Giants sign Jose Cruz Jr.
 

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- The San Francisco Giants signed free agent Jose Cruz Jr. to a $2.8 million, one-year contract Tuesday to fill the vacancy created in right field by Reggie Sanders' departure.

Cruz, who hit .245 with 18 homers and 70 RBIs for the Toronto Blue Jays last season, will get $2.5 million in 2003 and has a mutual option with the Giants for 2004 at $4 million. If San Francisco declines the option, Cruz would get a $300,000 buyout.

``It's been no secret that we've admired Jose's ability for the last few years,'' general manager Brian Sabean said. ``We're extremely excited to add a player of his caliber, who can hit for power and steal a base while playing outstanding defense.''

Cruz, 28, a switch-hitter, hit 34 homers and stole 32 bases for Toronto in 2001. He has a .251 batting average in seven major league seasons, with 134 homers, 389 RBIs and 86 stolen bases in 747 games.

``It's a good place to play,'' said his agent, Alan Hendricks. ``They need what he does. He's happy to be there and he has a lot of respect for Felipe Alou and the job Brian Sabean and his staff have done.''

Taken by Seattle with the third overall pick in the 1995 amateur draft, Cruz is the son of former All-Star Jose Cruz. The younger Cruz started 118 games for the Blue Jays last season -- including 52 in left field, 46 in right field and 20 in center field -- despite being limited by a sprained left ankle. He had nine outfield assists and a .992 fielding percentage, with two errors in 266 total chances.

Cruz, who finished second in the 1997 AL Rookie of the Year balloting to Boston's Nomar Garciaparra, is a native of Arroyo, Puerto Rico, and a product of Rice University.
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Another player the O's lost out on. I don't think it's a real big lost though. He's an average outfielder IMO.

I've all but given up on the O's. Pretty sad since I saw them play in person about 400 times btwn '89 and '96. Between the suckiness of MLB and Angelos and Sons, it is so sad. It will only get worse when the Expos move to DC. We can only hope that either Angelos sells or MLB goes to real revenue sharing and a hard cap. Heck, we might need both.

His stats aren't any better than Sanders (25% stikeout ratio).

Sabean's next task: Livan

Signing Cruz Jr. to play RF is a complete joke. He is so sub-par offensively for a corner outfield position, not a good move IMO. Robert Fick would have been cheaper and a better option offensively.

Cruz Jr. is a better option in CF over Grissom though.

Out with one flyswatter, in with another!

I think the giants are hoping he has a year like he did 2 years ago when he had 34 HR and 32 SB.

I don't think its a bad move for a 7th hitter.

Like Luddy said, next task is livan, then benard.

Don't rule out the Gene Clines factor. He couldn't develop jack!

He was just on KNBR radio talking about how Toronto had a very non-agressive attitude last season.

An OK pick up. I really wanted the O's to snatch him tho.

I hope he hits 3rd in front of Bonds. The Giants have speed and switch hitting this season. Amazing what an improved bench we have now that Dusty's gone.

He's a decent guy. He can field and hit decent and get on base. You could hope for a career year, but even if he doesn't, at just one year and a few mil, it's no biggie. I like the move.

Off the sfgiants forum

"There are some interesting similiarities to both Kent and Cruz. Perhaps, Bonds may once again push a player into better numbers.

1. Kent was about 28, the same age as Cruz when coming to the Giants.

2. Both played for about the same amount of time, Kent 5 seasons, Cruz 6.

3. Both had decent years in the past, but nothing spectacular, Kent hitting around .262 over his five years, Cruz hitting .251.

4. Both showed some power, Kent hitting 20 homers twice, Cruz 30 twice.

5. Kent hit only 80 RBI''s once, the same with Cruz hitting 88 in 2001.

6. A huge difference though is that Cruz hit 177 homers in 6 seasons and Kent only 77 in five. And Cruz is a much better base runner and fielder then Kent. I just have a gut feeling that Cruz, either hitting ahead of Bonds or behind him is going to accomplish some great things. "

First thing that went through my mind. I just hope that the O's can sign some talent this off season

The cat came back, they thought he was a gonner. ;)

I think it's a good move. The free agent market isnt that great right now anyway. At least we got him cheap.