Sandberg works with Ruf, a long way from Omaha

By Eddie Michels on February 15, 2013

Sandberg gives Ruf pointers about playing first base on the half field adjacent to Bright House Field Friday February 15, 2013. (EDDIE MICHELS PHOTO)

Clearwater, Fla. – Darin Ruf the highly touted Phillies prospect and former Blue Jay (that is a Creighton Blue Jay) was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 20th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft.

Last season in the Eastern League Ruf batted .317 with 38 home runs and 104 RBI which earned him the Eastern League MVP. Ruf’s first MLB hit was when he went yard off of Washington Nationals pitcher Ross Detwiler last September after being called up after a brief stay in Triple – A.

Hall of Famer and Phillies third base coach Ryan Sandberg (this photo) hits grounders to firstbase prospect Darin Ruf (photo on right) (EDDIE MICHELS PHOTO)