He is in the middle of a tough decision, because he is a free agent next year. Serving the suspension in 2013, would leave him a free agent in 2014 with no further suspension to serve and could bring more money and opportunity in the long run. If he appealed his decision, he would continue playing during the appeal process, but would serve his suspension, potentially near the end of this year and into next year.
Cruz could potentially be back for the post season, if the Rangers made it to the post season and he served his suspension now. Cruz has been a major producer in the Rangers Lineup, and filling his shoes in the meantime would be a huge feat:
G | PA | H | HR | R | RBI | SB | AVG | OBP | SLG | |
Nelson Cruz | 108 | 452 | 110 | 27 | 49 | 76 | 5 | 0.269 | 0.330 | 0.511 |
Nelly leads the Rangers in Home Runs, RBI, and has the 3rd highest slugging percentage. He has also has the 3rd most games played and plate appearances, so he has definitely been a major part of the lineup.
The team seems to have a few backup plans if Nelly does not appeal, and he is out for the season. Those have yet to be shared and the hope is that he will stay.
"Tomorrow it's going to happen," Cruz said before Sunday's game against Oakland. "Whatever my decision is going to be ... I haven't decided what it's going to be."
Signing Cruz now for an extension would allow him to appeal now and not have to worry about what would happen in 2014. The problem with that is the amount of money it would take, Cruz would become an older player during the time you signed him, and he currently is making $10.5 million over 2 years (2012-2013). It would be a costly and risky investment.
We will just have to wait for later today to see the outcome.
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