Baltimore Orioles News: Andino's return a reminder of a cautionary tale

The Baltimore Orioles have reunited themselves with former infielder Robert Andino, who was signed to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training.

Welcome back to the Baltimore Orioles, Robert Andino!

The details on the reunion are interesting, for sure. The Baltimore Orioles are always looking for middle infield depth, having just signed Johnny Giavotella.

Reportedly, Andino contacted Adam Jones about his interest in coming back to Baltimore, according to a quote from Dan Duquette.

Andino then spoke to Buck Showalter, and a deal was done.

Andino, of course, cannot be mentioned in the Charm City without a reminder of the end of the 2011 season, possibly one of the most mesmerizing ends to a regular season ever.

More from Baltimore Orioles

Orioles fans know how this goes. The Red Sox were up 3-2 entering the ninth, and it looked bleak as Jonathan Papelbon toed the mound. But the Orioles, using a combination of players including Kyle Hudson, Nolan Reimold and Andino, shocked the Red Sox, touching off an ecstatic celebration for a last-place team.

The Tampa Bay Rays would win in equally dramatic fashion over the New York Yankees, keeping the Red Sox out of the playoffs.

But, what I really want to talk about, is expectations.

The Red Sox made it clear they wanted to win the World Series in 2011. They traded for Adrian Gonzalez (for a guy named Anthony Rizzo, I might add) and signed Carl Crawford.

Their starting lineup included C Jarrod Saltalamacchia, 1B Gonzalez, 2B Dustin Pedroia, 3B Kevin Youkilis, SS Marco Scutaro, RF Mike Cameron, CF Jacoby Ellsbury, LF Carl Crawford and DH David Ortiz. Bench players included Jason Varitek, Josh Reddick, Jed Lowrie, and J.D. Drew.

The rotation was chock full of veterans, names like Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, John Lackey, Tim Wakefield, Clay Buchholz, a young Andrew Miller, and Erik Bedard, who was traded for just before the deadline.

The bullpen featured Papelbon, Alfredo Aceves, Daniel Bard and more.

This was a team that was supposed to contend for the championship. They had all the names, all the big contracts.

But, a funny thing happened. A few players struggled, a few were hurt and the successful season became an enormous failure.

Theo Epstein ended up in Chicago, and of course just won a World Series. Terry Francona also left, ended up in Cleveland, and just lost in the World Series to Epstein.

There also were talks of a divided team, of drinking beer and eating fried chicken. Too much money and too many egos helped bring down the World Series favorites.

So, while the Red Sox again in 2017 may look like the team to beat, that doesn’t guarantee them the World Series.

As much as sports is a business, the best teams don’t necessary win.

The Golden State Warriors had one of the best teams in recent history in 2016, and they lost in the playoffs. The New England Patriots have arguably the best coach and best QB of all time, but a lot of the rest of that roster is middling talent elsewhere.

Next: Wizards home win streak snapped in epic OT battle

So, as the Orioles have done time and time again, take those predictions with a grain of salt. Who looks the best in February, and the team that hoists the World Series trophy are often not the same.

Home/Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore Orioles News: Andino’s return a reminder of a cautionary tale

By Nate Wardle | Feb 7, 2017

The Baltimore Orioles have reunited themselves with former infielder Robert Andino, who was signed to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training.