Jose Cruz

[Tigers1223]

What does everyone think of him? Is he just hot right now? It appears so, but I dont know his story. I am trying to decide if I should pick him up or if I should go with C. Quentin who is struggling, or if I should keep Duffy. Advice?

[PlayingWithFire]

Cruz is definitely only hot right now, in his prime he can be a decent #2 or #3 fantasy OF. But I'll be surprised if he hits higher than .270 right now over a full season. Terrmel Sledge was enjoying success before his recent cold streak, so if Jose ever gets into a slump, he'll lose a lot of playing time to Sledge.

That's all I know

avidmarver or wrvere probably knows more, I'm curious too

[Laean]

he's shown potential for 20 20 before. kind of a tease though.

[100MPH]

What does everyone think of him? Is he just hot right now? It appears so, but I dont know his story. I am trying to decide if I should pick him up or if I should go with C. Quentin who is struggling, or if I should keep Duffy. Advice?

Very streaky. He will have a stud month and then be worthless the rest of the year. YMMV.

[qqqsimmons]

give him growth hormone and at-bats and he could hit 30 HRs again??? i mean look at matthews jr. last year. he hadn't done shit before that.[/i]

[Splendid61]

he's shown potential for 20 20 before. kind of a tease though.

Potential? He has actually gone 30-30 before... 2001 with the Blue Jays.

But Cruz Jr. is not the same player any more. This is likely just another one of his hot starts. He had a similiar April in 2003 (23 Runs, 7 HR, 16 RBI, 3 SB, .308 avg, 22 BB) but faded.

Considering he's 33 years old, a career .250 hitter, doesn't steal many bases anymore, and playing for the Padres, there's really no way he doesn't fade out. He won't be this year's Jermaine Dye.