#23 Nelson Cruz

 When the baseball season started we figured the Mariners would be in the hunt for the playoffs and even a chance to win the World Series. This is especially true with the season that Nelson Cruz is having.

I figured that Cruz would add at least two wins to the Mariners season of last year because of what he has done against the Mariners in seasons past; however I was wrong along with every expert and Mariner fan.

There was a possibility that the Mariners would not do as well as we expected but I am sure no one would think after the all-star break they would be in last place in their division just below Oakland. Like they say it is the reason the season is played because what shows on paper does not happen which in the case of the Mariners is very true.

We all figured that if Cruz played about the same or even a little below what he did in the past including last season with the Baltimore Orioles the Mariner would be in very good shape; however, Cruz has done better this first season under a four year contract than we expected, and the Mariners look more like the team of 2013 and several years before. In fact, he hit two runs on July 22 but the Mariners still got beat badly.

We can’t predict what Cruz will do in the next three years since he is now 35 years old; however, I am sure he will do Ok since he keeps himself in pretty good shape, and we can hope that he does not come down with injuries. We can see the Mariners will need to add at least one more piece to the puzzle next season either a left fielder or first baseman. Unless we are surprised there does not seem to be anyone ready to go in the Mariners farm system besides maybe Jesus Montero who looks like he could take his place on the team playing both first base and designated hitter against left handed pitchers. The only thing though the next three years Cruz most likely will DH more often than this year. The last two years of his contract, and I am sure the last year of the contract he will be full time DH only playing a hand full games in the outfield. Of course, the Mariners could play him at first base as well when resting other players.

If the season continues the way it is going despite what Cruz is hitting it looks to me like we may see the end of both Lloyd McClendon and Jack Z. It is nice to see who Jack Z brought in this season especially Cruz, Seth, and JA Happ; however, it only makes sense if Lloyd is dismissed so will Jack. He has gone through four managers so a whole overhaul will be needed. I hope things will turn around that this will not happen. Outside of Cruz, Felix, and a few other players the trouble has to be on the team. We all thought what Jack did was going to make the team a winner, and it has not happened.

For the Mariners to come through the next two months not only does Cruz keep doing what he has done the Mariners need to have Cano continue what he has done in July, and see improvement from Seager along with other players. Coming out of the break things have not been happening any better so time for a change to happen. I will write next time what I think they need to do. Last week I wrote the players need to go out and have fun. Of course, that is still not happening they are still pressing especially during crucial times. Anyway Go Mariners!