After the completion of his 50 game suspension for testing positive for steroids, the Braves have released right-handed reliever Rafael Cruz. In 30 games this season prior to his suspension, Cruz compiled a 1-3 record with a 3.45 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP for Mississippi and Gwinnett.
Cruz, originally a catcher in the Rangers system, who ended up being two years older than Texas believed him to be, was a surprising signing from the beginning. He had never pitched professionally in America, and had missed all of last season with an arm injury. He pitched two years ago as a teammate of Kenshin Kawakami in Japan, so there was thought that he may have been signed to ease Kawakami's transition to America. Cruz was invited to Major League Spring Training, pitched fairly poorly, was cut quickly and assigned to AA, where he was less than stellar. Things did pick up, as he didn't allow any earned runs in 8.2 AAA innings. Though, that could have been influence by the stuff that got him suspended.
While releasing a player is rarely seen as a kind move by a team, in this case it is, as the Braves allowed Cruz to finish his suspension. Reds' Minor Leaguer Justin Mallett was suspended 100 games this season for steroids and immediately released, effectively ending his career, as no team is going to sign a 27 year old with a 100 game suspension waiting for him.
0 recs | 16 comments
“Reds’ Minor Leaguer Justin Mallett was suspended 100 games this season for steroids and immediately released, effectively ending his career, as no team is going to sign a 27 year old with a 100 game suspension waiting for him.”
Just shows how classy the Braves organization is.
Scott Coleman - August 13, 2009
The quote in your sig is going to be of particular relevance this weekend.
Bronn - August 13, 2009
Yes sir!
I’m stoked for tomorrow. We haven’t laid a beatdown on the Phuckers in a while.
Scott Coleman - August 13, 2009 via mobile
"Just shows how classy the Braves organization is."
Im confused. what does that have to do with the Braves?
esadb - August 13, 2009
They didn't act like meanies to Cruz like the Reds did to Mallett.
MichaelProcton - August 14, 2009
nevermind
carry on
esadb - August 13, 2009
reply fail to myself
esadb - August 13, 2009
Yeah, I’m just saying the Braves were good enough to at least give the guy a small chance to continue his career. The Reds pretty much ended it right there on the spot
Scott Coleman - August 13, 2009 via mobile
Which is a shame because Justin is a really great guy. Of course, he’s also a cheater and a moron.
cbwilk - August 13, 2009
Of course, one could make the argument that at 27 and still in the minors, his career was more than likely over anyways.
bravesfan91 - August 13, 2009
Yes, because the vast majority of us wouldn’t trade our glamorous lives for the opportunity to be a lowly minor leaguer. Right.
cbwilk - August 13, 2009
I’m sorry, but did I strike a nerve with you or something? All I said is that since he was already 27 and still in the minors his career was more than likely over anyways. Chances were that he wasn’t gonna make it to the Bigs. He was getting to the point in his baseball career where he needed to see that things didn’t go as he had planned and needed to start looking for a career outside of baseball.
That’s life. No need to be snippy about it.
bravesfan91 - August 13, 2009
Yes, you absolutely struck a nerve. There’s nothing wrong with being a career minor leaguer. You get to play baseball. And they pay you. To play baseball. Plenty of guys, especially pitchers, have made their debut after they turned 27.
cbwilk - August 14, 2009
Nothing is wrong with being a career minor leaguer...
but as with all athletes, there comes a time when that career ends and then what?
Mr. Sanchez - August 14, 2009
That’s always a question. But the AA minimum is 40 K and the AAA one is 60 K; most of these guys aren’t well enough educated to ever find a job that pays that well. So until that day comes, ride it out, earn some decent money, and save.
cbwilk - August 14, 2009
Really?
If he were a position player, you’d probably have a point, but there are plenty of pitchers who come up late and stick. Moylan’s debut came at 27; Carlyle pitched 40 innings before he was 29.
MichaelProcton - August 14, 2009
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