The Boomstick's Return To Texas

A lot is being made of a local reporter's piece on whether Nelson Cruz should be booed upon his return to Texas tonight. Cruz was with the Texas Rangers for eight seasons and was a central part of the recent successful run the metroplex has been a part of in regard to postseason baseball. Yet, because of a 50-game suspension last season due to a link with PEDs that was a crucial part of why the local ball club missed the playoffs, fandom is divided on whether Cruz will be booed or cheered.

Many remember the past glories Cruz gave us with his "boomstick," even leading to a carnival-style hotdog of the same name that got the same amount of smiles as Cruz's homers.  But the other group of fans only want to remember the missed fly ball in game six of the 2011 World Series (which does still pain my sports heart to think about) and the suspension last year.  For me, the criteria of whether you are booed or not upon your return is how your exit is handled.

 

Mark Texeira had no desire to be here and didn't disguise the fact.  Josh Hamilton and C.J. Wilson both went to teams in our division and made comments that had Rangers fans shaking their heads in bewilderment and anger.  They all deserved to be booed.  Ian Kinsler also said some things that irked the fanbase here, but in reality the only comment that should have given us pause was the desire to see us go 0-162.  While all ballplayers should want other teams in the league to go winless for the season, you don't want to hear that from an ex-player who you rooted for day in and day out about your team.

 

That leads us to Nelson Cruz.  His exit was pretty clean and he kind of already received his punishment by receiving six million less than what he was offered for staying in Texas.  I personally would not boo Cruz if I were to attend tonight's game or any of the games for this series, but I guess I can see the argument for doing so.