Jun 27, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles right fielder Nelson Cruz (23) hits a two run home run in the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Orioles defeated the Rays 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY
3. Nelson Cruz, Baltimore Orioles
2014 stats: .287/.353/.570, 28 HR, 74 RBI, 153 OPS+, 150 wRC+, .393 wOBA
One of the more remarkable, fascinating, and interesting stories/players for this 2014 season.
Last season, Cruz served a 50-game suspension for his ties to Biogenesis. Fast forward to last night as Cruz earned the fan’s vote as the starting DH for the American League in the All-Star Game. Those that have been hard on the PED guys seemingly quickly dispensed of that “hatred” when it comes to Cruz. That or this means of voting for the All-Star Game is a bit of a sham.
Consider his production along with the struggles of Chris Davis, the addition of Cruz to the Orioles roster (and batting order) should now be seen as a major coup for the O’s. And he came on the cheap. Extremely cheap. According to Fangraphs, Cruz has already produced a value of $13.4M.
He’s earned his paycheck this season ($8M)…and then a bit more.