Pondering a Nelson Cruz Reunion

[Shaitan]

In other words, I view a Cruz addition in 2022 as a Phil Nevin or Don Baylor equivalent. If you can improve a roster spot at low risk, sure. But he's too inconsistent at his current age to give up anything of value.

[Shaitan]

4 hours ago, srlarson said:

no.....and can we also not have Sanchez and Jeffers both in the lineup.....we have enough bats (that can actually hit) to not have these guys and their feeble swings both in the lineup......was hoping for more out of Sanchez......but at least a short deal.  

It seems Cruz would actually fill that role.

But I think you're proposing some type of Sano/Larnach/Miranda/Arraez/Garlick rotation at DH (in a dream scenario where the team is mostly healthy).

[nicksaviking]

12 minutes ago, RpR said:

What magic says they can even hit major league pitching?

What makes you think a 42-year-old can?

I count 13 42-year-olds (batters) who've had at least 100 PA this century. The odds of Cruz succeeding look worse than the odds that a 24-year-old in AAA succeeding.

[Danchat]

I would consider the move, depending on several factors - I'd like to get Sanchez out of the DH spot, but it may take an injury and a very cheap cost of the trade (no way I'd give up 2 #10-20 prospects like Tampa did). But the bullpen needs to be addressed first and probably another starter for the rotation would be wise... 

I am concerned that he may not play well down the stretch like he did last year... but I'd still take him over having the Jeffers/Sanchez combo at C/DH in a playoff game. Will Larnach/Miranda/Steer be competent options for that DH spot? Will Garlick still be eating lefties alive? It's hard to say. I'd probably pass, but it depends where we are in 4 weeks' time.

[jimbo92107]

24 minutes ago, RpR said:

What magic says they can even hit major league pitching?

Players whose bats are dominating the high minors usually can hit at the mlb level. No magic required, just look at the stats. Plus, read the descriptions from pundits. Both guys are predicted to hit at the top level. 

Your point should be that there's usually a time lag before a rookie "figures it out" at the plate, and that's true. No problem there for Nelson Cruz. On the other hand, you could still bring up Spencer Steer, then platoon him with Kirilloff at DH and 1B. Another super-sub won't hurt, especially if he figures it out fairly quickly. Then you would have Steer and Gordon for IF, and Gordon and Celestino for OF. Three subs that can hit. 

[RpR]

13 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

What makes you think a 42-year-old can?

I count 13 42-year-olds (batters) who've had at least 100 PA this century. The odds of Cruz succeeding look worse than the odds that a 24-year-old in AAA succeeding.

Not hitting as many Bombas yet but he hit 21 doubles last year and already has 12 this year with 46 rbi.

Your fabled rookies would be below the Mendoza line.

[nicksaviking]

On 7/6/2022 at 1:53 PM, RpR said:

Not hitting as many Bombas yet but he hit 21 doubles last year and already has 12 this year with 46 rbi.

Your fabled rookies would be below the Mendoza line.

He has an OPS of .691 and he ONLY DHs. The Twins 24-year-olds Kirilloff, Celestino, Arraez, Larnach and Lewis all have done better than that. The only youngsters that haven't topped that mark are Jeffers, Jermaine Palacios in his measly 8 games and Jose Miranda who will probably eclipse that number if he gets a hit today.

I like Cruz and I've already said it's not the worst idea in the world, but complaining about young players when the team is winning BECAUSE of the young players isn't a great look.

[Craig Arko]

Hire him as a coach.

[HokieRif]

The only reason I could see to bring him back would be his leadership. But that's not what it appears the 2022 version of the Twins need.  What they need is another arm upgrade (or two) in the bullpen, not another bat at an extreme price.  To the point(s) made earlier in the thread, there are too many younger bats that need consistent reps right now (Kirilloff, Miranda, Gordon specifically) and adding Cruz would chip away at those.  It also means on days where Buck or Kep need a light day then they are out of the lineup entirely unless called on to pinch hit.

I'd rather everyone get slightly more reps.

[dex8425]

6 hours ago, Sean.h said:

We need bullpen help. On another note though, what do you think about Cruz's HOF chances? A good 2022 would have bolstered his case no doubt. The shortened 2020 season didn't help either.

No chance, especially with the PED suspension. 

