Stop, Drop… Ruf's Riding the Pine on Day One with Phillies

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The Babe has finally arrived at Citizens Bank Park. That would be Eastern League MVP Darin "Babe" Ruf who broke Ryan Howard's old Reading Phillies record of 37 home runs by besting him with 38.

We're not going to pretend we know a whole lot about Ruf other than the fact he was mashing mad taters for Reading this summer. Heck, even the Phillies aren't sure what they've got, but they know a home run when they see it. Hopefully they'll see a few from the enigmatic slugger over the next few weeks.

Here's a snippet of what Reading Eagle beat writer Mike Drago told Beerleaguer about Ruf:

Ruf played at Double-A at an advanced age (26) and has never played
an inning at Triple-A. He didn't start hitting home runs consistently
until the second half of last season at Clearwater.
He's more than a home run hitter, as his numbers indicate. He was three
singles short of an Eastern League Triple Crown. He has gained plate
discipline and impressed scouts with the consistent contact he makes.

He's not overly athletic and doesn't run well, and he's just learning
to play left field. He didn't get serious time there until late July.
He can handle himself at first base, but he'll need a full offseason and
spring training to refine his work as an outfielder. Hopefully he's not
exposed to that position in the major leagues, at least not right away.

Go read the full report for more.

Sadly, for the assuming-soon-to-be-created Ruf Ryders fan group, their fearless leader is not in the lineup tonight.

The Babe will wear No. 18 for the Phillies this evening.

Charlie's nine:

7:05 per usual from CBP. Could be a tad chilly even. Will the Phillies keep the dream alive? Mr. August/September Kyle Kendrick is your Phillies starter as he'll take on left-hander Wade LeBlanc (1-2, 3.51) for the Fish.

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