Nelson Cruz

[j2j]

What's an updated starting 9 look like now?

[RubeTube]

Jesus Christ typical Minnesota Twins go get some washed-up has-been hoping to catch lightning in a bottle. This is why I will never go to a game at Target Field until ownership either shows me that they're trying a
or they sell the team. Why we gave those Crooks a new stadium is beyond me.

This. Said a week or two ago this would be a move the Twins would likely make.

There's your big signing folks!

Prediction: He won't make it through a full year here. Twins will suck and deal him at the deadline to a playoff contender.

#TwinsWay

[full force five]

I don't think this is a typical twins move. Our middle of the line-up with Cruz, Cron, Sano, Schoop, Rosario and hopefully Buxton that's not terrible.

[ForCaleb]

I don't think this is a typical twins move. Our middle of the line-up with Cruz, Cron, Sano, Schoop, Rosario and hopefully Buxton that's not terrible.

I don't think it's terrible, but it's a HR or bust lineup. No speed beyond Buxton and Rosario.

[boxter432]

Washed up has been? He’s off back to back all star games and a year removed from a silver slugger.

[ForCaleb]

What's an updated starting 9 look like now?

Buxton
Rosario/Austin
Cruz
Schoop
Polanco
Cron/Austin
Sano
Kepler/Austin
Castro

[bombers3shooter]

Washed up has been? He’s off back to back all star games and a year removed from a silver slugger.

Nobody has hit more home runs the last 5 years. NOBODY!

[mglviks]

Pieces are in place!

I like the additions thusfar. Now some arms.

[D_B_U]

What's an updated starting 9 look like now?

Would assume something like this:
C- Castro
1B- Cron
2B- Schoop
SS-Polanco
3B- Sano
LF- Rosario
CF- Buxton
RF-Kepler
DH- Cruz

Bench
Austin
Garver or Gimenez
Adrianza or Arraez
Granite

I still am curious to see how long they leave Sano at 3B. I think if you can find an option at 3B you move him to 1B. Not sure if thats an option with Cron.

I would assume they are done with adding Schoop, Scron and Cruz. Three solid additions.

Now they need to work on pitching.

[Ask Not]

I don't think this is a typical twins move. Our middle of the line-up with Cruz, Cron, Sano, Schoop, Rosario and hopefully Buxton that's not terrible.

It's not terrible but it's pretty damned right handed. Austin and Garver are also right handed.

[memyworld]

Can he still face Twins pitching while hitting for the Twins?

touché

I kid. Sorta. But regardless, it's still a nice signing. The team needs pop. The team option for next year is gravy.

I mean, I tried to avoid that obvious fact. Maybe it's just the lovely view of Minnie and Paul?

[Hornets]

I really thing Cruz will influence Mr. Sano in a positive way....I'll go out on a limb and say the 2 of them will hit 70+ dingers between them!

WIN TWINS!!

[HeHateMe]

What's an updated starting 9 look like now?

Buxton
Rosario/Austin
Cruz
Schoop
Polanco
Cron/Austin
Sano
Kepler/Austin
Castro

I would have liked Wilson Ramos in there -- Castro could have been the backup or traded and Twins pick up the money.

Rest of the lineup.. meh. Hopefully Sano/Buxton can finally put it together, I'm losing faith in Kepler, if there was any, Polanco and Rosario are nice pieces. Hopefully some pop from Cron/Cruz/Austin.

[Southpaw23]

What's an updated starting 9 look like now?

Buxton
Rosario/Austin
Cruz
Schoop
Polanco
Cron/Austin
Sano
Kepler/Austin
Castro

I would have liked Wilson Ramos in there -- Castro could have been the backup or traded and Twins pick up the money.

Rest of the lineup.. meh. Hopefully Sano/Buxton can finally put it together, I'm losing faith in Kepler, if there was any, Polanco and Rosario are nice pieces. Hopefully some pop from Cron/Cruz/Austin.

Yeah but remember that month Kepler had that one year.

[ForCaleb]

What's an updated starting 9 look like now?

Buxton
Rosario/Austin
Cruz
Schoop
Polanco
Cron/Austin
Sano
Kepler/Austin
Castro

I would have liked Wilson Ramos in there -- Castro could have been the backup or traded and Twins pick up the money.

