Buccaneers MLB Barrett Ruud reported to the team’s mandatory minicamp last week after skipping all of the voluntary OTAs, but he could be absent again when training camp begins July 31.

Ruud stayed away during the voluntary sessions to try to ramp up negotiations for a new contract. His attempt was unsuccessful, as no progress on a deal has been made between his representatives and GM Mark Dominik, and Ruud told reporters at minicamp that he isn’t committed to reporting to training camp on time if negotiations aren’t moving in the direction he desires at that point.

The fifth-year veteran has one year left on his current deal, which will pay him close to $1.6 million in 2009, but under the new rules that will be implemented if the league goes to an uncapped year in ’10, Ruud will be a restricted free agent next offseason. Tampa Bay will be able to match any offer a team makes for Ruud or accept draft picks as compensation.