CRUZ, LUIS  
 
Nickname:   N/A Position:   SS
Home: Sonora, MEX Team:   NASHVILLE
Height: 6' 1" Bats:   R
Weight: 180 Throws:   R
DOB: 2/10/1984 Agent: N/A
Birth City: Navojoa, Mexico Draft: Red Sox-free agent-2000
Uniform #: N/A  
 
YR LEA TEAM SAL(K) G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO OBP SLG AVG
2002 SAL AUGUSTA   58 202 16 38 7 1 3 15 0   9 30     .188
2002 GCL Red Sox   21 72 10 21 4 0 0 9 2   3 6     .292
2003 MWL FT. WAYNE   129 481 55 111 24 1 8 53 2   30 55     .231
2004 CAL LAKE ELSINORE   124 512 75 142 35 3 8 72 3   24 56     .277
2005 MEX Mexico Cty Reds   61 226 29 64 15 3 4 23 4   10 26     .283
2005 SL MOBILE   44 151 14 24 2 1 3 6 0   9 31     .159
2006 SL MOBILE   130 499 65 130 35 3 12 65 8 4 29 62   .415 .261
2007 PCL PORTLAND   45 155 15 26 10 1 5 17 0 0 9 24 .216 .342 .168
2007 TL SAN ANTONIO   69 238 24 60 10 0 4 19 3 0 13 20 .293 .345 .252
2008 EL ALTOONA   105 375 41 99 24 1 6 46 3 3 19 34   .381 .264
2008 IL INDIANAPOLIS   32 120 19 39 10 0 3 15 2 4 3 14   .483 .325
2008 NL PIRATES   22 67 6 15 3 0 0 3 1 1 3 2 .278 .269 .224
2009 NL PIRATES $402.00 27 70 5 15 1 0 0 2 0 0 6 7 .282 .229 .214
2009 IL INDIANAPOLIS   66 229 28 58 15 0 3 23 3 3 6 26 .274 .358 .253
2010 PCL NASHVILLE   129 488 54 137 29 3 10 68 0 0 15 56 .309 .414 .281
PERSONAL:

  • Luis signed with Red Sox scouts Ray Poitevint and Lee Sigman on August 29, 2000 out of Mexico. Cruz was just 16 years old at the time.

  • December, 2002: The Padres sent utilityman Cesar Crespo to the Red Sox, acquiring Cruz.

  • Before 2005 spring training, the Baseball America Prospect Handbook rated Cruz as 27th-best prospect in the Padres organization. He wasn't ranked in 2006, but in the spring of 2007, they ranked Luis as #20 in the Padres farm system.

  • Luis plays the game with enthusiasm. And he has developed real good work habits.

    "I always play hard, give 100 percent because you never know who's watching," Cruz said. "This is a team game, but every player plays for himself, hoping that if he plays well, it not only helps him, but the team, too."

  • Cruz hit well during the off-season before 2007 spring training, hitting .286 with 23 RBIs while scoring 29 runs for Navojoa of the Mexican Pacific League in winter ball.

  • December, 2007: Cruz signed with the Pirates organization.

  • March 31, 2009: Luis' grandmother died in Venezuela. When he found out he made the Pirates' Opening Day roster a few days later, the rush of emotions was visible.

    "I'm not sure how to feel right now," Cruz said. "But I know she would be very happy for me."

  • December 7, 2009: The Brewers claimed Luis off waivers from the Pirates.

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    BATTING:

    • Cruz finally began to develop some offense in 2006. He still needs to improve his strength and leverage, but the ball jumps off his bat. Before 2006, pitchers could easily get Luis out. He still chases some balls out of the strike zone. But his bat has really improved.

    • Luis needs to refine his plate discipline. He is a streaky hitter who struggles to hit good breaking pitches.
     
    FIELDING:

    • Luis is a very smooth-fielding shortstop with soft, quick hands, solid footwork and a very good arm. He has above-average range. He makes playing shortstop look easy.

    • Cruz makes the double play well. And he can make the play from deep in the hole at shortstop.

    • He is a defensive standout at short, but can also play 2nd base or even center field to fill a need.

    • Cruz has great hands.
     
    RUNNING:

    • Luis has average speed, but is not much of a threat to steal.
     
    CAREER INJURY REPORT:

    • July, 2007: Cruz went on the D.L. the first week of July.

    • 2009: Early in spring training, Luis missed a week of action because of a hip flexor.
     
     
    Last Updated 9/5/2010. All contents © 2000 by Player Profiles. All rights reserved.