Cruz Seizes Chance

Although originally upset by the delay in his big-league arrival, Jose Cruz Jr., hasn’t played or acted like a rookie with a chip on his shoulder in his first week in The Show.

The Seattle Mariners “left fielder of the future” has displayed his ability at the plate and capability in the field since making his debut Saturday. He got his first big league home run out of the way in Seattle’s 6-3 victory over Toronto on Tuesday, and manager Lou Piniella likes what he sees and the possibilities it creates.

“The ball is jumping off his bat,” Piniella said. “He’s had good aggressive at-bats. He doesn’t seem in any way intimidated by the situation. It’s a positive indication. I hope he continues to swing the bat well. I’d like to get him out of the nine spot (in the batting order), get him a little higher in the lineup so that we can do a few more things.”

Piniella would eventually like to use Cruz as the No. 7 batter to break up the lower portion of the Mariners’ order, which is generally slow-footed and susceptible to double plays. Cruz hit .268 with six home runs and 30 RBIs at Class AAA Tacoma before being called up to pump some life into the Mariners. The move has worked well for both, with Cruz hitting .286 and Seattle on a three-game winning streak heading into today’s game at Tiger Stadium.

“The more I contribute, the more I’ll get respect,” Cruz said. “That’s a big deal for me. If I accomplish my goals, I’ll be around here for a while.”

After Cruz hit .389 in spring training but was sent to the minors - the day the decision was made, Cruz hit two home runs - there was a lot of wondering on his part what he had to do to earn a spot.

“It’s hard not to be disappointed,” Cruz said. “You want to go out and play hard and do well. I did play well, then the door just kind of shut.”

Piniella went on to warn that all-star numbers in spring training aren’t the only criteria to earning a spot in the big leagues.

If Cruz spends enough time in the majors, he’ll have a chance to match the accomplishments of his father Jose, who spent two decades in the big leagues, mostly with the Houston Astros.

The two spoke Monday night after Jose Jr. hit two doubles, and Jose Sr. told him, “That a way to go, now you’ve got 2,000 and some hits to go to catch me.”