Nelson Cruz Not Ready To Retire
4 years agoMinnesota Twins designated hitter Nelson Cruz is turning 40 years old on Wednesday but doesn't feel that he's approaching retirement after hitting 41 home runs last season. Cruz also had baseball's third-highest average exit velocity in 2019. "Nelson Cruz is in probably better shape than almost any player in the game. He’s diligent. Nelson Cruz is not your typical 40-year-old ballplayer. He’s a special guy," manager Rocco Baldelli said. The veteran slugger was hitting .435 in Grapefruit League play with a team-leading three home runs before the season was shut down due to COVID-19. Cruz takes great care of his body to stay in shape and doesn't see retirement on the horizon. Fantasy owners are understandably hesitant to take Cruz because of his age and his eligibility as a DH, but he continues to produce. It could make even more sense to grab him in 2020 at a reduced cost during a shortened 60-game season for his power stroke. Cruz missed two weeks last year with a torn wrist ligament and still hit .311, his highest average since 2010. He posted career highs in slugging percentage (.639) and OPS (1.031). His 12.5% of barreled balls and 52.5% hard-hit rate were the best percentages in the majors. Not bad for an old guy.
Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune - Phil Miller
Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune - Phil Miller