H/W: 6-3 230 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 7/1/80
Cruz has long been a player that tears up minor league pitching and then is overmatched and undisciplined once he reaches the major leagues. 2008 offered a departure from that and ushered in hope that the 28 year old OF has finally turned the corner. Cruz blasted PCL hurlers to the tune of a .342 with 37 HR 99 RBI and 24 SB at Oklahoma City earning another promotion to Texas where he continued his tear, hitting .330 with 7 HR and 26 RBI in 31 games. Cruz has excellent athleticism and has a fully matured frame that offers power and speed. Judging from his spring numbers, (.302 6 HR 16 RBI and 13 runs scored in 15 games) Cruz looks like he has turned the corner from prospect to suspect to productive big league player. Texas has a super deep farm system so it will be integral for Nelson to make the most of this opportunity.
2009 Projection: Nelson will be in the everyday lineup for the Rangers and should be slotted somewhere between the #3 and #6 spots in the lineup. He has the power to hit 25-30 HR per season and steal upwards of 20 bases. The plate discipline is still a question mark. Cruz started out red hot this spring but has seen his batting average drop nearly 100 points from March 20 - March 31. If he struggles at the major league level, Rangers manager Ron Washington will not hesitate to inject Marlon Byrd, Brandon Boggs, or Frank Catalanatto to stop the bleeding. However, the more positive signs seem to point to Cruz being the consummate late bloomer now realizing a greater slice of the potential that he has always possessed.
Key Nelson Cruz Baseball Cards:
- 2005 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2005 Bowman Heritage
- 2005 Topps Chrome Traded
- 2005 UD Reflections
- 2005 SPX Auto #/185
- 2005 SP Authentic Auto #/185
 2002 TOPPS #257 Nelson Cruz ASTROS AUTOGRAPH AUTO COA $4.95 |
 2002 TOTAL #367 Nelson Cruz ASTROS AUTOGRAPH AUTO COA $4.45 |
 2002 UD #460 Nelson Cruz ASTROS AUTOGRAPH AUTO COA $4.95 |
 2003 FLEER #140 Nelson Cruz ASTROS AUTOGRAPH AUTO COA $4.95 |
 2005 NELSON CRUZ BOWMAN CHROME DP XFRACTOR 114/250 PSA GEM 10 **PSA POP 3** $29.99 |
 2011 Gypsy Queen Framed 81 Nelson Cruz 156/999 $1.75 |
 Mike Napoli, Nelson Cruz and Adrian Beltre RC'S $0.98 |
 5 - Nelson Cruz 2011 - etopps $7.01 (10 Bids) |
 Nelson Cruz #17 Texas Rangers 2011 World Series Patch Blue Majestic Jersey M $24.99 |
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