Article: 3 Reasons I'm All In on Nelson Cruz

[Nick Nelson]

As rumors swirled of Minnesota's reported interest in free agent slugger Nelson Cruz, I found myself lukewarm on the notion. But now that this union has actually come to fruition, with Cruz and the Twins agreeing to terms on Thursday, I find my reservations have mostly been lifted.

 

Part of this is because of the deal's unexpectedly team-friendly structure. Part of it is the deeper meaning.Here are three reasons I find myself warming up to Cruz (none of them are that his name is Nelson, although that is very good and important).

 

1. It's only a one-year guarantee

 

My main hold-up with the idea of signing Cruz was that he's a DH-only player who resides at the bottom end of the defensive spectrum, making him a restrictive presence on the roster. He'll be an everyday fixture, so long as he's healthy, so Rocco Baldelli pretty much totally loses his ability to use the DH spot for any other purposes.

 

Wanna take it easy on Sano's legs early on? If he plays, it's gonna have to be in the field. Wanna play all four of your (arguably) starter-caliber outfielders at the same time? Not really an option now. Wanna call up Brent Rooker because he's clobbering Triple-A, but there's no vacancy at first base or corner OF? Tough luck.

 

Cruz was reportedly seeking a two-year contract, and that just seemed impractical to me for a team in Minnesota's position, taking stock of its own uncertain assets. Especially so when you consider that Cruz is likely to decline, at least to some degree, as he approaches 40 years of age. But at one year, and at a downright reasonable cost of $14 million? With an even more reasonable team option attached? Who could really take issue with it?

 

In the event this team fails to take off, there's a fair chance Cruz will have enough deadline value to return a prospect or two, so the element of long-term upside is still there. And what I'm loving is that the Twins no longer appear to be planning for that event.

 

2. The Twins are demonstrating they want to win

 

During his August interview with Baseball Prospectus at Target Field, general manager Thad Levine somewhat downplayed free agency as an avenue for additions: "This might not be the perfect time for us to invest in a guy who’s 30 years old and would need to perform today in order for us to realize his true potential. We’re bullish on 2019 for the Twins, and we’re really excited for 2020 and beyond, for a variety of reasons."

 

Between remarks like that, and the Twins quickly filling their two most evident roster holes with a pair of castoffs from other organizations – albeit castoffs with considerable upside – I became resigned to this as a stand-pat offseason for the team, consisting of half-measures and stopgaps. Given the situation, and the number of uncertain (yet intriguing) pieces on hand, it made enough sense. The Twins would hardly be alone in following the "stagnant rebuild" model being employed by about half the league.

 

Cruz is a major pivot away from that path. Levine spoke of avoiding "a guy who's 30 years old and would need to perform today in order for us to realize his true potential," and Cruz is pretty much that, except he's 38. This is a win-now move through and through.

 

On one hand, there's minimal risk in any one-year contract. On the other hand, the Twins are making real sacrifices here, as a team in flux and with various moving parts. Levine and Derek Falvey are undoubtedly aware of the roster-building limitations of a 600-PA designated hitter, which I covered earlier. They are also aware that this move probably costs them Tyler Austin, an interesting slugger who might've figured into the club's plans beyond 2020. Cruz surely won't.

 

But ya know what? He's great enough, and the deal is good enough, that you accept those downsides. Cleveland is supposedly deep in talks to trade Corey Kluber, and this division looks ripe for the taking. With Cruz in their lineup, the Twins are far more legitimate threats on paper.

 

The signing sends a reinvigorating message to the current Twins players. (Don't believe me? Check their Twitter accounts.) And even more importantly...

 

3. It sends the right message to fans

 

This fan base has taken a beating. The past eight years have included five 90-game losers, including the worst Twins team of all time. Modest glimpses of hope in 2015 and 2017 were each followed by gut-punch backslides. We just had to watch the 2018 squad commit approximately 5 billion gaffes and miscues against the backdrop of "This Is How We Baseball" plastered on Target Field's outfield wall.

 

We needed a jolt. We got it. Once you brush past all the metrics and analysis, Nelson Cruz is simply a big-ticket player who generates tons of excitement, and is tremendously fun to watch. He leads baseball in home runs since 2014. He's been an All-Star five times in the last six years. He routinely ranks among the league leaders in exit velocity

 

This guy is an absolute phenom of the game, with a big and bright personality. That's the kind of infusion this team sorely needed to stir up some genuine enthusiasm.

 

There are other reasons to like the fit, including clubhouse impact (you'd be hard-pressed to argue that a 39-year-old Torii Hunter didn't make an impact beyond his numbers in 2015), but these are the three concrete reasons that have me feeling good about the move.

