As we hit 25 days, I think it is fitting to focus on Carlos Ruiz, who’ll begin his 25 game suspension on Opening Day. Ruiz is entering the final year of his four year, 13.85 million dollar contract. Ruiz’ 2012 campaign was one of legend as he emerged from a career bottom third of the order hitter to the team’s cleanup hitter for a time while Ryan Howard was on the mend. That was until the reports of ADD prescription drug adderall led to Ruiz’ suspension.

Where do the Phillies go from here? When Chooch began his career with the Phillies, he phased out the career of Mike Lieberthal. Naturally, it’s easy to think that the organization’s top position player prospect, Tommy Joesph, will phase out Ruiz’. It’s the circle of life. Joesph has had a solid spring so far, albeit a small sample size. The next back stop was the centerpiece that sent Hunter Pence to the San Francisco Giants last July.

The 22 year old will most likely start the season at AAA Lehigh Valley as the primary catcher. Short of a season ending injury to Ruiz or current Opening Day starter Erik Kratz, Joesph shouldn’t expect to be seen in The Bank until September call ups.

Tags: 25 Days, 25 Days to go, Baseball Season Opener, Carlos Ruiz, Countdown, Erik Kratz, Michael Haftman, MLB Countdown, Phillies Countdown, Phillies Opener, Tommy Joesph