Nanner
02-24-2003, 05:19 PM
I'm a couple of days late with this, but here ya go! I hope he gets alot of chances to play! :thumbsup:
Notes: Mora hopes to do more
By Becky Dubin Jenkins / MLB.com
http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/images/2002/08/31/DfK3nFCN.jpg
"Last year was good for me. I was able to [play] so many places," Melvin Mora said. (Kevork Djansezian/AP) (Hey! That's Bordy in the picture with him! :lust: :D )
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Melvin Mora played five positions for the Orioles last season. He's probably looking at more utility play in 2003.
The sturdy and versatile 31-year-old played in all three outfield spots, at second base and shortstop, and served as the designated hitter in 2002. With a crowded infield and outfield, there isn't room for him to be an everyday guy anywhere. Manager Mike Hargrove said Mora, who led off a team-high 114 times last year, can expect to play two or three times a week.
"I think that Melvin's abilities say that he should be able to lead off, he should be a guy who hits at the top of the order, gets on base and steals bases," Hargrove said. "Melvin's probably the most accomplished bunter we have."
http://www.mlb.com/bal/photo/ph_play_mugshot_206551.jpg
Melvin Mora / LF
Height: 5'5"
Weight: 180
Bats/Throws: R/R
Mora reached base in 118 of the 145 games in which he had an at-bat last year. And in April and August combined, he drew 40 walks and was hit by a pitch 10 times. Though he tailed off offensively at the end of the season, hitting .144 in his final 34 games, Mora is prepared to again show the team how versatile he is.
"Last year was good for me. I was able to [play] so many places," said Mora, who added about 10 pounds of muscle to his already-chiseled calves and thighs during the offseason. "I will play where they need me and when they need me."
Three intrasquad games scheduled: In preparation for the Spring Training game schedule that begins Thursday, the Orioles will have the first of three intrasquad games on Monday. Pitching coach Mark Wiley said he has not set rotations for either side of the day's game. But last year's ace, Rodrigo Lopez, will not pitch because it is his day to throw on the side.
The team travels to nearby Jupiter, Fla., to play the Marlins on Thursday. The game is scheduled to begin at 1:05 p.m. The O's will then play host to the Marlins for a 1:05 p.m. Friday game.
Quoting 'em: "The division that we're in -- with the Yankees and the Red Sox -- it will be tough to battle those guys. But the Angels last year -- nobody really expected them to win. And nobody really expected San Francisco to get there. I think we have a good, solid pitching staff. And if we can get some guys to score some runs, we'll be OK." -- Kerry Ligtenberg.
The skipper speaks: "If the Jerry Hairston we saw the last half of the season last year is the one who is the true Jerry Hairston -- which we think it is -- then it's going to be very difficult for Brian [Roberts] to break into the starting lineup at second base. Brian's awfully good also, and he'll be given every opportunity to make this ballclub in some form or fashion." -- Mike Hargrove on the battle for second base.
Around the horn: Hargrove said he envisions versatile Jeff Conine hitting in the cleanup spot this season. Conine, who is signed through the 2004 season, hit No. 4 in the order last season until he injured his right hamstring muscle in mid-June. He returned in August and finished the season with a .273 average and drove in 63 runs.
Numerology: On Saturday morning, Steve Bechler's uniform number, 51, was painted on a large sign in right-center field at the Orioles' Spring Training complex.
Weather report: Partly cloudy skies and a high temperature of 86 degrees are expected Saturday. Scattered thunderstorms with a high of 78 degrees are forecast for Sunday.
Coming up: The Orioles will host their annual charity breakfast from 6:30-10 a.m. on Sunday. The Spring Training tradition includes an on-field autograph session with players, a photo opportunity with The Bird, auctions of O's memorabilia and the chance to watch the team practice afterward.
Becky Dubin Jenkins is an editorial producer for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
Notes: Mora hopes to do more
By Becky Dubin Jenkins / MLB.com
http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/images/2002/08/31/DfK3nFCN.jpg
"Last year was good for me. I was able to [play] so many places," Melvin Mora said. (Kevork Djansezian/AP) (Hey! That's Bordy in the picture with him! :lust: :D )
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Melvin Mora played five positions for the Orioles last season. He's probably looking at more utility play in 2003.
The sturdy and versatile 31-year-old played in all three outfield spots, at second base and shortstop, and served as the designated hitter in 2002. With a crowded infield and outfield, there isn't room for him to be an everyday guy anywhere. Manager Mike Hargrove said Mora, who led off a team-high 114 times last year, can expect to play two or three times a week.
"I think that Melvin's abilities say that he should be able to lead off, he should be a guy who hits at the top of the order, gets on base and steals bases," Hargrove said. "Melvin's probably the most accomplished bunter we have."
http://www.mlb.com/bal/photo/ph_play_mugshot_206551.jpg
Melvin Mora / LF
Height: 5'5"
Weight: 180
Bats/Throws: R/R
Mora reached base in 118 of the 145 games in which he had an at-bat last year. And in April and August combined, he drew 40 walks and was hit by a pitch 10 times. Though he tailed off offensively at the end of the season, hitting .144 in his final 34 games, Mora is prepared to again show the team how versatile he is.
"Last year was good for me. I was able to [play] so many places," said Mora, who added about 10 pounds of muscle to his already-chiseled calves and thighs during the offseason. "I will play where they need me and when they need me."
Three intrasquad games scheduled: In preparation for the Spring Training game schedule that begins Thursday, the Orioles will have the first of three intrasquad games on Monday. Pitching coach Mark Wiley said he has not set rotations for either side of the day's game. But last year's ace, Rodrigo Lopez, will not pitch because it is his day to throw on the side.
The team travels to nearby Jupiter, Fla., to play the Marlins on Thursday. The game is scheduled to begin at 1:05 p.m. The O's will then play host to the Marlins for a 1:05 p.m. Friday game.
Quoting 'em: "The division that we're in -- with the Yankees and the Red Sox -- it will be tough to battle those guys. But the Angels last year -- nobody really expected them to win. And nobody really expected San Francisco to get there. I think we have a good, solid pitching staff. And if we can get some guys to score some runs, we'll be OK." -- Kerry Ligtenberg.
The skipper speaks: "If the Jerry Hairston we saw the last half of the season last year is the one who is the true Jerry Hairston -- which we think it is -- then it's going to be very difficult for Brian [Roberts] to break into the starting lineup at second base. Brian's awfully good also, and he'll be given every opportunity to make this ballclub in some form or fashion." -- Mike Hargrove on the battle for second base.
Around the horn: Hargrove said he envisions versatile Jeff Conine hitting in the cleanup spot this season. Conine, who is signed through the 2004 season, hit No. 4 in the order last season until he injured his right hamstring muscle in mid-June. He returned in August and finished the season with a .273 average and drove in 63 runs.
Numerology: On Saturday morning, Steve Bechler's uniform number, 51, was painted on a large sign in right-center field at the Orioles' Spring Training complex.
Weather report: Partly cloudy skies and a high temperature of 86 degrees are expected Saturday. Scattered thunderstorms with a high of 78 degrees are forecast for Sunday.
Coming up: The Orioles will host their annual charity breakfast from 6:30-10 a.m. on Sunday. The Spring Training tradition includes an on-field autograph session with players, a photo opportunity with The Bird, auctions of O's memorabilia and the chance to watch the team practice afterward.
Becky Dubin Jenkins is an editorial producer for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.