While the big news yesterday and today in Philliesland regards the status of Chase Utley as the Phillies starting second baseman--something that hasn't been in doubt at any previous point in the last decade--another member of the 2008 World Effing Championship core has been quietly marginalized. Last month, I looked into the sudden decline of Carlos Ruiz and came away doubtful that he would be able to turn it around in his age-36 season. To that point, he had been unable to make solid contact and that seemed damning for an aging catcher.
The Phillies may have drawn a similar conclusion regarding Ruiz's ability to perform up to his previous standards and have quietly transitioned to establishing Cameron Rupp as their starting catcher.