Orioles closing in on deal for Nelson Cruz

[G-Snarls]

@JonHeymanCBS: sources: #orioles closing in on a deal for nelson cruz. http://t.co/adBI1komTr

[G-Snarls]

"Free agent slugger Nelson Cruz is close to a deal with the Orioles, according to people familiar with the deal.

 

The Cruz signing, once finalized, would be the second major signing within days for Baltimore, which is obviously going for it now. The Orioles will have one of the better lineups in baseball once Cruz is in the fold.

 

There are still a couple issues to be resolved, according to sources, though a deal looks extremely likely.

 

The Orioles also had been talking to Kendrys Morales, another free agent hitter. Morales had other opportunities, though, including the Mariners and possibly the Pirates."

[G-Snarls]

I have to admit that an OF of Adam Jones, Nick Markakis and Nelson Cruz COULD be pretty good

[Muck Bartinez]

I have to admit that an OF of Adam Jones, Nick Markakis and Nelson Cruz COULD be pretty good

 

Cruz doesn't interest me at all. Hammy problems while on the juice, so I can't imagine his self-healing systems are going to be improved. Surprisingly old too, even though it doesn't seem like he's been around very long. However, there will be a 2 week span where he'll hit probably 9 or 10 bombs and win a couple games for them.

[G-Snarls]

Cruz couId definitely be mediocre. It's a risk.

 

I thought Mets or Mariners would sign. Both need OF help. They've both already blown their first draft pick too haven't they??

[Doc]

In that park he's bound to hit a lot of dingers.

[TwistedLogic]

couId

 

o.O

[TDotttt2005]

No word yet on what the $$ and years are. I'd be interested in seeing how this deal compares to the Melky deal last year. Melky came off a better year than Cruz, albeit both PED fueled, but Cruz has a draft pick comp pick attached. Either way, for O's fans, must be nice to see their team picking up these guys on the cheap, relatively, and improving the holes in their roster. What a concept.

[RIPEXPOS]

We're finishing in last. The Melky signing killed this offseason.

[TwistedLogic]

We're finishing in last. The Melky signing killed this offseason.

 

This. Agreed completely.

[TDotttt2005]

We're finishing in last. The Melky signing killed this offseason.

 

Why the Melky signing?

[Horses Fart]

However, there will be a 2 week span where he'll hit probably 9 or 10 bombs and win a couple games for them.

 

Prob against our surpurb rotation! You can say what you want but this off season has been a total disaster!!!

[RIPEXPOS]

Why the Melky signing?

 

Well specifically to this thread, I'd rather Cruz than Melky. And our pick is protected.

[flafson]

Melky was kicked from his team so he had no value at the time.

[Dylan]

O'S going for it?

[Dylan]

Markakis

Machado

Davis

Jones

Cruz

Wieters

Hardy

Young

Weeks

 

Decent lineup, they should go after Morales.

[G-Snarls]

Cruz sucks.

 

He is 33 years old and hasn't had a really good offensive season since 2010. When he was (presumambly) on something too. And his defense doesn't look good on paper the past few years. (I haven't paid much attention to him the last couple years so hadn't noticed how he looks)

[G-Snarls]

There we go.

 

Again, once you get what I like to call a "Rosenthal credibility tweet" the deal tends to get announced within a few hours if not minutes.

[G-Snarls]

@Ken_Rosenthal: Source confirms #Orioles close on Cruz, as first reported by @JonHeymanCBS . Deal expected to be a bargain, well below initial expectations.

 

Should have taken the QO, sucka

[Dylan]

Should have taken the QO, sucka

 

Same probably goes for Morales, highly doubt he gets $14 million..

If the o's were to sign him, this lineup can win lots of games

 

Markakis

Machado

Davis

Jones

Morales

Cruz

Wieters

Hardy

Weekes

 

Bench: Young, Reimold, Flaherty, Lough, Casilla,

[Dylan]

I think they're about a 0.500 team even with Cruz and Morales.

 

They only make the lineup stronger though, and we've been saying that they are .500 the last 2 seasons.

[flafson]

Cruz is a hit or miss to be honest, he can be good or be horrible for a long period of time. And that's with the PED.

[Dylan]

Apparently they are discussing a one year deal, that would be good for the O's.

 

What is their payroll after the Ubaldo signing?

[Dr. Dinger]

I have to admit that an OF of Adam Jones, Nick Markakis and Nelson Cruz COULD be pretty good

 

Just so you know, Cruz isn't very good at baseball. Neither is Markakis for that matter.

[jaysfan2014]

Markakis hasn't been an effective player in years. And regarding Cruz, Baltimore better be signing him as a DH, because his fielding his horrible. Texas was better defensively once Cruz got suspended and they traded for Rios.

[Dr. Dinger]

The guy hits for power and that is it. He doesn't get on base, doesn't hit for average, misses about 50 games a year, and is a putrid defender. I'm glad Baltimore feels compelled to waste money on him.

[eastcoastjaysfan]

Cruz is so overrated but a .360 wOBA is still pretty darn good (would've had him around 30th in baseball last year if he qualified).

 

If it's a bargain basement deal, it's a good deal for Baltimore.

[eastcoastjaysfan]

1 year 8 million

 

lol his agent better get fired.

 

I love seeing s*** like this.

[eastcoastjaysfan]

Weren't there rumours a couple months ago about Cruz asking for like 100 M?

 

lol epic fail

[eastcoastjaysfan]

On BB-Ref his agent is listed as Andy Katz of Wasserman Media Group... I can only find an "Adam Katz" online... He's Hanley's agent... If it's the same guy... Hanley likely will be changing agents.

 

http://baseballplayersalaries.com/agents/71_Adam_Katz