Padres News: Bob Melvin Commends Nelson Cruz’s Versatility In Spring Training

Padres skipper says Cruz will play wherever he's needed
Padres News: Bob Melvin Commends Nelson Cruz’s Versatility In Spring Training
Padres News: Bob Melvin Commends Nelson Cruz’s Versatility In Spring Training /
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Your San Diego Padres had over ten players participate in the World Baseball Classics. Each went their separate ways, and surprisingly Team Dominican Republic was sent home early. 

Players like Juan Soto, Manny Machado, Luis Garcia, and veteran Nelson Cruz represented the DR on the biggest stage. Cruz's role was unique as he was a player/ general manager and had his hand in creating a stacked Dominican Republic team. Although they didn't get the job done, team DR will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. 

Cruz and the rest are back with the Friars and will look to take care of business on the MLB side of things. 

The 42-year-old is still going at it and is willing to do all he can to secure a World Series title. Just ask Padres skipper Bob Melvin, who says Cruz is willing to go anywhere on the field if it means helping the team out. 

"Whether I run him out there in a spring training game or not. If I need to put somebody else in the DH spot, he's all for it. He'll play first; he's been working out there too."

The seven-time All-Star signed a one-year deal worth $1 million with the Friars in mid-January. Cruz will be in the DH spot more times than not and is still searching for a World Series title. As of now, it looks like he made a great decision. 

San Diego is a deep team with tons of star players with experience who are hungry to win. 

The four-time silver slugger is primed to do his part. He's coming off a solid age 41 season where he mashed 10 homers, 64 BRIs, and collected 105 hits in 448 ABs and 124 games. 

In order to win a championship, players need to make sacrifices and play roles they normally wouldn't. It looks like the Padres, especially Cruz, is willing to do that and more. 

We'll see what is in store for Cruz in 2023. 


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Ricardo Sandoval
RICARDO SANDOVAL

Baseball Enthusiast