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The Tampa Bay Rays geared up for a stretch run to the playoffs by acquiring power hitter Nelson Cruz in a trade with the Minnesota Twins.
How big of a deal is this?
ESPN noted that Carlos Pena in 2007 is the only Rays player to hit 40 home runs in a single season. Cruz has done that seven times in his 17-year career.
The Rays also acquired minor-league pitcher Calvin Faucher in the deal. They sent pitchers Joe Ryan and Drew Strotman to the Twins.
Ryan is in Tokyo currently as a member of the U.S. Olympic team.
– Joe Henderson, The Tampa Bay 100
