Nelson Cruz

[beezer]

I haven't heard anything about him lately. What does his playing time look like? He's got nice minor league numbers.

[beezer]

From the Fort Worth Star-Telegram:

RF Nelson Cruz
Manager Ron Washington has decided to give Cruz, 26, a chance to prove himself this season. Doing so would relegate a more experienced outfielder, usually Brad


Wilkerson, to the bench, but Washington wants to see more out of the talented but unpolished Cruz.

I think he could turn out to be one of this year's biggest sleepers.

[beezer]

Does anybody else have an opinion on him?

[DSheppard]

ill give the opinion that he hit a walkoff homerun 5 minutes ago and i liked that.

his final ST line is a .298 average with 3 homeruns... and the other stats i dont know.

anyway... i like cruz a lot.

but the problem is, that half the reason i like him is that hes a well above average defender in RF, runs very well for someone his size, has a great arm (gunned down a runner today as well), and can play CF in a pinch.

for fantasy.. hes definitely got the power potential. he has serious raw power, and if he can hit for a high enough average to stay in the majors all season should challenge 30 homeruns for the next few years.

but for now.. id definitely wait and see if he can maintain an average. he strikes out so much that hes a threat to to have a collapse of hitting like .210 or something.

so yeah, i like him, but in normal leagues i wouldnt bother until he establishes himself a bit. in deep leagues hes worth a pickup on the bench to see how he gets started.

[beezer]

Thanks D-Shepp for the good word. My league is a deep 14-teamer so I will keep him on the bench to see how he goes.

[beezer]

Rotoworld:

Nelson Cruz-OF- Rangers Mar. 31 - 10:48 pm et


Nelson Cruz went 2-for-2 with a walkoff solo homer to give the Rangers a 4-3 win over the Brewers on Saturday night.

With a .298/.365/.596 line, Cruz has made quite a case to play over Brad Wilkerson at the beginning of the season. He'll be in the lineup against all left-handers and a lot of righties.

[beezer]

Rotoworld:

Nelson Cruz-OF- Rangers Mar. 31 - 10:48 pm et


Nelson Cruz went 2-for-2 with a walkoff solo homer to give the Rangers a 4-3 win over the Brewers on Saturday night.

With a .298/.365/.596 line, Cruz has made quite a case to play over Brad Wilkerson at the beginning of the season. He'll be in the lineup against all left-handers and a lot of righties.

[beezer]

Dallas Morning News

Age: 26 Exp.: 82 days

Salary: $382,000 B-T: R-R

The lowdown: Cruz was a key part of the trade that brought Carlos Lee to the Rangers from the Brewers at the trade deadline last season. ... Batted .223 with six homers and 22 RBIs in 41 games with Texas in 2006. ... He had a .302 average with 22 doubles, 20 homers and 73 RBIs with Triple-A Nashville last season.

Job: Everyday right fielder. Cruz will bat near the bottom of the order.

2006 vs. AL West: .240, 5 HRs, 18 RBIs

[Doc19]

I was kind of expecting him to play last night... anyone have any insight into his playing time?

[Y`s Guy]

I just picked him up. In my 14-team league which is seriously deep, and competitive I found myself thin in the OF...Abreu, Matsui, Hart and Murton .

I think young Nelson was 3-3 last night and Washington has said he is just about ready to "unleash" the kid. I am getting him now before someone else does. It only cost me Ben Zobrist

I guess if he starts playing every day he should end up with 20 home runs and 15 SBs. Probably .290 BA.

He'll have guys on base often and may even score a bit with Kinsler behind him.