It looks like Melvin Mora has officially moved on from the Orioles. Today, he signed a one-year deal with the Colorado Rockies.
From the Rockies MLB Website: The Rockies agreed a one-year, $1.275 million deal with infielder Melvin Mora on Sunday, pending the results of a physical, Major League sources told MLB.com.
Signing Mora, a two-time All-Star who turns 38 on Tuesday, means the Rockies have the right-handed-hitting utility player they’ve been seeking this winter. They’ve also signed left-handed-hitting Jason Giambi.
Mora, a career .278 hitter who hit .260 with eight home runs and 48 RBIs for the Orioles last season, appeared in 124 games at third in 2009, giving the team an experienced third baseman to step in, should Ian Stewart be injured or need to be spelled against left-handed pitching. Mora, who has also seen time at shortstop, can also spell Troy Tulowitzki, has extensive experience in center field, and has worked at second base.
Mora had to be one of the best players to have worn a Baltimore uniform in a generation. Considering where Melvin started, he became one hell of a third baseman and formidable hitters in the Oriole lineup.
Did Father Time catch up with Mora? Yes.
Did he pop off his mouth at inopportune times? Definitely.
However, he was one of the few Orioles who made his home in the region full-time and made himself part of the community through his charity work. Therefore, I respect him a ton.
It’s too bad he could not finish his career in Baltimore; however, maybe down the road, he’ll be inducted into the team Hall of Fame and have some type of role in the organization.
