The son of Astros legend Jose Cruz, the Rice University star had a solid career with the Seattle, Toronto, San Francisco, Tampa Bay, Arizona, San Francisco, Boston, Los Angeles and San Diego. When he returned to Houston, where his father served as the first base coach, it was the feel-good story of the 2008 spring camp.

Cruz made the team as a pinch-hitter and reserve outfielder but poor performance at the plate forced his release in early June.