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March 27, 2000

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There are certainly better places than Cleveland for a young, power-hitting outfielder such as Jacob Cruz to crack a lineup. "This club is not designed for prospects right now," says general manager John Hart. Still, the 27-year-old Cruz—who will see plenty of action in centerfield until Kenny Lofton returns from the disabled list, perhaps as early as May—proved last season that he belongs with Cleveland's big boys. In a month-long stint as the replacement for the injured Lofton, he hit .330 with three homers in 88 at bats. This winter he added 20 pounds of muscle to his six-foot, 179-pound frame while playing in Mexico, and throughout the spring he showed off his newfound power by launching 400-foot bombs all over the Indians' Winter Haven, Fla., complex. "Jacob has an excellent pedigree," says Hart. "All he needs is a place to play."

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