MLB Detroit Tigers

Detroit Tigers Need To Stay Away From Nelson Cruz

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By @Brad_Faber

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Over the past few days, fans of Detroit Tigers baseball have been wondering what the team’s plan B might be if they are unable to retain designated hitter Victor Martinez, who is reportedly seeking a four-year deal. One option that has been floated is making a run at Nelson Cruz.

The Baltimore Orioles are expected to extend Cruz a qualifying offer, and it remains to be seen whether or not he will accept it or opt to search for a multi-year deal. A year ago, when Cruz was coming off of a 50-game PED suspension, the Texas Rangers made him a QO and he declined, leaving him unemployed until he and the Orioles finally agreed to a one-year, $8 million contract on Feb. 24.

The 34-year-old Cruz went on to put up a monster season in Baltimore, slashing .271/.333/.525 with an MLB-leading 40 home runs and a career-high 108 RBIs. It is also hard to credit his success to playing his home games in Camden Yards, considering the fact that 25 of his homers came on the road.

Cruz continued his postseason torture of the Tigers in the 2014 ALDS as well, going 6-for-12 with two homers and five RBIs. In nine career postseason games against Detroit, Cruz is now hitting .412 with eight long balls and 18 RBIs. So if Cruz does become available, if you can’t beat him, sign him, right?

Not so fast. For starters, there is Cruz’s age to consider. Cruz, who will turn 35 in July, is a mere 18 months younger than Martinez, and he may have already reached his peak. While Cruz could certainly have a few more productive years in front of him, it would be a gamble to count on him being able to replicate the career year that he had with the Orioles in 2014.

Furthermore, Cruz has indeed carved out a fine career as a powerful, intimidating hitter, but he is simply not what the Tigers need right now. He is a right-handed hitting DH/corner outfielder, and the Tigers need a left-handed hitter and a center fielder.

If the switch-hitting Martinez does indeed depart via free agency, the Tigers will be incredibly thin on left-handed bats unless Steven Moya or Tyler Collins are ready to step up in 2015.

Rather than making a run at Cruz, the Tigers may be wise to pursue Melky Cabrera or Nick Markakis if Martinez decides it is time to move on. They should also remain focused on finding a new center fielder.

Brad Faber is a Detroit Tigers writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Brad_Faber, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on LinkedIn or Google. 

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