SB Nation - Melvin Mora

Thanksgiving in Birdland - 2009

Stacey — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:00:14 -0000

There are a lot of things to be thankful for in Birdland this year. More than any year in recent history, I'd say. After years of futility, years of floundering, the Orioles are almost respectable again. They're not there yet, but it's close. I can feel it. To get there the Orioles need to show marked improvement from the teams over the past decade and they also need to prove they can compete with the rest of the teams in the AL East. Will it ever happen? I'm certain part one will. Part two is currently a mystery. But the pieces are starting to come together.

This team is getting younger, and it's getting better. Chris Tillman (21). Brian Matusz (22). Brad Bergesen (23). Adam Jones (23). Matt Wieters (23). Felix Pie (24). Nick Markakis (25). Nolan Reimold (25). That's a hell of a core, and that doesn't even take into account the young guys still in the minors. There could be injuries, there could be busts, but that is potentially the nucleus of a championship team. There are a lot of pieces that need to be added to it, of course, but it's there.

The Orioles used to be the worst kind of bad team, because not only were they bad, they were old and expensive too. That is no longer the case. Melvin Mora and his $8M/year are gone. So is Jamie Walker ($4.5M). Danys Baez (>$7M), gone. Ditto Aubrey Huff ($8M). After reaching a payroll of over $93M in 2007 that resulted in a paltry 69 wins, the 2010 Orioles currently have obligated less than half of that.

It's easy to look at where the Orioles are now and who is ahead of them in the division and feel discouraged. But another viewpoint is this: the Orioles have a young team that's full of talent and they have money to spend. They have a GM in Andy MacPhail who has proven that he's capable of showing patience, making big trades, identifying potential high-reward players, and sticking to his plan. How he'll handle Free Agents signings (impact FAs, not players like Mark Hendrickson) remains to be seen, but MacPhail has done so many things right so far that there is reason to believe in him.

Catch me any other day and I'll have a little more cynicism and a lot more doubt about the future of the Orioles. But it's the time of year to give thanks, so let's put that other stuff on the shelf for today and thank Wieters for the direction this team has taken.

The Changing of the O's

Stacey — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:12:47 -0000

2007 - Pre-MacPhail. 2010 - Based solely on current players. How much have we improved, really? Discuss. Is it fair to say that the only position where the 2010 Orioles are worse off than the 2007 Orioles is shortstop?

All lineups are based on who played that most games at that position in each year.

2007 Baltimore Orioles	2008 Baltimore Orioles	2009 Baltimore Orioles	2010 Baltimore Orioles
C: Ramon Hernandez	C: Ramon Hernandez	C: Matt Wieters	C: Matt Wieters
1B: Kevin Millar	1B: Kevin Millar	1B: Aubrey Huff	1B: Luke Scott
2B: Brian Roberts	2B: Brian Roberts	2B: Brian Roberts	2B: Brian Roberts
3B: Melvin Mora	3B: Melvin Mora	3B: Melvin Mora	3B: Ty Wigginton
SS: Miguel Tejada	SS: Juan Castro	SS: Cesar Izturis	SS: Cesar Izturis
LF: Jay Payton	LF: Luke Scott	LF: Nolan Reimold	LF: Felix Pie
CF: Corey Patterson	CF: Adam Jones	CF: Adam Jones	CF: Adam Jones
RF: Nick Markakis	RF: Nick Markakis	RF: Nick Markakis	RF: Nick Markakis
DH: Aubrey Huff	DH: Aubrey Huff	DH: Luke Scott	DH: Nolan Reimold

Troy Glaus, Melvin Mora options for Astros?

Eli Greenspan — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 01:57:28 -0000

More photos » by Jeff Roberson - AP

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ESPN.com's Buster Olney has learned that the Astros only have the flexibility to make minor moves, perhaps adding a right-handed hitting third baseman to platoon with Geoff Blum.

Blum hit only .247 with 10 home runs, and is a career .250 hitter. If the Astros could land a perennial hitter at a bargain rate, Blum could easily be moved to a bench role.

With that said, Troy Glaus is coming off a season in which he appeared in only 14 games, hitting just .172. The 33-year old right-hander could be reduced to a one or two year deal, worth 5-6 million dollars annually.

