Darin Ruf performed beyond expectations of Joe Jordan and Steve Noworyta - MLB Update
Philadelphia Phillies’ director of player development, Joe Jordan and the director Minor League, Steve Noworyta maintain that Darin Ruf has surpassed the expectations that could be made about him before this year.
Ruf has been a most successful bat in the Minors for the Phillies in the season. As recognition of his consistent shows, he was promoted to the Major League by them in the latter half of the season.
Jordan monitors players in the farm system and watches out for areas that need improvement. He works to make sure the best talent is produced in the Minors so that the Phillies do not run short of players that are needed for their Major League regular seasons.
Interestingly when Jordan was inquired about the player that has impressed him immensely this year, he named Ruf.
The consistency with which Ruf has been hitting home-runs has made the experts draw parallels between him and the other most established players in the Phillies’ line-up. As Ryan Howard declines and heads toward retirement, Ruf has been rated as his replacement.
Many hold a view that just as Howard lifted Phillies’ offence for a number of years with his excellent ability to smack home-runs, Ruf is capable of doing the same for the team.
Jordan believes Ruf is an intelligent batter and has the skills needed to succeed at any level.
"The most important things about Ruf are he's smart and he does have a good feel for the game," Jordan said. "He's just a big guy; he moves fine. He'll learn to read the ball off the bat better and get a step on the ball. This is going to be about offensive
production, and he will be fine in left field if he hits enough."
Furthermore, Jordan has expressed his surprise over the way Ruf made his way into the Majors following great shows in the Minors.
"That's a case where a guy got to the upper levels and figured himself out and it all came together," Jordan said.
Ruf will be looking to continue his impressive run of form in Spring Training and secure a spot on opening day roster for the Phillies in 2013 Major League regular season.
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