Infielder Julio Cruz of the Chicago White...

Infielder Julio Cruz of the Chicago White Sox, who batted .197 last season, has the highest base salary of any player in the American League West, according to figures published in USA Today.

Cruz, who batted .197 in 90 games for the White Sox this year, earned $1,242,333 in base salary in 1985. According to the newspaper, Cruz received $300,000 this season, with the remaining $942,333 deferred for at least 10 years. Other top-salaried AL West players include the Angels’ Reggie Jackson ($975,000), George Brett of Kansas City ($900,000), Tom Seaver of Chicago ($900,000) and Carney Lansford of Oakland ($900,000).