Rest of the lineup.. meh. Hopefully Sano/Buxton can finally put it together, I'm losing faith in Kepler, if there was any, Polanco and Rosario are nice pieces. Hopefully some pop from Cron/Cruz/Austin.

OBP #’s for this lineup could be collectively atrocious, maybe worst in the league. Lots of pop, but boom or bust. It’s a different approach than we’re used to, maybe it pans out?

I’m still really concerned about pitching.

[Ron Burgundy 4 President]

This lineup is better with him than without him and anyone who thinks otherwise is delusional. Who did some of you guys seriously expect them to get? Harper and Machado?

[Ron Burgundy 4 President]

Buxton
Rosario/Austin
Cruz
Schoop
Polanco
Cron/Austin
Sano
Kepler/Austin
Castro

I would have liked Wilson Ramos in there -- Castro could have been the backup or traded and Twins pick up the money.

Rest of the lineup.. meh. Hopefully Sano/Buxton can finally put it together, I'm losing faith in Kepler, if there was any, Polanco and Rosario are nice pieces. Hopefully some pop from Cron/Cruz/Austin.

OBP #’s for this lineup could be collectively atrocious, maybe worst in the league. Lots of pop, but boom or bust. It’s a different approach than we’re used to, maybe it pans out?

I’m still really concerned about pitching.

As long as Buxton and Sano are both allowed to play often enough they will each easily rack up 200+ strikeouts and that alone (not to mention their likely abysmal BA's) will make the team OBP atrocious. You are quite right to be concerned with the pitching though. Its among the worst in MLB if not the very worst. It will need to be upgraded or we'll be looking at another 90+ loss season. Again.

[Small Hands]

I'll believe it when I see it

Believe!!!!

I'm a little surprised he decided to sign with MN. It'll help the lineup quite a bit. He has a solid OBP as well. This doesn't help our rotation that has been without an ace for over a decade. I expect at least 30 bombs from him from the right side of the plate. Something the Twins were second to last in the league at doing with only 62 HR's from the right side. Good for the Twins by overpaying him. It's what you have to do until you change the culture. Bo Sox and Astros were really interested in him.

[whiskerbiscuit]

Looks like we learned our lesson for not signing Frank Thomas in 06, instead opting for Ron DL White.


Probably would have won the WS.

[Small Hands]

Polanco
Rosario
Sano
Cruz
Cron
Kepler
Schoop
Castro
Buxton

Berrios
Gibby
Pineda
Odorizzi
???

[JPM]

Go White Sox

[JPM]

I'm fine with it. Rumors of releasing Tyler Austin now are comical though. Why would they do that?

Tyler is a swag bag douchebag. That's why.

[INSIJS]

I like the move. Big bat who can help the young dudes.

Show them how to juice more?

[Hornets]

Polanco
Rosario
Sano
Cruz
Cron
Kepler
Schoop
Castro
Buxton

Berrios
Gibby
Pineda
Odorizzi
???

There's some POP in that lineup! LOVE IT!

[RubeTube]

I remember wanting the Twins to sign Cruz like 5 year's ago.

[flexbuffchest]

I'll believe it when I see it

Believe!!!!

I'm a little surprised he decided to sign with MN. It'll help the lineup quite a bit. He has a solid OBP as well. This doesn't help our rotation that has been without an ace for over a decade. I expect at least 30 bombs from him from the right side of the plate. Something the Twins were second to last in the league at doing with only 62 HR's from the right side. Good for the Twins by overpaying him. It's what you have to do until you change the culture. Bo Sox and Astros were really interested in him.

Very glad I was wrong

[Qman65]

I'm hoping Cruz has an influence on Sano. Make him his locker buddy, it couldn't hurt.

[HeHateMe]

Go White Sox

Clark has gone to the dark side!

[HeHateMe]

Looks like we learned our lesson for not signing Frank Thomas in 06, instead opting for Ron DL White.


Probably would have won the WS.

100%

[Stork311]

14 mill?

seems heavy to me....but if he can rub Sano the right way and produce a little it is money well spent.