[Major League Ready]

I would love to hear that conversation with Jim Pohlad.  Hey Jim, what do you think of this idea.  Let’s bring in Nelson Cruz who did very little for the Rays last year when they traded away a very good SP for him.  It will cost us $4M in salary plus a $3M buyout and prospect capital.   Prospect(s) plus $7M

Jim Pohlad ... How has he been hitting.  Falvey ... wRC+ of 88.  However, he has been better lately.  Since June 1st his wRC+ is 107.

Pohlad ... So, what are your options without Cruz.  Falvey ... We could rotate Arraez / Kirilloff and Miranda at DH.  Pohlad ... How have they done lately (since June 1)  Falvey .... 155/144/133 respectively.  Pohlad .... Derek, have you been drinking?

Of course, none of this takes into consideration that the other players can play a defensive position.  The FO would consider this for 30 seconds or less because that's about how long it takes to realize the information above.

 

[HokieRif]

Quote

What they need is another arm upgrade (or two) in the bullpen, not another bat at an extreme price. 

After today's performance - make it 4

[Squirrel]

10 hours ago, bighat said:

I think you're just writing this to make Twins Daily readers angry.

Heh ... not to mention, it's been discussed in the forums already ... 

 

[Shaitan]

2 hours ago, HokieRif said:

The only reason I could see to bring him back would be his leadership. But that's not what it appears the 2022 version of the Twins need.  What they need is another arm upgrade (or two) in the bullpen, not another bat at an extreme price.  To the point(s) made earlier in the thread, there are too many younger bats that need consistent reps right now (Kirilloff, Miranda, Gordon specifically) and adding Cruz would chip away at those.  It also means on days where Buck or Kep need a light day then they are out of the lineup entirely unless called on to pinch hit.

I'd rather everyone get slightly more reps.

I'm honestly indifferent about bringing him back.

But a first place team should be playing to win now, not making sure their utility player gets more ABs.

And, with Rocco's rest cycle, everybody will get their ABs...

 

[dxpavelka]

10 hours ago, Craig Arko said:

Deal with the bullpen first.

Great idea until you get past the deadline and realize you still need a bat just as much as relief help.

[Brazilian Twins Fan]

12 hours ago, bighat said:

I think you're just writing this to make Twins Daily readers angry.

Next article might be about bringing Mauer back from retirement.

This post is laughable.

[Nine of twelve]

12 hours ago, Craig Arko said:

Deal with the bullpen first.

If possible.

[Shaitan]

I just realized while reading this thread that the DH will now play every day in the World Series. Which is a significant change for building postseason rosters.

[nicksaviking]

On 7/6/2022 at 4:14 PM, Major League Ready said:

I would love to hear that conversation with Jim Pohlad.  Hey Jim, what do you think of this idea.  Let’s bring in Nelson Cruz who did very little for the Rays last year when they traded away a very good SP for him.  It will cost us $4M in salary plus a $3M buyout and prospect capital.   Prospect(s) plus $7M

Jim Pohlad ... How has he been hitting.  Falvey ... wRC+ of 88.  However, he has been better lately.  Since June 1st his wRC+ is 107.

Pohlad ... So, what are your options without Cruz.  Falvey ... We could rotate Arraez / Kirilloff and Miranda at DH.  Pohlad ... How have they done lately (since June 1)  Falvey .... 155/144/133 respectively.  Pohlad .... Derek, have you been drinking?

Of course, none of this takes into consideration that the other players can play a defensive position.  The FO would consider this for 30 seconds or less because that's about how long it takes to realize the information above.

 

I honestly don’t think Jim Pohlad would balk at that price tag. 
 

Not saying the Twins would or should take that salary on as there are bigger fish to fry, but if Falvey told him it was the best move, I think he’d do it.

Of course if we wanted to paint Pohlad in that dollars and cents light, there are likely few players who would move the needle of casual Twins fans like the return of fan-favorite Nelson Cruz. Not 7M worth, but certainly his presence would produce some dividends.

[Major League Ready]

19 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

I honestly don’t think Jim Pohlad would balk at that price tag. 
 

Not saying the Twins would or should take that salary on as there are bigger fish to fry, but if Falvey told him it was the best move, I think he’d do it.

Of course if we wanted to paint Pohlad in that dollars and cents light, there are likely few players who would move the needle of casual Twins fans like the return of fan-favorite Nelson Cruz. Not 7M worth, but certainly his presence would produce some dividends.

I agree the dollars wouldn't get in the way if it were a good value proposition.  However, every business decision has an investment vs payoff component which is why I framed it this way.  I could have left out the dollars because it would be a poor decision if it cost nothing.