LAS VEGAS 51s:

Randy Ruiz named league’s top player

Leila Navidi

Randy Ruiz slaps five with a teammate after hitting a home run during the Las Vegas 51s home opener against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox at Cashman Field in Las Vegas Friday, April 17, 2009

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Friday, Sept. 4, 2009 | 1:24 p.m.

Las Vegas 51s

Randy Ruiz is more than the Las Vegas 51s' top player.

The designated hitter and first baseman on Friday was named the Pacific Coast League’s Most Valuable Player, becoming the fifth player in the franchise’s 27-year history to win the award. The award is chosen by the league's managers and media.

Ruiz, despite being promoted to the Toronto Blue Jays Aug. 11, still leads the league with 106 RBIs, 43 doubles and 70 extra base hits. His .584 slugging percentage and 25 home runs are each fourth best in the league.

Ruiz is the first Las Vegas player to win the award since Phil Hiatt in 2001. Other winners include OF Kevin McReynolds (1983), 1B Tim Pyznarski (1986), C Sandy Alomar (1988 and 1989).

Ruiz, 31, made his big league debut last year with the Minnesota Twins, batting .274 in 22 games with one home run.

He batting .292 with five home runs and eight RBI in 18 games with Toronto.

Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or ray.brewer@lasvegassun.com.