3 players who deserve an Opening Day roster spot more than Darin Ruf

Darin Ruf. Darin Ruf. Darin Ruf. Legend has it, if you say his name three times into the mirror, he’ll go 0 for 4 with 2 strikeouts and ground into a bases loaded double play. The one player New York Mets fans are united in wanting to see replaced on the roster, three players stand out as better fits for the team.

Ruf has made it this close to Opening Day and it wouldn’t shock anyone to see the Mets actually allow him to get some regular season at-bats. It won’t change the fact that these three players are more deserving of an Opening Day roster spot.

1) NY Mets prospect Mark Vientos is more deserving of a roster spot than Darin Ruf

What can Ruf do that Mark Vientos cannot? Let’s start with the offense. Ruf didn’t clobber a single home run for the Mets last year in any of his 74 plate appearances. In 41 chances, Vientos did.

Vientos’ debut wasn’t magical. Slashing .167/.268/.278 for the team, it still bested the .152/.216/.197 performance they got from the veteran.

Vientos is caught between the majors and minors at the moment. He can clearly handle himself at the Triple-A level. In minimal opportunities last season, he didn’t accomplish enough to become a guarantee for the Opening Day roster. He’ll probably strike out more than Ruf would. If we need a tie-breaker, Vientos’ ability to play third base might put him a notch ahead.

Look, I’m sick of ripping on Ruf. He’s already on his way out because of players like Vientos getting closer to the big leagues. I’d much rather give Vientos a chance to DH against lefties to begin the year and pivot to Tommy Pham for this gig if things don’t work out.

Here's a campaign slogan for Mets fans: Enough of Ruf.