Yay, Chooch! The Phillies have signed hard-working catcher Carlos Ruiz to a three-year deal worth $8.85 million. I've been a Chooch fan since his days with Double-A Reading; others have been wowed by his post-season performances. This deal takes Ruiz through his remaining years of arbitration.With seven regulars and four starting pitchers signed through 2011, the Phillies have now pretty much reached cost certainty for the next two years. The one elephant in the room remains Jayson Werth--- and his expiring contract. How much are we going to hear about that this coming season?
Matt Stairs, minus some 30 pounds, has signed a one-year minor league deal with the Padres. His legend is, of course, safe in Philadelphia.
