CARLOS RUIZ RE-SIGNS WITH PHILADELPHIA

CARLOS RUIZ

Carlos Ruiz has re-signed with the Phillies for three years and $ 26 million.

Ruiz's name had been mentioned in Red Sox circles as a possible replacement for Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

Ruiz,who will turn 35 in January,batted .268 in 2013 with a .320 OBP.Ruiz had a shortened season last year due to his 25 game suspension for testing positive for Adderall.He now has a 'exemption' for the drug.

Ruiz re-joins the only team he has ever played for.

Meanwhile,there is renewed speculation that the signing could jump-start the 'free agent' catchers market this year,which is particularly 'rich'.