Deivi

Cruz

Cruz will get a $200,000 buyout. The Orioles will consider bringing him back later on. “They talked to us about having Deivi play a utility role,” said Cruz’s agent, Elliott Vallin. “I told them we’ll test the market and see what happens.” The Orioles have yet to announce whether they plan to exercise Kerry Ligtenberg’s option. That’s a decision that has to be made by Sunday.

More evidence that the Rockies are becoming the Orioles of the National League. “I hope Colorado works out,” agent Elliott Vallin said. “It would be a perfect fit.” He’s right, but we’re pretty sure he meant it in a good way.

Cruz made two errors in Thursday’s loss, and has committed the last six Baltimore errors himself. Melvin Mora replaced him at shortstop.

A nice way to break out of a 2-for-28 slump. He homered, doubled and singled three times.

He’ll get to play against Juan Gonzalez while trying to find a job as a utility man.

That’s more reasonable than expected. At that price, GM Brian Sabean shouldn’t hesitate to make Cruz a utilityman if someone better comes along.

Only a one-year deal? Even Neifi Perez got a two-year deal from the Giants. Cruz’s range at shortstop is declining and there’s little reason to expect him to hit .292 again. Bringing him back isn’t a terrible idea, but the Giants could have looked for upgrades at shortstop and still made this move a month from now.

Unless he begins to slump, Cruz is going to continue to get the vast majority of the playing time at shortstop. Managaer Felipe Alou no longer seems to think of Pedro Feliz as an option at the position.

Cruz would be a downgrade defensively, but he’s probably a better option at shortstop than the struggling Cristian Guzman. The Nationals might as well try playing him regularly for a little while. All they gave up to get him was a weaker relief prospect than the one (Danny Reuckel) they sent through waivers this week. Cox, 23, had a 3.00 ERA in 42 appearances for Single-A Savannah.

Cruz might start at shortstop tomorrow against the Braves.