Orioles Bring Back Utility Infielder
It's been a year since Chris Gomez last put on a hat with a bird on it. Evidently that was too long for his liking.
The utility infielder inked a minor league deal with Baltimore Friday, according to Jeff Zrebiac of the Baltimore Sun. Gomez will again be expected to see time at all infield positions, though his ability to play shortstop -- where he'll back up offseason acquisition Cesar Izturis -- was likely one of the biggest factors behind his decision to come back to the Chesapeake Bay.
A spot on the major league roster is no given for Gomez, who will have to fight off some prospects to ensure he'll get to fill the role the team envisions for him. That being said, if Gomez does make the team, there's reason to believe you can pencil in his production already; he's a .262 career hitter and improved that average ever-so modestly last year with the Pirates, batting .273 with 20 RBI and one homer.
So, is it a good move? What do bird fans think. It's certainly not a big splash, but maybe these kind of security blanket signings are what Baltimore really needs? I'll admit it, I think that's far too much wishful thinking, but maybe I'm wrong here.
By Cameron Smith |
January 9, 2009; 6:48 PM ET
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Orioles
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Posted by: BinM | January 9, 2009 7:54 PM
If it is possible to be a big Chris Gomez fan, then count me in. Nice role player. In Bawldimor, he had an OPS of .339 or greater for 3 years. A very nice back up. Just don't count on him for 300 ABs, then he reverts to his career averages. Can play every infield position. Nice depth signing.
Posted by: jca-CrystalCity | January 9, 2009 9:40 PM
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Cameron: You tagged it in your last paragraph - Gomez is an insurance policy for 2009. He'll go to spring training & either hook-on as a IF bench-player on the big club, or go to AAA, play well & hope for a call-up to the show.