YANKEES TARGET: NELSON CRUZ

The Yankees need to improve in many ways, most of them related to hitting. When looking at the hitting talent out there in free agency, Nelson Cruz’ name is very near the top of the list. The Baltimore Orioles acquired Cruz at a bargain-basement price of $8M for 1 year, and had a monster season with 40 home runs and 108 RBI. He is exactly the kind of right-handed power the Yankees lineup needs.

When looking over the last several years of Cruz’ hitting, he is the picture of consistency. He has not missed any significant time due to injury since 2011, and at the age of 34, he is still young enough to provide the Yankees consistent playing time that they desperately needed from their stars. Over the last four years, his slash line looks like .265/.323/.500 with an OPS of .823 – a serious power threat. His numbers in the postseason are even more impressive, having a career OPS of 1.016. He can play the corner outfield positions and can slot in to the DH spot as needed.

What could be the most promising aspect of his coming to the Bronx would be the fire he brings. I clearly remember, as some of you do, the 2011 postseason when the Yankees fell to the Rangers in six games. In that series, he hit .350 and went deep twice. He was the one guy that the Yankees did not want to challenge, where five of his seven hits were for extra bases. He scored six times, and drove in 5. He was a force to be reckoned with. If the Yankees can work out the deal, this is one guy that can be immediate benefits.

--Ike Dimitriadis, BYB Senior Staff Writer
Twitter: @KingAgamemnon
My blog is: Shots from Murderer's Row






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