Indians sign Ruiz

Brian Ruiz (Photo: Plain Dealer)

The Indians today announced that they have signed 41st round pick outfielder Brian Ruiz, a 2011 graduate from Lincoln West High School in Cleveland, Ohio.

Ruiz was named Player of the Year in the Senate Athletic League for the second straight season, hitting .600 with 22 RBI while using a wooden bat all season. The right-handed hitting centerfielder led the Wolverines to the Division I district semifinals, the farthest a Cleveland public school has advanced in 24 years. He was a member of the Senate All-Star team for three years.

The Indians had been following Ruiz while he was playing summer ball, and what they saw combined with his local ties was a perfect match for the two sides to strike a deal and get him into the fold.  The wooden bat he used all season was given to him by fellow Tribe farmhand Alex Lavisky, and he wears #24 in honor of Willie Mays.

Follow Tony and the Indians Prospect Insider on Twitter @TonyIPI. Also, his latest book the 2011 Cleveland Indians Top 100 Prospects & More is available for purchase for $20.95 to customers in the US (shipping and handling extra).

Posted in: 2011 Draft News,Brian Ruiz