Orioles' Davis Excited About Cruz Signing

The Texas Rangers to Baltimore Orioles pipeline is back in business, as the Orioles are expected to officially announce the signing of former Rangers slugger Nelson Cruz to a one-year, $8 million deal after his market took a serious tumble over the past couple of months from his initial free agent ask of four years for $75 million. Another former Ranger-turned-Oriole, and without a doubt the most successful transplant, is excited to see see Cruz joining the Orioles clubhouse just more than a month before the 2014 season kicks off.

Chris Davis, who exploded into an AL MVP and Triple Crown candidate in 2013, said he's excited to see Cruz come on board, even after the slugger missed the final 50 regular-season games last year after being popped for a PED suspension.

"Great dude,'' Davis told The Baltimore Sun. "I was really excited about that. I know there were a few rumors a couple of days ago about us maybe signing him. I thought it was a huge pickup for us โ€” a guy that I know has made some mistakes in the past but, unlike some people, has owned up to it.

"I think there's a lot to be said for that โ€” guys that make mistakes but own up to it, serve their suspensions and now it's time to move on โ€” so I'm excited to see him in an Orioles uniform."

It's easy to see why Davis would be excited, aside from the fact Cruz has always been a well-liked guy in the Rangers clubhouse. It adds another big bat to the Orioles lineup to protect both Davis and Adam Jones, the No. 3 and No. 4 hitters, respectively. Cruz is expected to hit behind Jones in the 5-hole.
 
"It adds a little bit of protection, that's for sure," Davis said.
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