Dirtbag closer Charlie Ruiz was in control during many pressure situations this past season, often pitching in the eighth and ninth innings to secure wins for his team.
The Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft was a little different for Ruiz, however, because he could hardly control anything. His play during the 2009 season would dictate where he would be selected.
“I was pacing and waiting to hear my name,” Ruiz said. “It was an unreal experience.”
Then, the Colorado Rockies decided to take him in the 10th round with the 301st pick on June 9.
“I was with my family and we all started yelling and hugging,” Ruiz said. “It was surreal … [I’ll remember] how it was completely silent. I got a call before that so I was ready to go.”
“The room was dead silent during the pick before when the [Detroit] Tigers picked. And when the Rockies picked and we heard my name, my mom and dad started jumping and hugging me.”
Ruiz, who has been an anchor for the Dirtbags’ bullpen, posted 11 saves while striking out 42 batters in 25 innings. He also notched a 2-2 record with a 3.60 ERA.
Colorado’s selection made Ruiz the first of four Dirtbags to be selected. Adam Wilk (Tigers), David Born (Rockies), and Tyler Topp (Florida Marlins) rounded out the quartet.
“I was thrilled, I mean it is an honor to just be a part of the [Dirtbags’] program,” Ruiz said on being the first Dirtbag drafted. “Then to be picked first was unreal. Top 10 rounds was icing on the cake. If you have told me this a few years ago I would have said that would be unbelievable.”
The jump for Ruiz, like many other college pitchers, could be unpredictable and demanding considering hitters become consistently harder to get out.
However, the 6-foot-2 righty seems to realize what he needs to do to improve his game and possibly be successful at the next level.
“I think my strength [needs to increase and] I need to gain some weight,” the 185-pound Ruiz said. “Also, depending on what happens, I may become a starter so I need the strength. I also need to add a slider a little more into my repertoire.”
Ruiz added that he would be willing to do “whatever they want” him to do to try and play in the big leagues.
Depending on whether or not he signs — he is currently in the middle of contract negotiations — Ruiz will likely be assigned to play for the Tri-City Dust Devils, the Rockies’ short-season class-A affiliate.
He seems eager to join the Dust Devils to try to have success, move up in the ranks and improve his skill set.
“A teammate I grew up with from Cabrillio and seeing how much success they’re having; I feel just as good and feel like I can compete,” Ruiz said. “My time at Long Beach, my three years, was great, but seeing those guys out there doing it [makes me want to do the same].”
Interestingly enough, the San Leandro, Calif. native will join former Dirtbag head coach Dave Snow with the Rockies, who is a scout for the organization.
“I have no idea [if he had anything to do with drafting me],” Ruiz said. “I’ve heard great things about him but I never got to meet Dave Snow. The fact that two Dirtbags were drafted, I’m sure he had something to do with it.”
Now that Ruiz knows what organization he will play for, the draft excitement may be wearing off and the pressure to pitch well may be back on.
Then again, maybe Ruiz will continue to be relatively calm under pressure and close in on the possibility of becoming valuable to his new team.
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