The signing ofNelson Cruzis big news for the Seattle Mariners. Putting the 2014 home run king in between Robinson Cano and Kyle Seager gives the Mariners some serious pop in the middle of the lineup.
It’s no surprise that the move created quite the social media reaction, most of it positive among Mariner fans as well as analysts. However, some were quick to point out that whenever you sign a 34-year old to a four-year deal, there is risk involved.
But as Jeff Sullivan points out (third tweet down), who knows what will happen four years from now? Cruz makes the Mariners a significantly better team right now, without giving up young talent, or any talent for that matter. How can you argue with that?
Nelson Cruz Reaction: The Good
I like the Nelson Cruz signing for three reasons. 1. Cruz has a pulse. 2. He hits home runs. 3. He is not Kendrys Morales.
— alexSSN (@alexSSN)December 1, 2014
I think my complete opinion is Nelson Cruz has sexy power, he inarguably makes the Mariners better now, and we could all be dead in 4 years
— Jeff Sullivan (@based_ball)December 1, 2014
Sorry, on that Cruz stat: Cruz's 4.4 HR% (9 HR in 204 PA) at Safeco Field is 2nd best All-Time for visiting RH hitters w/200+ PA.#Mariners
— Rick Randall (@randallball)December 1, 2014
Yes indeed! RT@RussellHartness:@TheDaveSimsShowexcited to hear your HR call this year! Cruz will be fun to watch! Go MARINERS
— Dave Sims (@TheDaveSimsShow)December 1, 2014
With Cruz signed, let us begin Operation Condor, in which we keep Michael Saunders.@Mariners
— Ben Stein (@BennyGStein)December 1, 2014
#Marinersgot their DH in Nelson Cruz. Never seemed to have problems hitting HR at Safeco Field. Not sure how much OF time I'd give him.
— Geoff Baker (@GeoffBakerTIMES)December 1, 2014
Nelson Cruz agrees to four-year deal with Mariners, according to reporthttp://t.co/9evGODhXsPWORLD SERIES HERE WE COME..SEATTLE MARINERS.
— DINO MICHAEL ROSOTO (@DinoRosoto)December 1, 2014
Nelson Cruz Reaction: The Bad
Reminder, the M's will have to give up No. 21 pick of the 2015 draft for signing Nelson Cruz.
— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish)December 1, 2014
The Nelson Cruz signing is not awful. It's just expensive and long and annoying and inflexible. It might be good for a little bit!#Mariners
— P_Whit (@MarinerMagic)December 1, 2014
#Marinersagain throw copious free agent cash when they can't fix it any other way: Nelson Cruz, 34, $57M.http://t.co/Yb2eICYY9D
— Art Thiel (@Art_Thiel)December 1, 2014
Nelson Cruz Reaction: What’s Next?
What's next for#Mariners? It won't be trading Iwakuma. Asked one exec how available he was. Answer: "Not. They're adding, not subtracting."
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst)December 1, 2014
#Marinersaren't done. They would prefer to have Cruz serve as DH. So they're now looking for find a right fielder.http://t.co/ewab9z1S0n
— Bob Dutton (@ByBobDutton)December 1, 2014
Probably more likely today than yesterday. But still unlikely. @k_shibbyama: Why is Saunders not an option? He is our best outfielder.
— Bob Dutton (@ByBobDutton)December 1, 2014
@TNT_MarinersCould they swing trading Elias for Gattis and then Sign Scherzer?
— zane (@zanemeister)December 1, 2014
Whether or not this move ends up being worth $57 million when we look back on it four years from now is up for debate. However, Mariner 4-hole hitters hit .218 with 19 HR in 2014. Even in a worst-case-scenario, I think it’s safe to say Nelson Cruz will hit significantly better than that. Without a doubt, Cruz will pay off in 2016.
Let’s just hope it puts the M’s over the top.
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