Morning Phil Up – 3/1/2014 – American League Roundup

Nelson Cruz. Image Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

A few links from around the American League:

Camden Depot – Nelson Cruz’s Red Flags

At first glance, signing Nelson Cruz to a one-year deal looks to be a good move for the Orioles.  However, there are more than a few red flags that should cause Orioles fans to temper their enthusiasm: He’s not a good defensive outfielder, he’s a liability on the basepaths, and his on base percentage is not high enough to overcome those flaws.

Bleacher Report – Can Jayson Nix Make the Opening Day Roster?

The Tampa Bay Rays have most of their roster sewn up, but there is still a bench spot up for grabs. Could veteran Jayson Nix have the inner track to win that spot? Nix’s positional versatility gives him an edge, as he can play third base, second base, and the outfield. Working against Nix is his lack of consistent offensive production over the past few seasons.

Blogging the Bases – The Strange Case of Vance Worley

Vance Worley was a good starter for the Phillies in 2011 and 2012. He declined a bit in the second half in 2012, and that decline continued well into 2013. He was awful in 2013, recording a 7.21 ERA. Can Worley turn things around? He’s lost weight and supposedly come to terms with being traded to Minnesota, so it is possible he could once again look like a top pitcher.

Nolan Writin – Will Ervin Santana Wind Up With the Texas Rangers?

There’s a rumor that free agent pitcher Ervin Santana might be signed by the Texas Rangers. Santana supposedly wants a four-year, $50 million deal, but the Rangers don’t seem inclined to pay him that much. Santana isn’t that good of a pitcher, and this late in free agency, it doesn’t seem likely that anyone would give him that kind of a deal.