Orioles Decline Options on Cruz, Ligtenberg

[GaryMrMets]

http://aolsvc.news.aol.com/sports/article.adp?id=20031113175009990002

Updated: 06:02 PM EST
Orioles Decline Options on Cruz, Ligtenberg

BALTIMORE (Nov. 13) -- The Baltimore Orioles declined options Thursday on shortstop Deivi Cruz and right-hander Kerry Ligtenberg.

Both were signed after the 2002 season and will now become free agents. Baltimore had a $1.5 million option on Cruz.

Cruz played in 152 games in 2003, batting .250 with 14 home runs and 65 RBI. But his .269 on-base percentage was among the lowest of any regular position player in the AL.

Ligtenberg went 4-2 with one save and a 3.34 ERA in 68 games. The Orioles had a $1.2 million option on Ligtenberg for 2004.

The failure to retain Cruz suggests the Orioles will consider moving second baseman Brian Roberts to shortstop in 2004, allowing both Roberts and Jerry Hairston to play every day.

Roberts played a few games at shortstop in late 2003 after Hairston returned from an ankle injury.

Orioles executive vice president Jim Beattie has indicated he doesn't want to overpay for a free-agent shortstop such as Miguel Tejada or Kaz Matsui.

11/13/03 17:49 EST

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[Nanner]

Hmmmm...... I'm not surprised with the Cruz deal, what with Sparky probably playing short next season.

But the Ligtenberg thing sort of surprises me. I thought he was fine, actually. But, what do I know.:notme: Beattagan obviously think there are guys out there to be had.

[Nanner]

It seems to be about re-shuffling the bullpen.

11/13/2003 8:43 PM ET
Orioles decline options on two
By Gary Washburn / MLB.com

BALTIMORE -- The Orioles declined options Thursday on shortstop Deivi Cruz, and more surprisingly, right-handed reliever Kerry Ligtenberg.
Cruz, who signed a one-year deal with a team option in December 2002, hit .250 with 14 homers and 65 RBIs but his .269 on-base percentage was lowest in the Majors for qualifying players. The Orioles approached Cruz about a utility role next season because of his solid defense, but he has told officials he still wants to be an everyday shortstop.

Ligtenberg was 4-2 with a 3.34 ERA and one save in 68 games and allowed right-handed batters just a .206 average. His option for 2004 was an economical $1.2 million so the move was unexpected. But the club is expected to reshuffle the bullpen and reduce the number of situational relievers. Ligtenberg was not effective this season against left-handed hitters.

Ligtenberg is 16-14 with a 3.09 ERA in six Major League seasons.

With young pitchers such as Denny Bautista, John Parrish, Eric DuBose, Kurt Ainsworth, Rick Bauer and Matt Riley, the staff will be stacked with live arms.

Gary Washburn is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

[nevadaO]

Originally posted by Nanner
Hmmmm...... I'm not surprised with the Cruz deal, what with Sparky probably playing short next season.

But the Ligtenberg thing sort of surprises me. I thought he was fine, actually. But, what do I know.:notme: Beattagan obviously think there are guys out there to be had.

Glad to see Cruz gone.

Ligtenberg had horrid numbers against lefties (.356/.424/.529), and B&F said they were not going with situational pitchers in the bullpen. $1.2 million that could be better spent elsewhere.