 

How 'bout you?

 

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[specialiststeve]

Like the move a ton! Our lineup actually could be pretty good if and that is a big IF Buxton and Sano can be good. Our next project and very important one is getting some improvement in our pitching - both the starting and the relief. We shall see. I like the front office making short term deals to let the young studs grow up... 

[Dr. Evil]

I love the pick up mainly because it sets a target out in front of the guys you hope will take the next step while providing them with an example of the work ethic it takes to get there. Great pickup by management.

[Homer Hanky]

I like the idea of Cruz mentoring Sano!!!! so Sano can become the next cruz

[Dman]

I really wanted the FO to get Cruz I just doubted that they would be able to do it.  I thought he would choose Houston even for less money but I am glad he didn't.  We really need this guy right now.  He brings in some great right handed power and being a veteran should be a little more clutch in important situations.

 

Thanks FO for making this happen.  It really gives me hope that this team can better compete in 2019.

 

With the Twins being at the 100M mark I don't see them spending much more than 10 to 15M more for players.  If they can squeeze in two more pitchers with that money then I think they will be done.  Potential guys in the system for the pen would be Romero, Vasquez, Moya, Stewart, and Curtis to go with more established guys like May, Rogers, Hildenberger, and Reed,.  So there are internal options.  It would be nice if they could pick up a legitimate closer though.  Probably have to wait and see what is left in the bargain bin before they make that decision though.

[Vanimal46]

I hope Cruz takes Sano under his wings and has a heart to heart with him about what it takes to have a long MLB career. It's up to Sano, obviously, but it's nice to have a fellow DR player on the team to look up to.

Edited December 28, 2018 by Vanimal46

[Channing1964]

It was the right move and it couldnt have come at a better time to make it. Austin nor Cron are no Nelson Cruz. Schoop for that matter either. Now those guys can be what they are...complimentary pieces to a decent offense.

[DocBauer]

I return to the interview Falvey did with Souhan recently. He spoke about losing a young player if you make this kind of move, but what affect a veteran hitter could bring to the lineup, and the players around him, both initially and down the road.

 

This move could have a very positive effect on not only the lineup, but for the young core of this team, for 2019 and 2020 and beyond.

 

We aren't done yet. At least, I hope and assume we aren't. But I really like the energy this move brings!

[MileHighTwinsFan]

1.022 OPS at Target Field, ‘nuff said.

[Channing1964]

To get a guy like that this early...wow...lets just hope that we dont stop the struggle now. Our struggle is real. Im no way satisfied with our options at third base. We could use a decent closer and let May, Hildenberger, Rogers, Moya, and Reed be what they are as well. Decent set up guys and situational guys. I wonder why we dont hear much about Moustakas? His bat would fit nice between Cron, Cruz, Schoop and Sano's along with Polanco, Kepler, and Rosario. Kelvin Herrera knows this division and I believe he does have closing experience. Cave is a decent 4th outfielder and Garver is fine with Castro. There are plenty of quality arms out there that we can easily afford short term while the younger group progresses. Look what the A's did with Edwin Jackson, Trevor Cahill, and Mike Fiers last year. I dont see Keuchel as an ace but be what a great 3 or 4 guy. Just like we should have let Lance Lynn be. Don't stop now FO!!!

[Doctor Wu]

 

To get a guy like that this early...wow...lets just hope that we dont stop the struggle now. Our struggle is real. Im no way satisfied with our options at third base. We could use a decent closer and let May, Hildenberger, Rogers, Moya, and Reed be what they are as well. Decent set up guys and situational guys. I wonder why we dont hear much about Moustakas? His bat would fit nice between Cron, Cruz, Schoop and Sano's along with Polanco, Kepler, and Rosario. Kelvin Herrera knows this division and I believe he does have closing experience. Cave is a decent 4th outfielder and Garver is fine with Castro. There are plenty of quality arms out there that we can easily afford short term while the younger group progresses. Look what the A's did with Edwin Jackson, Trevor Cahill, and Mike Fiers last year. I dont see Keuchel as an ace but be what a great 3 or 4 guy. Just like we should have let Lance Lynn be. Don't stop now FO!!!

Yeah, what the A's did last year to bolster their starting pitching worked out VERY well. It would be nice for the Twins to pick up at least another "comeback" type started in addition to some extra arms for the bullpen. But back to Cruz, as I noted in another post, I'm less than enthusiastic about the signing. But one thing that I do agree with is that it sends a strong message to the fans --- not to mention the rest of the team --- that the front office intends to compete this year. And that's a very good thing.

