The Baltimore Orioles Collection of Middle Infielders
May 15, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) slides under Baltimore Orioles second baseman Rey Navarro (43) breaking up a double play during the sixth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Orioles have a capable returning middle infielder in Rey Navarro and a hoped-for, future everyday player in Garabez Rosa.
A year ago the Orioles picked up Rey Navarro on a free agent contract. He appeared in 10 games — his first ever in MLB — going 8-for-30. The former 3rd-round pick of the Diamondbacks then played the rest of the season for the Norfolk Tides, slashing .261/.310/.372.
Navarro is on the Orioles’ 40-man roster … as is another infielder picked up recently on waivers — Andy Wilkins, who is a first baseman. I’m not expecting to see him in Baltimore, nor to survive the 40-man until spring training. <<UPDATE – Actually, Wilkins survived about 10 minutes after this article posted, being removed to had L.J. Hoes to the roster.>>
The Orioles have been quite high in the past on Garabez Rosa, who is now a 26-year-old Dominican player. Last year he played in the Arizona Fall League (.308) and the Dominican Winter League (.258).
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Most of the past season was spent at Bowie, with a brief time in Norfolk. Between the two clubs he played every position but pitcher or catcher.
In three seasons at AA, he has hit .273 with a .293 OBP, adding 21 home runs.
Is he ever going to make it to Baltimore? That is a question pretty much for all of these guys, none of whom are pending All-Stars. The Orioles are set at shortstop and second base for at least the next three seasons. But with health issues that have befallen both Hardy and Schoop, you can see why Duquette has a fetish for collecting utility middle infielders.
Another high level middle infield player in the Orioles system just this past year was Sharlon Schoop — Jonathan’s older brother. He only hit a combined .219 between AA and AAA, and earlier this month elected free agency. But don’t be surprised if you read that he is back in the organization at some point.