Seattle Mariners Take on Diamondbacks and White Sox in Split Squad Action

Mar 5, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter

Nelson Cruz

(23) celebrates with

Robinson Cano

(22) in the third inning during a spring training baseball game after hitting a two run homerun against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Nelson Cruz Makes Second Spring Start

When the Mariners inked Nelson Cruz to a four-year $57 million dollar deal, the signing was met with generally positive reviews. Cruz led the league by clubbing 40 long balls in 2014, and the Mariners are hoping his power will make the difference for them this season. He made a good first impression in his first start of the spring on Thursday. Cruz went 2-3, with 2 RBI’s and he added a tape measure shot to left field. The right-handed Cruz will be critical to the M’s success in 2015.

Robinson Cano may be the player who benefits the most from the addition of Nelson Cruz. Despite never having a true cleanup hitter behind him in the order, Cano excelled in his debut campaign with the M’s in 2014. With the powerful Cruz now residing in the cleanup spot, opposing pitchers will be forced to give Robby more pitches to hit this season. Cano went 2-3, with 2 runs scored and a double in Thursday’s game batting in front of Cruz. Hopefully, their early success is indicative of things to come for the C&C boys this season.

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