy Ruiz 294/.352/.517/.869 13 doubles, 9 Hr, 26 Runs, 31 RBI, 6.55 RC/27, 55 G Totally ...

All Ex-Twins Team, 2009
Twinkie Town — ... .363 .468 18 79 Dodgers '00 - '02 Randy Ruiz 1B .313 .385 ...

Twins Non-Tender Candidates
Twinkie Town — ... Justin had a fine season in Rochester, and while he's getting on a bit in age it's interesting that both Randy Ruiz and ...

Who Could Be Put on the Prospect List? Part One.
Bluebird Banter — ... Randy Ruiz:  Honestly I can't consider a 32 year old a prospect, but he had a heck of a year in Vegas (.320/.392/.584) and then followed that up with a great month and a bit in Toronto (313/.385/.635). Vegas is such a hitter friendly spot that his equivalents aren't great: .255/.306/.447. I like the idea of him taking Millar's role next year. He can't possibly be any worst defensively and likely will be some better offensively, but hoping he hits like last year would be expecting a lot. He hit 35 homers last year between the minors and majors; he's ...

Marcus Thames?
Bluebird Banter — ... Don't we have a few guys for left and would like someone to play RF? Thames also has played first so could platoon with Overbay if Lyle isn't traded and if we didn't have Randy Ruiz and ...