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Detroit Tigers Top 10 Shortstops in franchise history

By Andy Patton

DETROIT, MI - JUNE 06: Jose Iglesias #1 of the Detroit Tigers makes a play to first base for an out in the first inning during a MLB game against the Los Angeles Angels at Comerica Park on June 6, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - JUNE 06: Jose Iglesias #1 of the Detroit Tigers makes a play to first base for an out in the first inning during a MLB game against the Los Angeles Angels at Comerica Park on June 6, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /
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13 Jul 1998: Infielder Deivi Cruz #8 of the Detroit Tigers (left) in action against catcher Sal Fasano #26 of the Kansas City Royals during the game at Tiger Stadium in Detroit, Michigan. The Royals defeated the Tigers 6-4.
13 Jul 1998: Infielder Deivi Cruz #8 of the Detroit Tigers (left) in action against catcher Sal Fasano #26 of the Kansas City Royals during the game at Tiger Stadium in Detroit, Michigan. The Royals defeated the Tigers 6-4. /

Deivi Cruz

Detroit Tigers: 1997-2001

Deivi Cruz was the Tigers starting shortstop for five straight seasons, racking up 692 appearances at short.

Cruz was originally signed by the San Francisco Giants in 1993, but was taken by the Dodgers in the Minor league draft in 1996 and immediately shipped to the Tigers in exchange for Jeff Berblinger.

He ended up finishing 25th in MVP voting and fourth in Rookie of the Year voting in 1997. His numbers weren’t all that impressive however, as he hit .241 with two home runs, three stolen bases and 26 doubles.

Cruz improved in 1998, hitting .260 with five home runs and a 2.2 WAR thanks to improving defense.

1999 saw Cruz post his first double-digit home run season, as he blasted 13 and hit .284. 2000 was his best overall season, as he hit .302 with 10 home runs and 46 doubles, which was third in the AL. His 97 OPS+ was a career-high as well.

2001 saw Cruz’s batting average dip back down to .256 and his home run output drop down to seven. He posted a strong 2.6 WAR, but the Tigers had seen enough.

He was a free agent after the season and signed with the San Diego Padres. After one season in San Diego he signed with the Baltimore Orioles and hit a career high 14 home runs, before catching on with the Giants. He eventually finished his big league career in 2005 as a member of the brand new Washington Nationals.

Cruz finished his Detroit career with 652 hits, 157 doubles (39th in team history), 277 RBI and a 6.0 WAR.

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