Baltimore Orioles: 5 Best Players Half-Way Through The Season

1. Nelson Cruz, DH/OF

Jun 25, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) is handed a pie while being interviewed after a game against the Chicago White Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Orioles defeated the White Sox 5-4 in twelve innings. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

If you disagree with this decision, you clearly haven’t been watching many Orioles games this season. Immediately after the Baltimore Orioles signed Nelson Cruz for just eight million dollars,  everyone knew it was a steal. What everyone didn’t know was how much of a steal it really was.

Cruz has been one of the most consistent power hitters, hitting over 22 home runs in each of the last seven years. However, he has played better than a 22 home run hitter through the first half of the 2014 season. He started the year hitting fifth in the lineup, but it didn’t take long for them to move him to third or forth. He leads the league in home runs (25) and RBI’s (66) while posting a .284 batting average and a .351 on base percentage. He started off the year really hot but has understandably cooled down, just a little.

The Orioles just wanted the Nelson Cruz from Texas. Instead, they got a Nelson Cruz that is hitting home runs left and right instead of just left. He has taken roles as a designated hitter and an outfielder, but has always hit in the middle of the lineup. He is on pace for 50 home runs, but I don’t think the Orioles would mind if he finished with 40 or even 30 (ok maybe not, but don’t get too greedy).