Glaus has a lot of upside, never hitting less than 27 home runs when healthy enough to reach 500 at-bats. He is a Type-B free agent.

Melvin Mora is also a Type-B free agent, despite putting up his lowest home runs total since 2001. A change of scenery could benefit the .278 career hitter, who will be 38 in February. He certainly can be had on a one year deal in the range of 4-5 million dollars.

If you are an Astros fan, who would you rather have: Troy Glaus or Melvin Mora?

Analyzing the Third Base Candidates: Free Agents

PhillyFriar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:40:52 -0000

More photos » by Ben Margot - AP

Could Adrian Beltre be manning the hot corner for the Phillies next year? (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

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The 2010 Philadelphia Phillies aren't likely to be all that dissimilar from the 2009 version that came within two wins of taking home back-to-back World Series titles; 7 of the 8 starting field players return, along with the top 4 starters and much of the bullpen. Given that fact, it's obvious that general manager Ruben Amaro needn't do much to run out a title contender yet again next year.

Yet that single opening in the starting lineup is a glaring one: third base, where the Phillies haven't really found an acceptable solution since trading Scott Rolen away midway through the 2001 season. In a city where the greatest third baseman of all time plied his trade, this is certainly a disappointing development. Thankfully, third base appears to be Amaro's top priority this offseason, and while the term "buyer's market" may be a bit strong, the Phillies nonetheless look well-positioned to address this long-standing need.

So who's available? There are a number of free agents that fit the bill. Who knows how Amaro views these candidates -- TGP has disagreed fundamentally with Rube over free agent value before -- but for what it's worth, here's a look at the key free agent third basemen: Adrian Beltre, Chone Figgins, Mark DeRosa, Placido Polanco, Miguel Tejada, Troy Glaus, and Melvin Mora.

Adrian Beltre
Background: 31 years old, Type B free agent (most recent club: Seattle Mariners)

Upside: Beltre is the youngest of the free agent options, and he's also the best fielder. He's been worth 27 runs with the glove over the past 2 years (according to UZR), and he hasn't shown signs of slowing down. He's flashed decent power throughout his career (.183 ISO), and as a right-handed hitter, he should benefit immensely by moving from Safeco to OFJOAB.

Downside: Beltre won't make anyone forget about Pedro Feliz's impatience at the dish; he's a notorious hacker who has only walked in 7.1% of his career plate appearances. He was banged up this past year and only played 111 games, but the silver lining to that is that it could drive down his asking price. Prior to that, he had played 143 games or more in 7 straight years.

Quick take: He's the best of the free agent options unless Figgins drops his demands significantly.

Chone Figgins
Background: 32 years old, Type A free agent (most recent club: Los Angeles Angels)

Upside: Figgins has grown from super-utility guy extraordinaire to an excellent third baseman and leadoff man. A switch-hitter, Figgins drew walks in a career best 14.1% of his plate appearances this year, helping him to a career best .395 OBP. He's got good speed (42 SB this year, although 17 CS), and has grown into a great fielder at the hot corner, posting an astounding 16.7 UZR this year.

Downside: His career year has Figgins in line for a substantial payday, with his demands reported to be in the 5 years, $50 million range. As a slap hitter (career .388 SLG) whose game is built on speed, he's likely to have already peaked, and the downward career slope for such players is often quick and painful.

Quick take: Buying high on Figgins seems risky. If he'll lower his demands into the Ibanez range (3 years, $31.5 million), then maybe the Phils will have some interest, but that seems unlikely.

Mark DeRosa
Background: 35 years old, Type B free agent (most recent club: St. Louis Cardinals)

Upside: DeRosa has made a nice career for himself as a right-handed super-utility guy capable of playing pretty much everywhere but catcher and center field. He's exhibited greater patience and power in recent years, and he was outstanding for the Cubs in 2008, hitting .285/.376/.481.

Downside: You mean, other than the fact that he's a 35-year old coming off wrist surgery, a .250/.319/.433 year, and he's a pretty poor defender at the hot corner (-8.7 UZR/150 in 2009)?

Quick take: The former Penn QB angle is nice for sportswriters, but unless the Phillies miss out on a bunch of targets and DeRosa lowers his demands, I'd pass.

