Cruz Missive

The Giants have signed free agent Jose Cruz Jr. to replace the likewise non-tendored Reggie Sanders in right field. The contract is for $2.5 M for 2003 with a potential $4 M option for 2004. Sanders made $1.75 M while the Blue Jays paid Cruz almost $4 M in 2002.

For my money, if I were signing one for a year, it would be the 35-year-old Sanders. He has been better over his career and in 2002. He also is a professional right fielder with a good range and a decent arm. Cruz's right field experience came in 40-odd 2002 games, and he didn't impress there, though as a center fielder by trade, he should have the wheels for right. He also may come in handy if regular center fielder Marquis Grissom returns to earth in 2003.

I guess overall the Giants did the best under the circumstances, circumstances that were largely their own making.