Orioles Sign Nelson Cruz

Nelson Cruz finally has a new home after waiting all winter. The Baltimore Orioles signed the slugging outfielder to a 1 year $8 Million deal. I have mixed feelings about this deal after Cruz was suspended for 50 games for being involved with the Biogenesis scandal.

Nelson Cruz

No matter what the circumstances, this is a great signing for the Baltimore Orioles. After signing Ubaldo Jimenez and forfeiting their first round pick making the decision to forfeit their second round pick for Cruz was made easier. Whether Cruz plays the outfield or hits as a designated hitter the lineup for the Orioles looks more dangerous than the Texas Rangers or the Los Angeles Angels.

Over the past three seasons Cruz has been pretty consistent with his stats. He is averaging a 112 OPS+ over the past three seasons with 27 home runs per season and an on base percentage of .319. Now that he is playing the for the Orioles and most likely batting 5th behind Chris Davis, much of the pressure should be relieved from Cruz. Expect a good season from Cruz, or at least another consistant season from the outfielder.

Now the problem I have is the salary for Cruz. He was suspended 50 games last season for his actions with Biogenesis, willingly took the suspension, indirectly saying he took performance enhancing drugs. This guy still gets $8 Million after doing something completely frowned upon by Major League Baseball. Not surprisingly Melky Cabrera was suspended 50 games in 2012 when with the San Francisco Giants and become a free agent after the season. He signed a 2 year $16 Million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, just like Nelson Cruz. So the message here is, it doesn't
matter if you take steroids, at the end of the day, you'll still get paid. Jhonny Peralta can also vouch for this concept.