Friday marked the official beginning of the Shin-Soo Choo era in Texas. It also marked the unofficial end of Nelson Cruz‘s tenure with the Rangers.
Choo was introduced by the Rangers at a press conference Friday. The outfielder was given No. 17, which is the number that he donned in Cincinnati and Cleveland.
No big deal, right?
Well, No. 17 just so happens to be Cruz’s old number. Cruz, of course, is a free agent and a return to Texas seemed unlikely in the wake of Choo agreeing to a seven-year deal, but handing over the veteran’s number to the newcomer really seems to signify that the Rangers are moving on. Cruz, who was suspended for 50 games in 2013 because of his involvement in the Biogenesis scandal, has spent the last eight seasons with the Rangers.
The market for Cruz hasn’t really developed this offseason, although we now know that he’ll likely have a new home in 2014. Choo, meanwhile, has joined the Rangers on a $130 million contract and will likely be Texas’ leadoff hitter next season.
Check out some photos below from Choo’s introductory press conference. And yes, feel free to note the mop atop his head.
Photo via Twitter/@espn_durrett
Photo via Twitter/@newyscruggs
Photo via Twitter/@newyscruggs
