Rockies Interested in Ruiz, MLBTR Predictions

A couple of quick notes with only 16 hours remaining before Spring Training commences:

Troy Renck of the Denver Post is reporting that the Colorado Rockies “are pursuing” former Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz, “mainly for his defense”. Renck acknowledges the presence of Wilin Rosario (.295/.315/.486, 21 HR in 2013) and sees the Rockies’ interest in Ruiz as a sign that Rosario may be moved to first base or right field. MLB Trade Rumors ranks Ruiz the 29th best free agent, with them predicting he will wind up with the Phillies on a two-year, $15 million deal

. Tim Dierkes of MLBTR says that lists the Rays, Yankees, Blue Jays, White Sox, and Rangers as teams that would also be interested in Chooch if he was not re-signed by the Phillies.

Dierkes also listed a number of others players that they believe the Phillies will have interest in. Dierkes predicts the Phillies will sign Nelson Cruz, Ricky Nolasco, Ruiz, and Edward Mujica with the Phillies having some interest in Brian McCann, Masahiro Tanaka, Ervin Santana, Matt Garza, Ubaldo Jimenez, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Marlon Byrd, Joaquin Benoit, Scott Feldman, Josh Johnson, Tim Hudson, Fernando Rodney, A.J. Pierzynski, Jason Vargas, Joe Smith, and Chris Young.

At Phillies Nation, we have taken a look at how Cruz, Garza, Salty, Byrd, Feldman, and Young may or may not fit with the Phils in our Free Agent Pass or Play series and you can be sure the series will continue. Be sure to check back at 10 AM for our look at how Chooch may or may not fit with the 2014 Phillies.