Seattle Mariners News: Nelson Cruz to O’s, Not M’s

Aug 4, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Texas Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz (17) reacts after striking out against the Oakland Athletics in the seventh inning at O.Co Coliseum. The Rangers defeated the Athletics 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Remember when there wasthis rumor, thatNelson Cruzhad turned down a five-year, $75 million contract offer from theSeattle Mariners? Now that Cruz hassigneda one-year, $8 million deal to play with the Baltimore Orioles, wouldn’t you love to know if that rumor was true?

If that rumorwastrue, how foolish do both the Mariners and Cruz look right now? The Mariners look foolish if they offered that kind of money, and Cruz looks even more foolish for turning it down. Again, this may have just been a wild rumor, but if it was actually true, Cruz just lost $67 million.

At minimum, Cruz will lose $6.1 million since the Texas Rangers originally made him a one-year, $14.1 million qualifying offer. If you recall, that is the same qualifying offer that the Mariners made toKendrys Morales, who is still looking for a job. Mr. Morales may end up with a similar situation to Mr. Cruz.

Regardless of whether the rumor about the multi-year offer from the Mariners is true or not, it makes for an interesting angle to a story that ends without a great deal of drama. The Orioles are only on the hook for a year, and Cruz will face a lot of pressure to perform if he wants a deal beyond this season.

Meanwhile, another free agent that was “linked” to the Mariners has signed with a team not located in Seattle. Add Cruz to the growing list of players that the Mariners were rumored to be chasing, but didn’t end up signing to a deal.

Morales is still out there, but the Mariners have their share of players who will be fighting for first base or DH.Ervin Santanais also out there, and he will undoubtedly be moved to the front burner of the Hot Stove.

Robinson Canowill not be getting Cruz’s protection in the lineup. The Mariners move on, and Cruz gets a hat with a bird on it.

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