Nelson Cruz talks about his MVO award
He got off to a fast start this season and now he is enjoying a strong finish. Today it culminated in Nelson Cruz being named the Most Valuable Oriole.
Cruz is batting .269 with 32 doubles, 39 homers, 105 RBIs, a .527 slugging percentage and .862 OPS.
"I have to thank my Lord for the help, and, you know, my teammates," Cruz said. "Without them this wouldn't be possible. Also to you guys (the press), you've been very kind.
"I think the most important thing is where we are right now. That is the most important thing to take from this season. Where we are as a team. What we have to accomplish in the future. I look forward to having a good playoffs and hopefully contribute to taking this team to the World Series."
An All-Star in July, Cruz leads the majors in home runs, and he has surpassed the 100-RBI mark for the first time in his career. His 39 homers are the second-most by a first-year Oriole in club history, trailing only Frank Robinson's 49 in 1966. Cruz also became the sixth different Oriole to record a season of 35 or more home runs and 30 or more doubles, joining Chris Davis, Albert Belle, Rafael Palmeiro, Brady Anderson and Robinson.
He takes the MVO in a year when there were a lot of strong candidates.
"Yeah, we have a great group of guys," Cruz said. "You could mention other guys for sure - Jonesy (Adam Jones), (Chris) Tillman, (Nick) Markakis, relievers. We have a great clubhouse and good atmosphere also. Definitely special.
"You always expect the best. I think the numbers can be better. As a player you always think you can do better and a little more. I wasn't expecting to be the most valuable player, just expecting to contribute to the team winning games. I guess that type of mentality will take you a long way."
Cruz was asked about setting career highs in homers and RBIs at age 34.
"I also have career highs in games played and at-bats. That tells you something," he said. "Haven't been able to play that many games before. I know I would be capable to do something like this. Thankful I could play so many games.
"The last year two years I've found a way to stay healthy and keep my hands strong. I have a routine and that is the difference the last few years."
Cruz reiterated today that he would like to re-sign with the Orioles when he was asked if his one-year deal signed in February would mean he plays just one season here.
"Hopefully not," he said. " Hopefully I stay here and we work something out. Like I said before, it's a business and they will do whatever they think is best for the team.
"We'll wait to the end of the year to see what happens. We have an important thing going in front of us. After the season is over we'll figure it out.
"I love it here. I love the fans and my teammates. Love everything about this organization."
"I have to thank my Lord for the help, and, you know, my teammates," Cruz said. "Without them this wouldn't be possible. Also to you guys (the press), you've been very kind.
"I think the most important thing is where we are right now. That is the most important thing to take from this season. Where we are as a team. What we have to accomplish in the future. I look forward to having a good playoffs and hopefully contribute to taking this team to the World Series."
An All-Star in July, Cruz leads the majors in home runs, and he has surpassed the 100-RBI mark for the first time in his career. His 39 homers are the second-most by a first-year Oriole in club history, trailing only Frank Robinson's 49 in 1966. Cruz also became the sixth different Oriole to record a season of 35 or more home runs and 30 or more doubles, joining Chris Davis, Albert Belle, Rafael Palmeiro, Brady Anderson and Robinson.
He takes the MVO in a year when there were a lot of strong candidates.
"Yeah, we have a great group of guys," Cruz said. "You could mention other guys for sure - Jonesy (Adam Jones), (Chris) Tillman, (Nick) Markakis, relievers. We have a great clubhouse and good atmosphere also. Definitely special.
"You always expect the best. I think the numbers can be better. As a player you always think you can do better and a little more. I wasn't expecting to be the most valuable player, just expecting to contribute to the team winning games. I guess that type of mentality will take you a long way."
Cruz was asked about setting career highs in homers and RBIs at age 34.
"I also have career highs in games played and at-bats. That tells you something," he said. "Haven't been able to play that many games before. I know I would be capable to do something like this. Thankful I could play so many games.
"The last year two years I've found a way to stay healthy and keep my hands strong. I have a routine and that is the difference the last few years."
Cruz reiterated today that he would like to re-sign with the Orioles when he was asked if his one-year deal signed in February would mean he plays just one season here.
"Hopefully not," he said. " Hopefully I stay here and we work something out. Like I said before, it's a business and they will do whatever they think is best for the team.
"We'll wait to the end of the year to see what happens. We have an important thing going in front of us. After the season is over we'll figure it out.
"I love it here. I love the fans and my teammates. Love everything about this organization."
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