Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz signings have paid off for Mariners
Sep 29, 2016, 12:00 PM
The Mariners' investments in Nelson Cruz and Robinson Cano have paid off in 2016. (AP)
(AP)
High-priced veteran free-agent signings don’t always work out. That’s true throughout the majors (Josh Hamilton, Prince Fielder), and the Mariners have not been immune (Chone Figgins, Carlos Silva). That being said, “Danny, Dave and Moore” pointed out that Nelson Cruz and Robinson Cano have both been worth their sizable contracts for their work this season, especially over the last road trip that has kept the Mariners in the playoff hunt.
“Nelson Cruz, certainly, and Robinson Cano, definitely this year, have paid off huge for the Seattle Mariners,” Danny O’Neil said after Seattle’s win Wednesday over Houston. “They have been MVP-candidate players for this team.”
Cano and Cruz are among the biggest signings in franchise history, but they had produced differing results for Seattle coming into the 2016 season. Cruz signed a four-year, $57 million contract as a 35 year old in 2015, while Cano inked a 10-year, $240 million contract as a 31 year old in 2014. After an All-Star year in 2014 but a rough second season in Seattle hampered by injury, Cano is batting almost .300, has slugged 36 home runs and played Gold-Glove caliber defense in 2016. As for Cruz, he has been nothing but spectacular in Seattle, launching 85 home runs and 195 RBIs in two seasons with a .294/.365/.558 slash-line over that time.
Jim Moore said the Mariners picked it up on the road trip after a disappointing homestand in which the 3-4-5 hitters of Cano, Cruz and Kyle Seager didn’t do much to speak of. Despite an injured wrist, Cruz hit four homers in Minnesota and Cano launched three in Houston, including the game-winner on Tuesday and a 3-run shot in the first inning the following day. Moore ripped Cano for his poor production in 2014 but has changed his tune.
“He seems more clutch than he used to be, too,” Moore said. “I’m sure the Yankee fans would say he was always clutch in New York, but early on with the Mariners I didn’t feel like he came through in the big moments. Certainly that’s not the case this year.”
The Mariners will need the well-paid vets to keep up their hot hitting for the final homestand against the A’s, as Seattle might need to win out and get some help from others to make the postseason for the first time in 15 years.
