Baltimore Orioles Prove They Mean Business and Sign Nelson Cruz

The Baltimore Orioles had recently signed free-agent pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez to a four-year, near $50 million deal, and as of today, they have added free-agent outfielder Nelson Cruz to their team. The one-year contract is believed to be worth near $8 million. The Orioles have been a consistently good team over the past few seasons, but they had gaps that needed help, and in their new pitcher and outfielder, they've filled two of the most evident needs for the team.

The Orioles will be aiming for the playoffs, which they had achieved the season before last, but fell short of last season. These additions will be a boost to the franchise and its fans. With stars like Chris Davis and Matt Wieters already settled and a threat any team would love to boast, it looks like the Orioles mean business this season. Are they done for this free agency period? Who knows, but regardless they've already done some astute business.

Cruz was deemed a worthy signing by many as his $8 million price tag is relatively cheap compared to some other players that were on the market. He did however miss 50 games last season after landing a suspension for the PED-peddling scandal. He did however make a return in the playoff game against the Tampa Bay game.

This will be a new start for both the Orioles and Cruz, and the deal has certainly made them a team to watch this season. Can they win the World Series? Anything is possible, but adding this experience certainly won't hurt their chances.