Cruz organized a three-day retreat where he and seven other Mariners teammates, including Felix Hernandez, James Paxton and newcomers Dee Gordon and Ryon Healy will work out together in preparation for the season.
ORLANDO, Fla. — In his first few years with the Mariners, Nelson Cruz seemed a little reticent to take a major leadership role, often deferring to teammates Felix Hernandez and Robinson Cano. Sure, his work habits, his attention to preparation and conditioning, his stellar performance on the field, his welcoming personality and his hulking presence made him a leader in many ways, largely by example.