MASN reports that Mora vents to the press over playing-time

Roch Kubatko / MASN is reporting that Melvin Mora has voiced his displeasure over his playing-time to the local media:

http://masnsports.com/2009/08/mora-vents.html

Included in this venting is this quote from Mora:

“I think I deserve more respect than what I’m getting here,” Mora said. “Don’t give me excuses that I can’t beat Smoltz or I can’t beat Beckett or I can’t beat Lester. I’ve been here nine years. All these guys in the East know me. I’ve made the All-Star team. I deserve respect.I always speak up. I never hide anything. I’m an honest man. Just respect me. The way I’ve played for the Orioles, just respect me.”

Mora turned 37 years-old in February, and he has a .650 OPS.

Mora had to see the writing on the wall, and be aware that the O’s would not be picking up his 2010 option.

Mora has been an Oriole since the 2000 season, and has played in 1,210 games with the team.

For that, his production, and how he has conducted himself throughout his career – he does deserve respect.

I respect Mora for making Baltimore his home, and going to Elrod Hendricks funeral. I respect Mora for being a two-time All-Star, and a remarkable 2nd-half in 2008.

People will see his comments today, and they will go out of their way to negatively critique Mora’s base-running, and play at 3rd-base.

That is not necessary, but neither were Mora’s comments.

I understand he is prideful man, and if he believes that 2008 was not a fluke, and he can rebound to that level; he will have the right to try and prove it elsewhere in 2010.

It was Mora’s right to not waive his No Trade Clause, but is also the Orioles right, and responsibility to prepare for the 2010 season.

Mora will not be back, and Wigginton will be. The O’s have to evaluate Wigginton on an everyday basis for these last two months, to determine if he can be a one-year stop-gap next season.

When I ask myself if Mora has anything left, I think about the last few years as a whole.

2006: .733 OPS
2007: .759 OPS
2008: .826 OPS
2009: .650 OPS

I came into 2009 not believing Mora would come close to his 2008 numbers, but believing he could be within reach of 2006, and 2007 level of production.

If Mora were to play everyday these last two-months, I would not rule out a run that had him finish close to those numbers.

Unfortunately for Mora, the opportunity to play everyday during August and September is not going to occur.

When he hits the Free Agent market, I think he would be well-served to give up the idea of playing everyday at 3rd, or anywhere for that value.

If a team were to take a chance on him, it would have to be with the idea of Mora helping at multiple positions (3rd, 2nd, LF) in-reserve. If you severely limited his playing time, to basically left-handed pitching only, and he proved capable of still being able to play the OF… he might have some value to someone.

My best guess is that he will receive an invite to Spring Training from someone next-year, but that his career is likely just about over.

For a guy that has worn the Oriole uniform for so long, it would be best for all sides if the departure could be amicable.

I would like to see Mora end the year with the O’s, but if he is going to sulk, the organization should cut him now.