Luis Cruz Out To Prove He Belongs

CRUUUUUUUUZ! has been a familiar sound heard throughout Dodger Stadium since Luis Cruz was called up last season in July. Cruz has made the most of that opportunity by hitting .296, 6 home runs, and 40 RBIs. He also played solid defense at short stop and primarily third base. Going in to the off-season, Dodgers Manager Don Mattingly said Cruz would have the first crack at third base. A lot of critics of Luis Cruz wondered if he could replicate his success for a full season at the big league level. I had a chance to catch up with Cruz last week in Rancho Cucamonga before the Dodgers played the Quakes.

DB: How do you feel about the possibility of playing shortstop until Hanley Ramirez returns? Are you more comfortable at third base or shortstop?

LC: I feel comfortable playing at shortstop. I have mainly played short my whole career. Last year, I felt I did well playing third. The most important thing is being on the team and helping in whatever way I can.

DB: What are your goals for this season?

LC: My goal is to play at the level I did last year. I want to help the team in whatever way I can, whether is it at third base or shortstop or wherever they want me to play. I have worked my whole career to get to this level. I am grateful with the opportunity to play and I want to prove that I can play at this level.

DB: What do you say to those that say,“He had a good year last year, but I don’t think he can repeat that again”.

LC: I don’t pay attention to any of that. I pay attention to my work. My work ethic, that is what is important. There will always be negative and positive articles, but the most important thing is the job I do and how I feel. When I came up to the Big Leagues in 2008, 2009, and 2010, I never really had the chance to play. I thank God for the opportunity the Dodgers have given me to play so I can show what I can do.

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