Rio Ruiz

Ruiz gained a high profile as the star quarterback for Southern California football power Bishop Amat, but a hyperextended left knee cut his senior season short. Ruiz also starred on the baseball showcase circuit last summer and generated first-round buzz early this spring, but his spring was cut short when he had surgery to remove a blood clot in his neck in March. Ruiz projects as a third baseman in pro ball, and his sure hands, good instincts and body control give him a chance to be an average to plus defender despite his lack of lateral mobility. He is a below-average runner but owns an above-average arm, and he has touched 94-95 off the mound. Scouts like Ruiz's lefthanded swing, quick hands and bat speed, but his approach needs refinement, as he has a tendency to dive out over the plate at times. He has flashed plus raw power, and he projects as an average hitter with average to plus game power.