Article on Cruz

[fjk090852-7]

Move Cruz to 1B or the OF. Better yet, he needs to grow up and realize that he is not an all-world player. Use his batting skills and arm strength to make the Bucs a better team going forward.

You are correct “ he is not all world “ his baseball IQ is lacking. If he and Reynolds would have collided last night and Reynolds got hurt everything that the FO did on Tuesday was wasted. Don’t get me wrong I like him, but there are times he doesn’t use baseball smarts.

[bucs607179]

but damn if he doesn't have exit velocity.

[Doc]

This past week we have seen Cruz struggling at the plate as well as in the field. Especially last night was a bad night for him. I know he has 15 or 16 homers and 50 some rbi, but if you were the GM and this offseason a team approached you with a package of players for Cruz would you make the deal? I don’t want all prospects in return, but let’s say a major league shortstop and first baseman with years of control and one or two high end prospects. The two Major Leaguers are solid players, not All Stars, but players to fill the Pirates two positions. Possibly similar to the Tony Pena trade, but as well as two high end prospects. Personally I would have to give it much thought.

There are few secrets in baseball. If we all realize Cruz isn't a shortstop every GM knows it, too. I have trouble imagining a team calling the Pirates looking to make a trade for him. However, if one did, I'd pull the trigger pretty fast if I were Cherington.

[fjk090852-7]

This past week we have seen Cruz struggling at the plate as well as in the field. Especially last night was a bad night for him. I know he has 15 or 16 homers and 50 some rbi, but if you were the GM and this offseason a team approached you with a package of players for Cruz would you make the deal? I don’t want all prospects in return, but let’s say a major league shortstop and first baseman with years of control and one or two high end prospects. The two Major Leaguers are solid players, not All Stars, but players to fill the Pirates two positions. Possibly similar to the Tony Pena trade, but as well as two high end prospects. Personally I would have to give it much thought.

There are few secrets in baseball. If we all realize Cruz isn't a shortstop every GM knows it, too. I have trouble imagining a team calling the Pirates looking to make a trade for him. However, if one did, I'd pull the trigger pretty fast if I were Cherington.

Maybe a team would want him for a DH or to play another position. If the offer was good enough I would surely listen. He may balk if the Pirates made him a DH, but if he was traded to another organization he may accept that new position.

[Bobster]

Even in the minors, they were questions about his ability to play shortstop. The Pirates obviously hoped that skill would develop, but if anything it appears to be regressing. He just is not a shortstop. He has freakish skills in power and throwing. So teams will always find room for him. And his hitting could improve, if he learns to lay off curve balls in the dirt. His future is likely at DH, first base or outfield. I can’t imagine any other team would make the mistake of putting him a shortstop. But I’m sure a lot of teams would like to acquire him. As a shortstop, his fielding and throwing errors are compounded by his lack of knowing what to do. If he wasn’t playing shortstop, we would likely have no complaints about him. And that’s how other teams would see him as a possible trade acquisition. Certainly not as a shortstop.

[Doc]

This past week we have seen Cruz struggling at the plate as well as in the field. Especially last night was a bad night for him. I know he has 15 or 16 homers and 50 some rbi, but if you were the GM and this offseason a team approached you with a package of players for Cruz would you make the deal? I don’t want all prospects in return, but let’s say a major league shortstop and first baseman with years of control and one or two high end prospects. The two Major Leaguers are solid players, not All Stars, but players to fill the Pirates two positions. Possibly similar to the Tony Pena trade, but as well as two high end prospects. Personally I would have to give it much thought.

There are few secrets in baseball. If we all realize Cruz isn't a shortstop every GM knows it, too. I have trouble imagining a team calling the Pirates looking to make a trade for him. However, if one did, I'd pull the trigger pretty fast if I were Cherington.

Maybe a team would want him for a DH or to play another position. If the offer was good enough I would surely listen. He may balk if the Pirates made him a DH, but if he was traded to another organization he may accept that new position.

I think DH would be his best position because he wouldn't be creating havoc on defense. If he refused to become the DH, the Pirates could simply option him to the low minor leagues, where he would serve as the DH or he'd sit and watch, until he realizes and admits he made a mistake. I don't know why a team would put up with a player making demands, especially one who hasn't proven anything yet. Truthfully, though, I don't believe he's ever going to become a star player. He doesn't appear to have the desire to do what it takes. So if he's traded, to me, it's addition by subtraction.

[Bobster]

It’s ironic that for so many years the Pirates have been drafting middle infielders and yet don’t really have a shortstop.

[PooperScooper !]

His bat will play for sure, next year will be breakout season . He will have a few good years. Just try him at 1st next season and let him pout.

[fjk090852-7]

His bat will play for sure, next year will be breakout season . He will have a few good years. Just try him at 1st next season and let him pout.

If we thought Josh Bell was bad throwing the ball from first base to second, I think Cruz would make Bell look like a gold glove first baseman. I really think Cruz’s best future position is DH.

[PooperScooper !]

Bell wasn't SS , I think Cruz can do it couple times a game. I think we need to ride that bat for another year.

Iget what you said, read it wrong. DH / 1B platoon , just keep running guys out there. What about Davis...yikes! Cruz could play SS/1B/3B/ DH , super utility guy !!!