Placido Polanco
Background: 35 years old, Type A free agent (most recent club: Detroit Tigers)

Upside: The former Phillie is a solid if unspectacular player, displaying great contact skills over the course of his career (a mere 7.1% K) that make him a tough out. He's been an excellent defender at second base over the years, and he's said that he'd consider moving to third base for a contender; his arm isn't ideal for the hot corner, but his career 9.9 UZR/150 at the position indicate that he'd likely be fine there.

Downside: He'd be nothing more than a 1- or 2-year stopgap, and if the Tigers offer him arbitration, there's no way I'd want to surrender a 1st round pick for him. His career BB% is just one tenth of a percent higher than Feliz (5.4% to 5.3%), and he has nearly as little power as Figgins (.111 career ISO), so while his batting average may look nice, he's not all that valuable of a hitter unless he maintains an above-average BABIP.

Quick take: Detroit has until December 1 to offer him arbitration, and if they don't, the Phillies could certainly do worse than Polanco as a low-cost stopgap if they miss out on some of their bigger targets.

Miguel Tejada
Background: 35 years old, Type A free agent (most recent club: Houston Astros)

Upside: Like Polanco, Tejada would be switching positions, and no one's positive yet that Tejada won't find a gig masquerading as a shortstop somewhere. The power he flashed at his peak has receded, but he still posted a .298/.327/.435 line in Houston over the past two years. He's a contact-oriented free swinger, striking out just in just 9.8% of his at bats the past 3 years.

Downside: Tejada walked just 19 times in 674 plate appearances this year -- a mind-numbing 2.7% of the time. It's an open question how his subpar defense at short would translate to third base, and the Phillies seem to think that his reputation will command a contract that's beyond what they're looking to hand out.

Quick take: Sounds like the Phils will pass, which is a good idea given the rapid down slope of Tejada's production the past few years.

Troy Glaus
Background: 33 years old, Type B free agent (most recent club: St. Louis Cardinals)

Upside: When healthy, Glaus is a right-handed slugger who exhibits both patience and power. In 2008 with the Cardinals, he hit .270/.372/.483 with 27 HR and excellent control of the strike zone (13.8% K, 19.1% BB). And he's probably be available on a low-cost deal because...

Downside: ...he's not healthy. The Cardinals gave him only 4 starts all year at third base because they feared his surgically repaired shoulder just wasn't capable of making the throw across the diamond. Even healthy, he's not nearly as good a defender as the mainstream media would have you believe (career -5.4 UZR/150). The odds of him playing 130 games next year are, to be charitable, not good.

Quick take: There are simply too many medical red flags for the Phillies to entrust their third base job to Glaus.

Melvin Mora
Background: 38 years old, Type B free agent (most recent club: Baltimore Orioles)

Upside: He'd probably come cheaply. He's a career .278/.352/.436 hitter, but both his OBP and SLG have been down in recent years as he's adopted a more contact-oriented approach to compensate for the effects of aging.

Downside: He's an average at best defensive player (career -2.8 UZR/150 at third base), and... well, he's 38 years old. He could make some sense as a right-handed bench bat capable of playing all four corner positions, but his days as a first division starter are well behind.

Quick take: I will personally drive to Citizens Bank Park and heckle Ruben Amaro if he's even remotely considering Mora as a full-time starter at third base.

---

On Monday, we'll tackle the potential trade candidates at the hot corner. In the meantime, what do you think about the free agent bunch? Would you prefer the organization go for broke to sign Figgins, or sign one of the "lesser" options and spend the savings elsewhere? Or are you pleading the fifth until you see what's available on the trade market?

Bird Droppings: O's claim Gabino, Mora's hard at work, and Hayden Penn still has life.

