Heyman: Cruz and O's agree on deal (1 - $8M)

[weams]

Peralta plays a premium position. I think that's all it is.

Does he play it that well? Really? Jhonny?

[Mayor McCheese]

Okay, if the deal it right, I'll put on the orange colored glasses.

glasses??? No, you need this...

[VeveJones007]

Because it really wouldn't be. These were both guys who should have played for 14.1 this year. They both have severe flaws which keep them from having the value of a 15 million a year player.

I was shocked that they turned down the tender. They cost themselves money.

[VeveJones007]

Does he play it that well? Really? Jhonny?

Of course not, but he still plays a position where teams have serious issues finding a good bat.

[tntoriole]

Brady wore his hair longer back in the day, didn't he?

(This is just a joke...please do not start a did he or didnt he thread!! Thanks.)

[weams]

The Cards are such a good org... I'm still at a loss over that deal.

It is so whack that it is unreal. I think it is that thing that no one is trading you pitching this year. The Robbie Ray thing was the only real blip there. I think after trying Hardy, and being unwilling to give up a first round pick for off-injured Drew, that they saw it as only money. I guess. They can't make a trade without giving up someone that they shouldn't.

[VeveJones007]

Does he play it that well? Really? Jhonny?

I think the Cards believe they lost the Series because of a black hole at SS.

[fearthenoodle]

Does he play it that well? Really? Jhonny?

He is a plus defender at SS, actually. If you buy the advanced metrics. Not Hardy good, but close.

[tntoriole]

Well, they scored 30 in one game.

Cruz hit five or six that night, didn't he? My memory fails me.

[isestrex]

I might actually puke if this comes to pass.

At the very least, I'll lose most of my respect for DD.

Exactly my reaction. It had better not be for more than one year!

[weams]

Free agent slugger Nelson Cruz is close to a deal with the Orioles, according to people familiar with the deal.

The Cruz signing, once finalized, would be the second major signing within days for Baltimore, which is obviously going for it now. The Orioles will have one of the better lineups in baseball once Cruz is in the fold.

There are still a couple issues to be resolved, according to sources, though a deal looks extremely likely.

The Orioles also had been talking to Kendrys Morales, another free agent hitter. Morales had other opportunities, though, including the Mariners and possibly the Pirates.

Reports suggested Morales was a strong possibility throughout the day Friday, but Orioles decision makers were "split" on Cruz vs. Morales, Roch Kubatko of MASN @masnRoch reported Friday night. One possible difference is that Cruz may not have had many other alternatives.

The Orioles also have remained in contact with top free-agent pitcher Ervin Santana, though it hasn't known how a Cruz signing would affect a possible Santana deal.

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/24452199/sources-orioles-closing-in-on-a-deal-for-nelson-cruz

Dan kept his powder dry.

[weams]

He is a plus defender at SS, actually. If you buy the advanced metrics. Not Hardy good, but close.

My eyes never told me that.

[weams]

Exactly my reaction. It had better not be for more than one year!

There is no way that a team gives up it's second round pick to Nelson for one year. It's gotta be two. Gotta.

[SilentJames]

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/24452199/sources-orioles-closing-in-on-a-deal-for-nelson-cruz

Dan kept his powder dry.

So the lesson learned this offseason; Be glad that most of the people that comment on the internet aren't actually making decisions for the team.

[OregonBird]

If we get Cruz I'd have to imagine any further talk of getting Santana should be put to rest, no? I can't imagine the recent Santana rumors were true.

The Cruz signing is a solid move. Still, I think if the O's make a legit run this year it will be because Wieters, Markakis have strong years. Improved pitching or not, if Wieters can't give us some Varitek like numbers and Markakis can't drive the ball, no playoffs for us.