Baltimore Orioles: Middle Infield Depth, Signing of Ozzie Martinez
Apr 12, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles second baseman Steve Lombardozzi (12) leaps but is unable to catch a ball hit by Toronto Blue Jays left fielder Melky Cabrera (not shown) in the third inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports
Orioles Organizational Depth at Shortstop and Second Base
There are two other middle infielders currently on the Orioles’ 40-man roster.
Steve Lombardozzi – This local product and former Nats infielder was 21-for-73 (.288) in 20 games early in the season for the Orioles. He ended up at AAA Norfolk and was never heard from again. There he batted .270 for the season. He is only a possibility at second base, which limits his value as compared to Flaherty. Beyond that, he has limited power, and his OBP is not much considering his decent batting average.
Jimmy Paredes – This late-season addition is more of a third baseman and corner outfielder. He has played 11 games in his career at second base and committed three errors in 27 chances. Just sayin’.
AAA-AA Players from 2014
Ivan DeJesus – He played 115 games at Norfolk and hit .281, but De Jesus is now a free agent.
Jemile Weeks – He played 63 games for Norfolk and batted .280, but was traded with De Jesus to Boston for Kelly Johnson.
There’s enough middle infield depth in the Orioles’ system to at least cover your toes!
Alexi Casilla – Now age 30, Casilla always seems to be just over the horizon and off the fringe for the Orioles. He hit .264 in 56 games at Norfolk and is a free agent now.
Garabez Rosa – This 25-year-old Dominican shortstop hit .299 with 11 home runs in 124 games at Bowie, and he also just completed play in the Arizona Fall League.
Top Prospects
Adrian Martin – This is the only middle infielder in the top 20 prospects in the Orioles’ system, and he comes in at #13. Martin is currently age 20 and was the #3 pick of the O’s in 2012 (99th overall) out of Florida. He has below-average power, but is seen as a good defensive shortstop who can hopefully hit for a sufficient average. This past year at Frederick he hit .232 in 115 games, with five home runs.
So overall – you can see why Dan Duquette would want to add some depth in the middle infield. It is needed. It is not because he just can’t help himself from liking AAAA players.