Camden Chat — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:00:43 -0000

More photos » by Steve Nesius - AP

Off-Season O of the Day: ZAUN. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)

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O's claim righty Gabino off waivers from Twins
Armando Gabino, 26, went 6-4 with three saves in a 38 games (seven starts) for Triple-A Rochester in 2009, and had a 17.18 ERA in two appearances for the Twins. -duck

Melvin's working on his versitality
Ken Rosenthal is live blogging from the GM Meetings and reports that Melvin Mora is training at other positions this off season to increase his marketability. -Stacey

Rays decline ZAUN's option
I guess his Z-Game wasn't good enough. -Stacey

Marlins giving Penn another look
The Marlins have added Hayden Penn back to their 40 man roster. They must see something in him if they're worried about him getting selected in the Rule 5 draft. -Stacey

Police search for kidnappers of Victor Zambrano's mother
The kidnappers still haven't contacted anyone regarding ransom. Even more horrifying is the news that Zambrano's cousin was kidnapped and killed nine days ago. -Stacey

DuPuy: MLB competitive balance working
MLB President Bob DuPuy says some ridiculous things (Competitive balance has been a hallmark of the entire tenure of Commissioner Selig) and some interesting things (We need a world-wide Draft). A good read. -Stacey

Red Sox keep Victor Martinez - Salt Lake Tribune
The Red Sox picked up Victor Martinez's option and declined Jason Varitek's. -Stacey

Eight questions for baseball executives - ESPN
As the hot stove season gets under way, ESPN.com surveys executives in the game on eight notable questions that will play out in the coming weeks. -Stacey

What do you do to an elephant with 3 balls? Walk him and pitch to the Open Thread

Long May You Run, Melvin Mora

SC — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:33:56 -0000

More photos » by Gail Burton - AP

(AP Photo/Gail Burton)

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Contrary to many of my perhaps-forgotten comments in the last two years, I was a pretty big Melvin Mora fan. My feeling that it was time for him to be replaced didn't change that. The fact that as an Orioles fan I'm relieved that his time is up doesn't change it, either.

Mora's last four seasons in Baltimore were pretty rough overall, clouding what I hope will turn out to be blue sky memories of his time as an Oriole. Because Melvin Mora was an Oriole -- a real one. Sure, we got him from the Mets (and again, Mets, thanks for that trade), but we took a utility man nearing the end of his likely upside and got an All-Star performer out of the deal.

When Melvin came over from New York in the middle of the 2000 season and hit a little bit -- nothing special, but a little bit -- it was nice. But who expected it to continue? In fact, it didn't continue. In 2001, Mora hit .250/.329/.362, and for all the world you would have been completely forgiven for not wanting to see the light-hitting, 30-year old Mora come back for '02.

But he did. And when you looked past his .233 batting average, you could see a few things. He led the team with 70 walks and hit 19 homers. At the end of the day, though, it still didn't look that impressive. .742 OPS, decent, useful, but not worth going out of your way for.

At 32 years of age, he became an All-Star. In an injury-shortened season, he raked .317/.418/.503, and he followed that up with a just plain nasty .340/.419/.562 line in 2004, leading the American League in on-base percentage and emerging as one of the most overlooked great players in the game.

It was, of course, a career year. Mora made another All-Star team during the ill-fated 2005 campaign, the first season of Camden Chat's existence. He played well that year, though not up to the unrealistic standards of '04. And he just sort of kept declining bit by bit. It happens. He was in his mid-30s, had one of the strangest career trajectories you'll ever see (even in an era of strange career trajectories), and well, nothing gold can stay.

When Mora made that big second-half surge in 2008, my critical mind was filled with the idea that it was a fluke, that this shouldn't be any reason to think he was still going to be an effective third baseman in the majors, that nobody should get too excited. And I turned out to be right, but big woopty doo. I don't care about that now. All I care about is that I got to see a few more fine summer afternoons where Melvin Mora torched the Tigers, watching him tearing the cover off of the ball all throughout the dog days of summer.

When I read a few days ago that the Orioles declined their option on Mora, it struck me. Just reading that in print: "Orioles decline option on Melvin Mora." The same Melvin Mora who played here for 10 1/2 years. Of course it was time for the Orioles to let go. The old veteran just isn't a part of this team's future, and he had a tough year to boot. It's not like he's hitting as he ages. His decline is obvious. But still: "Orioles decline option on Melvin Mora." A bit jarring.

Maybe he'll retire. Selfishly, I kind of hope he does. I don't want to see Melvin scrapping in some other team's uniform, though I wouldn't at all be bothered seeing him sign with a contender in a reserve role and maybe even win a World Series. He was a damn fine ballplayer. He is also a good man, and a proud one who never wanted to sit down on the bench, never wanted to give up his spot, never wanted to let you forget his vast playoff experience.

