Darin Ruf could be a lock to break camp with the Phillies despite his defensive deficiencies, the Philadelphia Inquirer has speculated. His power and patience at the plate are qualities his team is lacking.
Ruf hit 14 home runs with 33 walks in 293 plate appearances in 2013. Ryne Sandberg believes Ruf could be on line for 300 plate appearances this season.
"I like him at first base depending on how things go," Sandberg said. "If we need a righthanded bat against lefthanded pitching, we have the lineup for that. That could be Ruf in left field. He could be at first base."
His ability to get on base is a plus. Philadelphia drew fewer walks per game last year than any of its teams in the last 50 years. Ruf walked in a team-best 11.3 percent of his plate appearances a year ago.