Fansided

Nelson Cruz reaches 40 home run plateau

By Anthony Parisi

Sep 20, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) hits a one-run RBI double in the seventh inning against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Orioles defeated the Red Sox 7-2.Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) hits a one-run RBI double in the seventh inning against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Orioles defeated the Red Sox 7-2.Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Orioles didn’t have a 40 home run hitter from 1999 until 2012. Last season, Chris Davis ended that streak with a 53 home run season and this season, Nelson Cruz extended the streak for the Orioles, as he now has 40 home runs on the year. Things are changing for the better for an Orioles franchise that was not too long ago the doormat of the Al East.

The Orioles are now the 2014 Al east champions and they are looking to carry their success from the regular season into the postseason. Signing Cruz through free agency was one of the biggest steals this offseason. Without Cruz and his 40 home runs the Orioles wouldn’t be where they are right now this season.

Cruz leads the MLB in home runs this season, behind him with 37 home runs is the injured Giancarlo Stanton. In a league full of dominant pitching there’s not as much power as there used to be in the MLB. 40 home runs is a major accomplishment in the modern MLB.

The season isn’t over yet, so Cruz may end up with even more home runs. Leading the league in home runs would be a major milestone for a guy that was overlooked by numerous teams in free agency this offseason.

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