Cruz talks Orioles on MLB Network Radio, Patton suspended again

Nelson Cruz, interviewed today on MLB Network Radio, stated again that his first choice in free agency is to remain with the Orioles.

Winning is his first priority when deciding on a team, and that's why he signed a one-year deal with the Orioles in spring training.

It all sounds so good, but Cruz initially sought a five-year deal and the most recent reports have him geared toward a minimum of four.

That's not good for the Orioles.

Cruz has until Monday to turn down their $15.3 million qualifying offer, which is a certainty. The Orioles are talking to his agent and appear willing to offer two years guaranteed, but I've been given no indication that they'll go as high as four. In fact, I've heard that it's not a consideration, so there would have to be a dramatic shift in organizational thinking to make it happen.

I've listed the reasons. Cruz will be 35 next season. He has a history of leg injuries and would be challenged to remain healthy through the duration of the contract.

Asked how much he fell in love with the Orioles and where they rate among his choices as he gauges the marketplace, Cruz replied, "No doubt it's my first choice. I'd love to be back. I know they're interested in bringing me back. Hopefully, we can work something out.

"I love everything about the city. I love my teammates, I love the organization. The way they treat their players is amazing. If we can work something out, I'd be more than happy to go back."

The Orioles signed shortstop J.J. Hardy to a three-year extension heading into the playoffs. Cruz said there were no serious discussions in October about a new deal for him.

"My main focus at that moment was just the playoffs," he said. "I didn't want to have any doubts that my focus was playoffs only. It was one of my concerns, one of the things I told my agent. I wanted to stay focused on the playoffs. They talked a lot, but nothing serious, you know?"

Cruz was baseball's best bargain at $8 million after leading the majors with 40 home runs. He won't come as cheaply in 2015. Not even close to it.

You can listen to the full interview here.

Meanwhile, former Orioles left-hander Troy Patton has been suspended 80 games for another positive test for an amphetamine in violation of Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Patton, a free agent, missed the first 25 games of the 2014 season after testing positive for Adderall without a therapeutic use exemption. It was his second violation.

The Orioles traded Patton to the Padres on May 24 for catcher Nick Hundley, who's also a free agent.