Nelson Cruz isn’t concerned about hitting at spacious Safeco Field

PEORIA, Ariz. — Nelson Cruz donned a Batman T-shirt Wednesday after completing his first official workout as a Seattle Mariner. This isn’t Fellini. The message is easily grasped.

The Mariners are doling out $57 million to Cruz over the next four years because he can hit: He led the majors last season with 40 home runs while playing at Baltimore and finished with a .525 slugging percentage.

Point to note: Robinson Cano and Kyle Seager led the Mariners last season with a .454 slugging percentage. Current plans call for them to bracket Cruz in this year’s lineup.

And while, yes, Oriole Park at Camden Yards is, as often noted, far more hitter-friendly than Safeco Field … let’s just say Cruz isn’t concerned.

“I don’t pay attention to that stuff,” he said. “All I can do is what I can do. When the day comes, whatever happens will happen. I try to hit line drives. If it goes out, it goes out. That’s my approach.”

This is a player, after all, who uses @NCBoomstick23 as his Twitter handle. The Mariners don’t appear to be concerned either.

“I’ve heard the critics say, ‘Well, he won’t hit home runs in Safeco,’” manager Lloyd McClendon said. “He didn’t have any problem hitting them last year … he made it look real small last year.”

Cruz hit one of the year’s more impressive homers at Safeco — a booming low laser to left field last July against Felix Hernandez. The ball got out in a hurry, and Cruz now smiles at the memory.

“I like to face the best,” he said, “and (Hernandez) is one of the best. Every time I got ready to face him, it was a special day. I got pumped up and ready to go. And I’m glad I don’t have to do that anymore.”

Cano pushed the Mariners to sign Cruz, who turns 35 on July 1. The two grew close prior to the 2013 season as teammates on the Dominican Republic club that won the World Baseball Classic.

“I know what kind of guy he is,” Cano said. “I’ve known him for a long time. He’s going to like it here. He’s a great guy. He likes to compete. He’s a great guy. That’s what you want on your team.”

Cruz played for postseason clubs in four of the last five seasons and chose to sign with the Mariners, in part, because he liked the possibility of continuing that run.

“It’s everything,” he said. “That’s what I work for. All season, everything I do is with that mindset — go to the playoffs. Be ready for that situation.”

Cruz came within one pitch of a World Series title in 2011 while playing for Texas. That near-miss still rankles.

“Oh, no doubt,” he said. “I carry that with me. I want to win. Until I get that done, it’s going to be there. Once you’re there, you want to be there every year.

“That’s why I made the decision to come here and be part of this.”

Cruz joins the Mariners more than a year removed from a 50-game suspension stemming from his 2013 involvement in the Biogenesis drug scandal.

That incident raised doubts a year ago when Cruz hit the free-agent market, although the Mariners showed strong interest before backing away. Cruz eventually signed a one-year deal with the Orioles for $8 million.

Forty homers, steroids-free, eased those concerns.

“It is what it is,” Cruz said. “I’m here. My main goal right now is to play baseball. Last year was kind of easy. The year before was the tough one. I guess every year is easier.

“I think, in the long run, it helped me to know what to do and what to expect. It helped me also to be a better player.”

Whatever Cruz gives the Mariners, it figures to be better than what they received last year from their combined cleanup hitters: 19 homers, 75 RBI and a .218 average.

“This guy is a good hitter,” McClendon said. “He hits home runs, but he’s a good hitter. He has the ability to drive in runs. I suspect he’s going to be just fine.”

So … Batman, hun?

“I like the shirt,” Cruz said. “I have a few other ones. Superman and stuff like that. I think this one is my favorite. You’re going to see me with this one for quite a while.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.