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Wigginton and Contreras options declined, Ruiz renewed for 2013

If the Philadelphia region survives the onslaught from Hurricane Sandy, Carlos Ruiz will be the Phillies starting catcher in 2013. The team declined options on Ty Wigginton and Jose Contreras, opting to buy out their contracts. A similar fate is expected for Placido Polanco. Juan Pierre and Brian Schneider were granted Free Agency.

From the Phillies:

The Phillies picked up the $5 million club option on [Ruiz’s] contract for next season. The Phillies had a $500,000 buyout, but there was no way they were going to take that. Ruiz hit .325 with 32 doubles, 16 home runs, 68 RBIs and a .935 OPS in 114 games this season.

The Phillies also have club options for Jose Contreras ($2.5 million or $500,000 buyout) and Ty Wigginton ($4 million or $500,000 buyout), and a $5.5 million mutual option (or a $500,000 buyout) with Placido Polanco. The Phillies are expected to take the buyouts for each of those players.

Juan Pierre and Brian Schneider also became free agents, although neither is likely to be back in Philadelphia.

Sorry for such a short, nondescript mention of these roster moves. But, I felt it necessary to inform you all of this even under more important circumstances.

Stay safe everyone.

R.C. Cowie

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