Braves Release P Rafael Cruz

by cbwilk on Aug 13, 2009 6:39 PM EDT

After the completion of his 50 game suspension for testing positive for steroids, the Braves have released right-handed reliever Rafael Cruz. In 30 games this season prior to his suspension, Cruz compiled a 1-3 record with a 3.45 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP for Mississippi and Gwinnett.

Cruz, originally a catcher in the Rangers system, who ended up being two years older than Texas believed him to be, was a surprising signing from the beginning. He had never pitched professionally in America, and had missed all of last season with an arm injury. He pitched two years ago as a teammate of Kenshin Kawakami in Japan, so there was thought that he may have been signed to ease Kawakami's transition to America. Cruz was invited to Major League Spring Training, pitched fairly poorly, was cut quickly and assigned to AA, where he was less than stellar. Things did pick up, as he didn't allow any earned runs in 8.2 AAA innings. Though, that could have been influence by the stuff that got him suspended.

While releasing a player is rarely seen as a kind move by a team, in this case it is, as the Braves allowed Cruz to finish his suspension. Reds' Minor Leaguer Justin Mallett was suspended 100 games this season for steroids and immediately released, effectively ending his career, as no team is going to sign a 27 year old with a 100 game suspension waiting for him.

Tweet Comment 16 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

“Reds’ Minor Leaguer Justin Mallett was suspended 100 games this season for steroids and immediately released, effectively ending his career, as no team is going to sign a 27 year old with a 100 game suspension waiting for him.”

Just shows how classy the Braves organization is.

7/24/2009 - "The Phillies are too far ahead in the NL East for the Braves to make a run." - Buster Olney

REMEMBER THAT BOYS.

by Scott Coleman on Aug 13, 2009 9:05 PM EDT reply actions

The quote in your sig is going to be of particular relevance this weekend.

by Bronn on Aug 13, 2009 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes sir!

I’m stoked for tomorrow. We haven’t laid a beatdown on the Phuckers in a while.

7/24/2009 - "The Phillies are too far ahead in the NL East for the Braves to make a run." - Buster Olney

REMEMBER THAT BOYS.

by Scott Coleman on Aug 13, 2009 9:21 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

"Just shows how classy the Braves organization is."

Im confused. what does that have to do with the Braves?

by esadb on Aug 13, 2009 9:11 PM EDT up reply actions

They didn't act like meanies to Cruz like the Reds did to Mallett.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Aug 14, 2009 2:37 AM EDT up reply actions

nevermind

carry on

by esadb on Aug 13, 2009 9:20 PM EDT reply actions

reply fail to myself

by esadb on Aug 13, 2009 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, I’m just saying the Braves were good enough to at least give the guy a small chance to continue his career. The Reds pretty much ended it right there on the spot

7/24/2009 - "The Phillies are too far ahead in the NL East for the Braves to make a run." - Buster Olney

REMEMBER THAT BOYS.

by Scott Coleman on Aug 13, 2009 9:23 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Which is a shame because Justin is a really great guy. Of course, he’s also a cheater and a moron.

"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Aug 13, 2009 9:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Of course, one could make the argument that at 27 and still in the minors, his career was more than likely over anyways.

by bravesfan91 on Aug 13, 2009 10:00 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes, because the vast majority of us wouldn’t trade our glamorous lives for the opportunity to be a lowly minor leaguer. Right.

"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Aug 13, 2009 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m sorry, but did I strike a nerve with you or something? All I said is that since he was already 27 and still in the minors his career was more than likely over anyways. Chances were that he wasn’t gonna make it to the Bigs. He was getting to the point in his baseball career where he needed to see that things didn’t go as he had planned and needed to start looking for a career outside of baseball.

That’s life. No need to be snippy about it.

by bravesfan91 on Aug 13, 2009 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes, you absolutely struck a nerve. There’s nothing wrong with being a career minor leaguer. You get to play baseball. And they pay you. To play baseball. Plenty of guys, especially pitchers, have made their debut after they turned 27.

"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Aug 14, 2009 2:27 AM EDT up reply actions

Nothing is wrong with being a career minor leaguer...

but as with all athletes, there comes a time when that career ends and then what?

by Mr. Sanchez on Aug 14, 2009 7:22 AM EDT up reply actions

That’s always a question. But the AA minimum is 40 K and the AAA one is 60 K; most of these guys aren’t well enough educated to ever find a job that pays that well. So until that day comes, ride it out, earn some decent money, and save.

"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Aug 14, 2009 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Really?

If he were a position player, you’d probably have a point, but there are plenty of pitchers who come up late and stick. Moylan’s debut came at 27; Carlyle pitched 40 innings before he was 29.

Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.

by MichaelProcton on Aug 14, 2009 2:39 AM EDT up reply actions