Nelson Cruz the Orioles first half MVO
My most valuable Baltimore Orioles player for the first half is Nelson Cruz. Easy call, Nelson Cruz is an All-Star and has 28 home runs and a .287 average. Cruz carried the Orioles for the first quarter of the season and has been consistent all season so far. Cruz came to the Orioles as a free agent and was a huge bargain. Cruz has been so good that he got his own player profile.
Cruz has played left, right and DHed for the Orioles. In the outfield Cruz has been more than solid and has been above average. Overall, the Orioles could not have asked for more from Cruz who is on pace to have well over 100 rbi’s.
The Orioles have other candidates for the first half MVO but none of them come close to Cruz. Adam Jones got off to a slow start but as the temperature rose so did his bat and he was elected to the All-Star game, his offensive numbers are still far behind Cruz. Nick Markakis has been great as the Orioles lead off batter and has hit around .300 all season but does not have the power numbers Cruz has. Both Markakis and Jones are more valuable defensive players so that is an advantage towards them.
Then their is Bud Norris who was the Orioles best starter for most of the season. Norris has a sub 4 era but only seven wins due to lack of run support. Norris has gone deep into just about every game and really been an innings eater for the Orioles. Zach Britton and Darren O’Day have been great as well but are one to two innings relief pitchers and do not have the value of an everyday player or a starter.
