Padres News: Melvin Says Nelson Cruz's Personality 'Demands a Lot of Respect'
The Padres signed designated hitter Nelson Cruz this winter, and he and fellow new signee Matt Carpenter will likely split time at DH this season. Cruz will be away from the team in spring training for a little while, because he's playing for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.
But Cruz isn't just playing in the WBC, he's also the general manager for Team DR. Cruz is older than seven of the 30 MLB GMs, so he's not out of place as far as age, but he's still a productive player, so it's interesting.
San Diego manager Bob Melvin is excited about Cruz as a player, and he's also thrilled to have in the clubhouse the kind of leader who would be named a WBC GM while still playing.
"I think the DH spot has worked out well [for him], and that's not an easy job to acclimate to. Obviously, he has the last several years, but, you know, a little bit like [Fernando Tatis Jr.], I mean, this a guy who's just born to play baseball, you know? And a little different, his personality would be, especially at this point in time in his career, one that commands a lot of respect.
"And they just didn't give him that GM job for no reason, they gave him that job because it's a job to get as many high-profile players there. And I'm sure he had a lot to do with what their roster looks like. But then again, he's a resource for players, he's a resource for me. He embraces that. Some guys don't, that's just kind of who he is. So I think all those things combined – and he's pretty good at what he does at the plate – would suggest he's playing as long as he has."
The Padres brought Melvin in as manager to improve the leadership in the clubhouse, and the additions of Cruz and Carpenter help with that, too. Obviously, they wouldn't have been brought in if they couldn't still hit, but San Diego management is surely also hoping for a steady hand of leadership from the veterans.
