Free agent second baseman Julio Cruz, released by the Sox after spring training, was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers Monday to a contract with their Triple-A farm club, Albuquerque of the Pacific Coast League, for the rest of this season. He`s scheduled to report Friday.
In 9 1/2 major-league seasons, with Seattle and the Sox, the 32-year-old Cruz has a .237 lifetime average. Cruz worked out at Dodger Stadium Monday.
”We were very impressed by Cruz`s workout and his desire to return to baseball,” said Fred Claire, the Dodgers` executive vice president.
Sox player personnel chief Al Goldis is out in California to finalize the deal with No. 1 draft pick Jack McDowell. ”He wouldn`t be there unless we were close,” said general manager Larry Himes. ”We`ve made good strides. We`ll get it done.” Himes said McDowell will start with the Sox`s rookie league team in Sarasota, Fla., and then work his way up to Double-A Birmingham. The ex-Stanford pitcher still has hopes of making the big club next spring, but his holdout probably hasn`t helped him.
Ron Hassey looked impressive taking batting practice Monday, sending several balls into the right-field seats. Manager Jim Fregosi hopes to have him back within the next week to 10 days.
Fregosi had to laugh when he greeted Baltimore manager Cal Ripken Sr. ”My son`s only in Double A,” Fregosi said. Ripken, of course, has two sons playing for him. Fregosi`s son, Jim Jr., plays in the St. Louis organization.
