Nelson Cruz is the biggest loser in free agency

When former Texas Rangers slugger Nelson Cruz rejected the Rangers' one year qualifying offer of $14.1 million, many figured he would land somewhere with a multi year deal. In 2013 Cruz batted .266 with 27 home runs and 76 RBI. That was with a 50 game suspension he had to serve because of his involvement in the Biogenesis PED scandal.

Instead it's Cruz on the outside looking in as spring training gets closer. Cruz has been linked to the Seattle Mariners, New York Mets, and Baltimore Orioles, but still sits at home waiting for a contract offer to roll in. You would figure if Jhonny Peralta can land a 4 year, $53 million deal with the St. Louis Cardinals it would be a no brainer that Cruz would land a similar deal, since Peralta also was involved in the same PED scandal. Instead teams see a player who hasn't played in a full 162 game season and has been hit with injuries instead of a bat they can plug into the middle of the lineup.

Cruz would be a fit for most American League teams. At age 33 he isn't finished, but is more on the downside than most would think. He's only hit for more than 30 homers once in his career in a stacked Rangers lineup. He can't run very well and he's a defensive liability. Not someone you want to throw a ton of money at. The guy has DH written all over him. Teams see a player who hasn't played in a full 162 game season and has been hit with injuries instead of a bat they can plug into the middle of the lineup. Being involved with PED's hasn't helped. They wouldn't know what kind of player they would be getting.

Here’s another thing about Nelson Cruz: nobody really wants him. It’s the middle of January and Cruz remains a free agent, and he’s a free agent without a strong market. The best fit, at this point, is probably Baltimore, but Baltimore hasn’t done anything. Seattle’s the only other fit, and they haven’t done anything. The Phillies looked obvious from the get-go, but they instead went with Marlon Byrd. Maybe, in the past, Cruz would’ve secured a major payday, but teams are smarter now, and one of the first things smart baseball people learn is that players like Cruz are overrated.

Cruz is better off seeking a one year deal and proving himself again instead of looking for a big payday. If Mark Reynolds can lock up an invite to spring training at the very least, Cruz should be able to secure a one year deal.

Cruz has definitely turned out to be the biggest loser during this free agency period.

New York Mets targeting Nelson Cruz

With the team finally being able to shed the cumbersome contracts of Johan Santana and Jason Bay, the New York Mets are looking to add some power to their lineup.

One name being mentioned is Texas Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz. Cruz turned down the Rangers' one year $14 million offer in search of a multi-year conract. Cruz who is 33, was involved in the Biogenesis scandal reportedly is being targeted by the Mets, Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers.

The Mets are trying to challenge in the NL East and may feel that Cruz can help get them there. The team is looking to get some pop in the lineup and have also been mentioned as a possible landing spot for Curtis Granderson.

The Mets are hesitant to spend big for outfielders Jacoby Ellsbury and Shi Soo Choo. and are looking at the second tier and more affordable options.

Cruz served a 50 game suspension for his role in a PED scandal, but since he has never hit less than 22 home runs and  never driving in less than 76 runs  in the last five seasons teams might be willing to overlook the possible baggage he brings to the table.

Lance Berkman won't retire because the Rangers need help on offense

Texas Rangers DH Lance Berkman hasn't played in a game in four weeks. He's been on the disabled list with an inflamed hip and his knees have given him problems for years. Berkman thought about retirement but has put those thoughts to rest with the Rangers in a pennant chase.

Berkman says he reconsidered retiring because he felt the Rangers needed some help on offense. He hopes to rejoin the team within the next two weeks.

“That we didn’t trade for anybody and that we still don’t know what is going to happen with Nelson [Cruz], I feel like if I push myself and endure a little discomfort, I can get out there and try to do something to help this team win,” Berkman said. “I’ve made up my mind to try and play. This team needs a bat and I’m gonna do my dangdest to make that happen.”  

Cruz is facing a 50 game suspension for his alleged ties to the Biogenesis scandal that has been the news around baseball.

I don't doubt that Berkman loves the game but it's kind of refreshing to see a player that desperately wants to help his team win and doesn't want to sit idling on the sidelines. I don't know how much he can help, but he feels he has enough left in the tank to contribute.