Nelson Cruz talks about how he approaches DH with the Mariners
Apr 1, 2016, 10:12 AM | Updated: 10:12 am
Nelson Cruz expects to again see time in right field and at DH after playing 80 games in the field last season. (AP)
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Staff report
Nelson Cruz still has one of the strongest arms in the MLB, but at 35 years old, his legs don’t move like they once did. And while he’d love to stride out to right field on a daily basis, odds are he will once again be seeing plenty of time as the designated hitter, though he told 710 ESPN Seattle’s “Danny, Dave and Moore” he doesn’t know specifically how the coaching staff plan to use him.
“I have no clue,” he said. “I’m just ready to play where ever they put me. I come prepared every day. If they put me in the outfield I’ll be ready. If not I’ll be ready to be DH.”
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Cruz notched six outfield assists and committed four errors in 80 games last season, while working as DH for another 70 games. Cruz says he’s asked for tips on being DH from hitting coach, and DH legend, Edgar Martinez, among other coaches.
“Everybody is different,” he said. “I just try to figure out what should be my style, what should I do. Because it’s easy when you’re hitting good. (It’s harder) if you’re having a little bit of struggle and you think too much and you have too much time to think about it.”
One person he hasn’t been asking for hitting advice from is Felix Hernandez, who is never shy about regaling anyone who will listen about his 2008 grand slam against the Mets.
“I’ve seen the grand slam,” Cruz said. “He tries to show it every day.”
