Nelson Cruz, an unsigned free agent outfielder, could wind up with the Seattle Mariners, according to reports circulating on the Hot Stove circuit. Or, Cruz could return to the Texas Rangers. Or, he could join the Detroit Tigers.
First, the Mariners: Well-connected Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports says the M's interest in Cruz is increasing as they consider throwing more money into their roster this season. Cruz would help protect the team's biggest offseason investment, second baseball Robinson Cano, in a revamped batting order.
Also on the Mariners' map: reliever Fernando Rodney, a Dominican pal of Cruz and Cano.
While the Rangers claim they have replaced Cruz with free-agent signee Shin-Soo Choo, there's still a need for a right-handed power hitting in their lineup. If the Rangers want him back, however, it appears Cruz would get a one-year deal.
Cruz could help a lot of power-hungry clubs, except for two little problems. One, a team signing him must fork over draft compensation. Two, his 50-game ban in the Biogenesis debacle raised questions whether, at age 33, he is on the downhill side of his career.
Last week, SN's Jesse Spector mentioned the Tigers appear to have renewed their interest in Cruz. However, Spector mentions another problem in Cruz's game that could be a significant drawback. Cruz isn't suited to playing in big outfields, such as the one in Comerica Park.
Cruz will get a job somewhere, because he can hit, Spector noted. Seattle might be his best bet.
Rodney, the closer with the cockeyed cap, would be an upgrade in the ninth inning for the Mariners. Teams seeking a closer are left with few good options, so the M's appear in the mix along with the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets. The Baltimore Orioles also are mentioned in connection with Rodney as a team that lose out in the Grant Balfour free-agent derby.
Or if the Mariners want to add to their starting staff, A.J. Burnett made himself available this week. However, reports suggest Burnett won't want to switch coasts.