Among all the jewels used by the Dominican prospect of the Reds,elly de la cruzthere is a medallion that has a photo of his family.
“It’s because I do it for them. I do it for my people,” De la Cruz said.
In the middle of it all is the shortstop’s mom, Carmen.
“Really, aside from baseball, everything is centered around my family and my mother,” De la Cruz said. “They inspired me to be the person I am today.”
Cross,10th best prospectof baseball, according to MLB Pipeline, was part of the players the Reds sent to Triple-A Louisville ahead of the start of the regular season. Although he did have flashes of the talent that make him a prized prospect, he also made it clear that he still needs to polish up a couple of areas.
In 12 games, De la Cruz was 5-for-25 (.200) with a home run, two triples and five RBIs. He also struck out nine times and walked two.
A five-tool talent, De la Cruz hit .304 with a .945 OPS, 28 home runs and 47 stolen bases in 120 games between Class-A Fort Dayton and Double-A Chattanooga last year.
What did they ask you to work on when you were taken down?
“Not much, just that he should keep working consistently, that’s how he was going to go up,” De La Cruz said.
On what he enjoys playing baseball:
“Since I was a kid, I have always loved playing this,” he commented. “Since (I did it) in the street, we played with a tennis ball or with other types of balls. Ever since I picked up a ball, I always liked it. Basketball was also a great passion, even before baseball. But baseball is my sport.”
“When I cross the (field) lines and defend my position, I feel at home.”
Would you wear number 44 when you’re promoted to the Majors?
Although many players have worn the No. 44 over the years, it is closely associated with former Reds ranger Eric Davis. Clubhouse manager Rick Stowe had that in mind when he assigned that number to De La Cruz, who has worked alongside Davis in the minors and in camp.
“I have a lot of admiration,” De la Cruz confessed of Davis. “Just being in his presence is incredible. He has given me a lot of advice, especially when I’m stealing bases. He has given me many suggestions so that I am not surprised ”.