That last bit of snark brings us to something else, which is the "other" side of Melvin Mora. When he felt oppressed, he whined. When he felt that Dave Trembley didn't "respect" him enough, he found someone to complain to about just that. It was all quite off-putting, and there's no getting around it. But how do we remember Jim Palmer, who was a prima donna of the highest order? (Not that Mora is Jim Palmer, but you know what I mean.)

I say let the sleeping dogs lie. Melvin had his days. Who doesn't? I truly believe he wanted to win here, wanted to be part of the "rebirth" of Orioles baseball. And I'll bet that when the Orioles get back to the World Series, one of the players you'll see honored and honored to be there will be Melvin Mora. That ovation he'll receive someday down the line is already well-deserved.

Friday's Frosty Mug

KLSnow — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:42:24 -0000

Yes, this is a picture of Trevor Hoffman with his dog from the Brewers' 2010 Pet Calendar, via Adam McCalvy. This might be the slowest news day ever.

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Some things to read while having it both ways.

If we're not hearing much from the Brewer front office this week, it's because they're in Arizona working on a plan for the offseason.

Here's proof that it's been a quiet week: The Brewers' Wives announced the release of their 2010 Pet Calendar, and it's one of today's top stories.

Keith Law chatted with fans again yesterday, and View From Bernie's Chalet has a roundup of all the Brewer-related notes. Today's topics include a terrible Ryan Braun trade proposal and Rickie Weeks.

The full article is Insider-only, but Jason Gray of ESPN has a look at Jonathan Lucroy, and the sudden shift that has led to him being considered the organization's top catching prospect.

Elsewhere in the minors:

I don't remember if I've seen/mentioned this previously, but Baseball America's Minor League Transaction Report noted that the Brewers re-signed former first round pick Mike Jones as a minor league free agent. Jones reached AAA for the first time in 2009.
The Timber Rattlers are asking for your help to pick a first baseman for their 15th anniversary team. Follow the link for bios on the candidates, then jump over to the front page to vote.

Around baseball:

Blue Jays: Claimed pitcher Sean Henn off waivers from the Orioles and designated Michael Barrett for assignment.
Mariners: Outrighted first baseman Bryan LaHair, and pitchers Randy Messenger, Cesar Jimenez and Marwin Vega to AAA. Vega is the only one who won't become a minor league free agent.
Orioles: Declined their option for 2010 on Melvin Mora.
Pirates: Claimed left handed pitcher Justin Thomas off waivers from the Mariners.

Do you have software development and/or engineering skills and the desire to find a job where you can spend the day talking sports? SB Nation is hiring for a couple of positions.

Oh, and speaking of open positions, you have until the end of the day today to express interest in the Weekend Editor position here at BCB. I'm planning on making a decision tonight or tomorrow.

Happy birthday today to Manny Parra, who turns 27. Hopefully Rick Peterson turns out to be an early birthday present for him.

Elsewhere, happy birthday to:

Laynce Nix, who turns 29.
Former Brewer farmhand Marco Scutaro, who turns 34.
Dave Valle, who played in 16 games for the 1994 Brewers and turns 49.
And a posthumous happy birthday to longtime Milwaukee Brave Joe Adcock, who would have turned 82.

Drink up.

As expected, Orioles decline Melvin Mora's option

Eli Greenspan — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:49:36 -0000

More photos » by Lynne Sladky - ASSOCIATED PRESS

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FOXSports.com is reporting that the Orioles have declined their 8 million dollar club option on third baseman Melvin Mora. Mora, 37, has seen his numbers fall in recent years, hitting 18 points below his career average in 2009 and posting his lowest home run total in seven seasons.

	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
2009 - Melvin Mora	125	450	44	117	20	0	8	48	34	60	3	3	.260	.321	.358

Mora, who makes his year round home in the Baltimore area, shouldn't have too much trouble finding work as long as he willing to take a pay cut.

What teams do you see making a play for Mora?

