MLB Awards Watch: Top 5 AL MVP candidates through June
By Josh Sippie
4. Nelson Cruz
Jul 1, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Nelson Cruz (23) hits a two run home run during the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
I was completely off of Nelson Cruz’s boat when he got caught using steroids, but he has proven me wrong in every sense of the word. This year, Nelson Cruz is raking to the tune of a .307 average, 20 home runs and 48 RBIs. That .307 average is higher than Cruz has had since 2010 and a huge testament to the work he has put in to reestablish himself.
Nelson Cruz is to the Mariners what Miggy is to the Tigers and what Prince is to the Rangers – the anchor, the power core and the force that drives that lineup. However, the Mariners are not faring that well and Nelson Cruz is not capable of lifting them himself.
Next: Number 3