We've made our thoughts on the Texas Rangers bringing Nelson Cruz back for a one-year deal perfectly clear. If it's one year, and the money is right, then they should do it without question.
But of course, the one wrench in that plan could be a team stepping out on a ledge and offering a multi-year deal for the aging slugger who's a defensive liability and is coming off a season that saw him take a 50-game suspension for PED usage.
Now, The Tacoma News Tribune is reporting it's "only a matter of time" before Cruz signs with the Mariners, continuing a winter of spending and adding in Seattle's quest to break through in the jam-packed AL West and compete with the likes of the Rangers, Oakland A's and even Los Angeles Angels.
Reports began surfacing last week that the Mariners were in talks with Cruz on a two-year deal and possibly even a club option for a third year, which at this point in Cruz's career would be favorable over even a one-year deal for a good chunk of change.
There's still a shot for the Rangers to get Boomstick back for one year, but it's looking less likely every day because all it's going to take is a team stepping out on that multi-year ledge, and the Mariners seem to be crazy and desperate enough to do just that.
