Dein erstes Forum » corps and Jackson no longer fit into their plan

SEATTLE - Had things come together last season, Nelson Cruzs introduction with the Seattle Mariners would have taken place a year ago.Seattle pursued Cruz last year but when it didnt work out, he went on to lead the majors in home runs playing on a one-year deal in Baltimore. The Mariners were quick to try to find a deal that would work for both sides as soon as this off-season arrived.We were open and honest as we could possibly be and say, This is the guy that we want, Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik said Thursday. He was the guy we wanted to bring into this organization and it just came together.Seattle landed the right-handed power bat that was a priority this off-season with a $57 million, four-year contract that was finalized Thursday. He gets a $1 million signing bonus payable by Dec. 31 and yearly salaries of $14 million.Cruz parlayed an $8 million, one-year contract with Baltimore into a long deal with the Mariners after hitting 40 homers and driving in 108 runs for the Orioles. Zduriencik said adding a fourth year to the contract — which will take Cruz to age 38 — was critical to getting the deal done.With Nelson, the fact that because hes such a power guy, and in our game today its so difficult to find, Zduriencik said. In our league he can be a DH which will preserve him somewhat, hes in great shape, hes a really good worker. He may age very well. We had to do that to get him here and we did it.Cruz served a 50-game suspension in 2013 for violations of the major league drug agreement in relation to the sports investigation of the Biogenesis of America clinic. He again referred Thursday to making a mistake taking banned substances and said hes moved on from the suspension.Hell likely hit behind fellow Dominican star Robinson Cano, who will be starting the second season of a $240 million, 10-year contract, and will also reunite with Dominican teammate Fernando Rodney, the Mariners closer.Weve been pretty close, Cruz said of Cano. Hes also one of the reasons why Im here. I think he was pulling for me the whole time. I was pulling for this right here, to be part of this.The Mariners have among the top pitching staffs in the AL but missed the post-season by one game last season due to offensive shortcomings.Cruz fits the need, even if hes never posted big numbers at Safeco Field. Cruz has hit at least 22 homers in every season since 2009 and has been an All-Star three times. Cruzs .271 batting average and .525 slugging percentage last season with Baltimore was his highest since 2010 with Texas.Cruz has hit .240 with nine homers and 19 RBIs in 52 games in Seattle — better than his .185 career average in Oakland and .218 in Anaheim.I just believe great players make players around them better and I think having Nelson in the middle of our lineup is not only going to give (Cano) a lot more pitches to hit, but whoever is hitting behind him will have an opportunity to drive in runs as well, Seattle manager Lloyd McClendon said. Obviously, hes going to make guys better around him in that lineup.The middle of Seattles order is no longer filled with questions. With Cano, Cruz and All-Star Kyle Seager, the Mariners have a legitimate 3-4-5 to build around. McClendon said Cruz would be primarily a designated hitter but also would be used in the outfield. Cruz played 70 games in the outfield for Baltimore last season.The Mariners would still like to add another offensive piece to further solidify that lineup and expect to be involved in a lot of conversations at the Winter Meetings. Zduriencik acknowledged that a few years ago Seattle may not have been a desirable place for free agents to consider.I think the perception of this organization is changing, Zduriencik said.NOTES: Cruz received a limited no-trade provision. Within 30 days of the deals approval by Major League Baseball, he can designate eight teams he cannot be traded to without his approval during 2015-16. He would get a $50,000 bonus if elected to start in the All-Star game, $25,000 if selected as a reserve and $50,000 each for winning a Gold Glove or Silver Slugger. He also would get $150,000 if hes voted MVP, $50,000 for League Championship Series MVP and $100,000 for World Series MVP. Guy Lapointe Canadiens Jersey . 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Maurice Richard Canadiens Jersey . 5 Trade Deadline is drawing closer and teams will be deciding on whether to buy or sell while figuring out which players can make the biggest difference and hold the greatest value.CLEVELAND -- For eight seasons, DQwell Jackson did everything for the Browns. He overcame serious injuries to play at a high level. He led the team tackles. He became a locker room leader, showing the way for younger players. And, he did it all without complaint despite almost constant losing and change in Cleveland. Jacksons run ended Wednesday. The Browns released the veteran linebacker, cutting ties with one of their most popular players due a $4.1 million roster bonus next month. The 31-year-old Jackson, who made 96 starts in eight seasons with the Browns, is now a free agent and can sign with any team. Jacksons agents and Clevelands revamped front office tried to restructure his contract, but couldnt come to terms and decided to part ways. "We had positive discussion with DQwell and his agent over the last several days, and we came to the mutual agreement to go in different directions," said Browns general manager Ray Farmer, who was promoted into that role last month and had to make a tough decision on Jackson. "DQwell is the epitome of class, leadership and professionalism. Every day of his NFL career, DQwell has been a solid representative of the Browns and the city of Cleveland, both between the lines on Sundays and off the field in our area community. "We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavours." Jackson overcame two serious chest injuries earlier in his career. He missed most of two seasons, but recovered and was a mainstay on Clevelands defence despite playing under four head coaches and four defensiive co-ordinators.dddddddddddd He signed a five-year, $42.5 million contract extension last year through 2016. The deal, which included $19 million in guarantees and bonuses, would have paid Jackson $3.93 million this season. He was set to make $7.73 million and $7 million the next two seasons. However, the Browns looked at his age and increasing salary, and although theyve got room under the salary cap, decided to make the change. The team wants to get younger, stronger and faster in its linebacking corps and Jackson no longer fit into their plans. Near the end of last season, Jackson said he would be "shocked" if he didnt come back. But now that the day has arrived, he can get a fresh start elsewhere. He thanked the Browns and their fans in a statement. "To the people of Cleveland and Browns fans everywhere: Eight years ago I began a journey that blessed me with the opportunity to be a part of a wonderful organization and community," Jackson said. "I want to take this time to thank each and every one of you for opening your arms and hearts to my family and me, and for making Cleveland an easy place to love and call home. Its been an honour playing in front of you. I also would like to thank the Browns players, coaches and staff for their tireless work and commitment. "From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all and will always carry you with me. For opening your arms and hearts to my family and me, and for making Cleveland an easy place to love and call home. Its been an honour playing in front of you." ' ' '