Orioles 5, Blue Jays 4: SWEEEEEP

Camden Chat — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:39:23 -0000

More photos » by Gail Burton - AP

2 months ago: Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Brandon League reacts after making his second throwing error in the 11th inning of a baseball game allowing Baltimore Orioles Michael Aubrey, pictured at right, to score the winning run Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, in Baltimore. The Orioles won 5-4. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

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The Orioles ended the season on a high note as they swept the Blue Jays for their fourth win in a row. It took 11 innings and a few errors by the Blue Jays, but they got it done. When I said prior to the first game that I wanted a sweep I didn't actually think it would happen, but I'm glad they listened.

Jeremy Guthrie had a personal goal this year of reaching 200 innings pitched, and going into today's game he was at 192.1. He ended up pitching 7.2 innings to give him 200 innings on the nose. He didn't pitch horribly, but he did do what we all expect him to: give up home runs. Three of them, to be exact. Overall he allowed 4 runs on 9 hits. I have high hopes that Guthrie will be able to bounce back in 2010. I don't have anything on which to base that, but I have those hopes all the same.

Nick Markakis had a good final game, collecting 2 hits to make his total on the year 188, the most on the team in 2009. With Brian Roberts on 2nd base in the first inning, Nick hit his 18th home run to give the O's a 2-1 lead. Guthrie gave back that lead with single runs in the 4th and 5th innings. In the bottom of the 6th inning the Orioles loaded the bases with zero outs but after a Matt Wieters ground out and a Markakis strike out it looked like they might waste their opportunity. With two outs Dave Trembley sent Justin Turner in to pinch hit for Melvein Mora. It seemed strange to pull Mora on his last game as an Oriole, but Melvin didn't seem upset at all. He was grinning on the bench receiving congratulations from his teammates, and it turned out to be a good move. Turner lined the first pitch he saw right up the middle to score Roberts and Andino and give the O's a 4-3 lead.

Between innings the fans gave Melvin Mora a standing ovation in appreciation of his years of service to the Orioles. I didn't see the entire game as I mostly checked in during commercials during the Ravens game. I did happen to see the ovation as well as Melvin's teammates giving him hugs and handshakes, and I admit I got a little emotional.

Just after all that, however, Guthrie unfortunately gave up the lead in the top of the 7th inning with another home run. After light hitting John McDonald hit his 4th HR of the year (and 2nd against the Orioles), the score remained tied at 4-4 until the bottom of the 11th, when the O's walked off with a little help from Toronto's pitcher Brandon League.

Michael Aubrey led off the 11th inning with a single, and Lou Montanez followed with a very good bunt up the first base line. League fielded with plenty of time to get Montanez, but threw the ball away. With runners on first and second with on zero outs, Jeff Fiorentino bunted in an attempt to get the winning run to third. Again League fielded, and AGAIN he made a throwing error. Michael Aubrey raced home to score the winning run and end the Orioles season.

-Stacey

Poll

For the final time, who was today's Most Birdland Player?

Nick Markakis (2 run HR)

68 votes

Brian Roberts (2 hits, 2 walks, 2 runs, 1 stolen base)

63 votes

Justin Turner (pinch hit 2 RBI single to give the O's the temporary lead)

35 votes

Jeff Fiorentino (sac bunt that lead to the winning run)

7 votes

173 votes | Poll has closed

Orioles do not plan to pick up Melvin Mora's option

Eli Greenspan — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:53:02 -0000

More photos » by Lynne Sladky - ASSOCIATED PRESS

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Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun is reporting that the Orioles do not plan to pick up Melvin Mora's 8 million dollar club option after this season. Mora, who has been with club since 2000, was acquired in a blockbuster deal with the New York Mets. Mora was the only one to prosper from that trade, putting up solid numbers and representing the Orioles in the All-Star game in 2003 and 2005. Now 37, Mora is hitting just .259, a big drop from his .285 average last season.

	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG
2009 - Melvin Mora	117	424	41	110	19	0	8	43	30	55	3	3	.259	.317	.361

Mora has represented Baltimore for the past several years, making his year round home in Baltimore and sticking with the team that hasn't shown any serious signs of life until recently.

"If I go in 10 days and be a free agent, I'll go with my head up. That I did everything I was supposed to do with the Orioles," Mora said. "Whatever I am going to be next year, I'll never get tired of thanking the Orioles, because I made my career here."

It is unclear where Mora will wind up next season.