Chooch Not Confounded by Major League Pitching Anymore

Aug 14, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz (51) shown in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning at Turner Field. The Braves defeated the Phillies 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

You couldn’t have assumed Carlos Ruiz would be a big contributor this year.

Just like you couldn’t have assumed he’d be the only contributor last year. His prowess came from nowhere, suddenly, then there were injuries and adderall, and he come back late.  It just didn’t seem like we’d be getting an extra-clutch Chooch back, especially with the ‘breakout season’ role being filled by Dom Brown.

So Chooch struggled, hitting .268 in the first half with .613 OPS in 40 games and 36 starts.  And it was safe to think that maybe he’d returned to normal.  It was okay.  We still love him.

But now we’re in the second half, the half that the Phillies, a ‘second half team,’ traditionally owns.  The Phillies, after owning it remember, proceeded to lose 21 out of 25 games or whatever, and they just sucked.  They just sucked, guys.  Yet, Chooch is hitting .294 in the second half.  His OPS is approaching .800, slowly (That’s a dumb thing to say; I mean, yea, so is mine).  He’s hitting .364 in August with 20 hits in 60 plate appearances.

And last night,

#whoa #wow

That’s not gonna get you a batting title, but I think it’s safe to say we’re not playing for trophies anymore.

Of course, this could just be a stretch that makes getting rid of him all the more of a chore, rather than a mere emotional cast-off.  It’s not crazy to think Ruben wouldn’t need much to keep Chooch around.  It’s not like he’s the manager.  But man, your hair never looks any better than when you’re on the way to the barber.