Darin "Babe" Ruf: Update from Venezuela

Prior to the 2012 season, there were many nay-sayers towards Darin Ruf. Many questioned his fielding, athleticism, and his so called "power."

After the 2012 season, one thing's for sure: Darin Ruf has raw hitting talent. Contact wise, he hit .317. Power wise, he hit 38 homeruns in AA. HE HIT 38 HOME RUNS IN AA READING. Yep, that broke Ryan Howard's Reading record (37).  Ruf's time in the Majors was very limited. But with the little time he had, he looked very impressive at the plate.

However, there are many questions that still loom over Darin Ruf: Is he capable of playing Left Field? Can he fill the Phillies need of a consistent, powerful right handed bat?

All things considered, those questions about Ruf are extremely important. The upcoming offseason may be one of the biggest in the last few years. Ruben has tons of work to do, and building a strong outfield is one of those tasks. John Mayberry Jr. appears to be non-existent, so he's not an option. There a few big names out on the market (Josh Hamilton, Michael Bourn, BJ Upton, etc.) But none of those names fill the Phillies need of a right handed power hitter. That's where the Darin Ruf possibility comes in.

To answer some of the questions surrounding Ruf, the Phillies assigned him to the Venezuelan Winter League. And to no one's surprise, Darin is smashing the ball. In 14 games (50 At-Bats), Darin Ruf has 8 home runs. In a full length, healthy season, that equates to about 90 home runs! Now, clearly that pace will not hold up. But it is a promising sign.

One thing I don't like about Ruf's Venezuelan experience thus far is where Ruf is playing. He has played some Left Field, but mostly 1st base. Ruben needs to talk to the manager down there and demand Ruf play Left Field. If Ruf can truly hit, then we need him to truly be able to play Left Field.

He is in Venezuela for a reason: to answer the questions looming over his name.

Can he consistently hit? Check. Can he truly play Left Field? Well, gee, we don't know because he is currently at first base. Why?!

Nonetheless, I'm excited about Darin Ruf. He seems like a great clubhouse guy. Personally, I believe he can successfully fill the Power Righty void.

Babe Ruf updates from Venezuela will continue. God bless.