[USAFChief]

Been beating the drum for Cruz since the day the season ended.

 

Legit middle of the order bat, hopefully. Much needed.

[rv78]

Only 1 reason why I'm glad they signed Cruz and that is hopefully he'll help Sano.

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

1.022 OPS at Target Field, ‘nuff said.

 

unfortunately, that was facing Twins pitching... 

[Blackjack]

 

I hope Cruz takes Sano under his wings and has a heart to heart with him about what it takes to have a long MLB career. It's up to Sano, obviously, but it's nice to have a fellow DR player on the team to look up to.

You have to wonder how much the signing of Cruz had to do with mentoring Sano, showing him a positive example of how its done. Its worth millions to the Twins if he can help turn Sano into the superstar we're all hoping for.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

Poor Willians Astudillo.

[Channing1964]

I have to say I was hard on the FO at last years trading deadline....I was very disappointed, but I have always thought Cruz was a real force even before his playoff heroics for the Rangers. We coulda done way Way worse....This dude can still play RF I'd bet! The impact he will have on guys like Sano and Polanco will just make it sweeter. We just landed the Blue Chip of the 2018 FA Class.(I wonder if Marwin Gonzalez noticed it yet....)

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

You have to wonder how much the signing of Cruz had to do with mentoring Sano, showing him a positive example of how its done. Its worth millions to the Twins if he can help turn Sano into the superstar we're all hoping for.

yeah, this alone might be worth the money. Hopefully he produces on top of that. 

[ChrisKnutson]

Since Cruz is on board now, who becomes trade bait?? Because we still need pitching and we definitely could use a backup for Sano at 3rd.

 

 

[Channing1964]

Man C.K...we don't need to trade Anybody to get Moustakas' left handed bat into the mix...we could get him for 1 year and ten Mil. I bet. And I think that would be a bargain! The Brewers arent bringing him back because they already have Shaw.

[Channing1964]

1b-Cron or Kepler

2b-Schoop or Adrianza

Ss-Polanco/Adrianza

3b-Sano or Moustakas

C-Castro & Garver

Dh-Cruz

Of-Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, and Cave... it's a 12 man position roster..Perfect!...I am sure Moose can play a little first base as well and he must be a good defender be at 3b because TheBrewCrew moved Shaw to second before they got Schoop last year.

[Danchat]

 

Poor Willians Astudillo.

At the current moment, it'll probably just take one injury to get Astudillo back on the roster since he can back up C and the infield. I imagine he'll be taking a few trips between AAA and Minnesota this year.

[USNMCPO]

 

1b-Cron or Kepler
2b-Schoop or Adrianza
Ss-Polanco/Adrianza
3b-Sano or Moustakas
C-Castro & Garver
Dh-Cruz
Of-Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, and Cave... it's a 12 man position roster..Perfect!...I am sure Moose can play a little first base as well and he must be a good defender be at 3b because TheBrewCrew moved Shaw to second before they got Schoop last year.

I liked this both times!

[jctwins]

I haven't read every post, but the amount of traffic here being dedicated to this one signing shows just how low the bar is in Twins Territory.

 

Falvine is making a good PR move here, but they need to focus on developing a system, not signinf free agents, and they know it.

 

 

[jorgenswest]

How does the Cruz signing limit their focus on developing a system?

[Brandon]

Moustakas won't sign here to be a back up.

[Ben Noble]

 

1b-Cron or Kepler
2b-Schoop or Adrianza
Ss-Polanco/Adrianza
3b-Sano or Moustakas
C-Castro & Garver
Dh-Cruz
Of-Rosario, Buxton, Kepler, and Cave... it's a 12 man position roster..Perfect!...I am sure Moose can play a little first base as well and he must be a good defender be at 3b because TheBrewCrew moved Shaw to second before they got Schoop last year.

 

You've got 13 players listed there. And I have zero interest in kicking off the 2019 season with Sano relegated to platoon duty vs lefty starters.

[caninatl04]

My two cents:

The player: a grade of B

The contract: A +

 

Questions:

Has he ever played 1B?

What are his lefty / righty splits?

 

I hope we see a lot of creative platooning.

 

On a tangent, I’d rather have an excellent RP than a platooning Moustakis.

[caninatl04]

Here’s a discussion topic. Using just the players currently on the roster, what do you see the opening day line ups versus lefties / righties looking like? And yes, there are caveats galore.

[Channing1964]

Ladies and Gentlemen i didnt say anything about a platoon or Moose being a backup. IMO Sano can earn his job back just like Buxton is gonna have to do. Moustakas had been an all star more than once AND....he has a RING. Sano can back up 3rd, 1st, and DH.