Jose Cruz

Cruz was designated for assignment in August after the Dodgers acquired Julio Lugo. He probably still has some life in his bat (note the .923 OPS in 156 at-bats in 2005), but he was hitting just .233 at the time the Dodgers released him. The Padres signed him to a one-year deal in December. Cruz is expected to serve as San Diego's fourth outfielder, although he could work his way into a left field platoon with Terrmel Sledge.

Cruz is never going to be the superstar many had once hoped he'd be, but after arriving in Los Angeles, he helped salvage his season and earn a contract for 2006. With Kenny Lofton the only healthy Dodger outfielder entering spring training, Cruz could be in line for significant playing time, especially early. Once Jayson Werth comes back from a wrist injury, Cruz might be forced back into a platoon role.

Cruz was really no better or worse offensively in 2004 than he was with the Giants in 2003 or with Toronto in 2002. He could improve if he ever gets to play in a hitter's park, but there's more downside than upside here since he turns 31 in April.

Cruz's Gold Glove award is cold comfort to Giants fans who will live with the memory of a dropped fly ball and the damage it caused. At the plate, Cruz hasn't been the same player in three straight seasons yet, so it's hard to know what kind of hitter to expect in 2004. With the Devil Rays, you can expect him to play 150 games and provide counting stats. Just don't expect an upside.

Took a sizable step back in 2002, reverting to his .240-ish average and seeing his power evaporate. A good September (.292 average and three HRs in 14 games) helped a bit, but he was nowhere near his 30/30 status from the year before. Still young enough to improve, but he's been a low average/solid power guy four of the last five years. Bidding with the expectation of a return to his 2001 levels would be foolish, though expecting a rebound to the 25-30 HR level is reasonable.