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Why Baltimore Orioles Shouldn’t Re-Sign Ryan Flaherty

BySteve Rudden|
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 02: Ryan Flaherty
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 02: Ryan Flaherty

Former Baltimore Orioles infielderRyan Flahertyhas been released by the Philadelphia Phillies yesterday so of course, the Orioles have interest.

The Ryan Flaherty era with theBaltimore Oriolescame to an end after the Orioles granted him free agency following the 2017 season.

A few months later, Flaherty signed with the Philadelphia Phillies before beingreleased by the teamjust a week before Opening Day baseball. Does this mean a rebirth with the Orioles in 2018? Most likely not.

The former Orioles utility player spent the six seasons in Baltimore, but the Orioles should NOT re-sign him. Let me just say that he was very valuable to the team, but is now to move on.

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I understand thatBuck Showaltervalued him and loved him for his versatility and defensive skills. However, since Flaherty appeared 102 games in 2014, his playing time has rapidly decreased.

In fact, many pictured Flaherty as the Orioles second baseman of the future followingBrian Robertsdeparture. He never really cemented himself as a full-time player.

He played his ass off in 2014 whenManny Machadowent down with another knee injury and made some great plays in the playoffs, but you could never count on him at the plate. As an Orioles fan, I always hoped that Flaherty could’ve been better on offense, but he never got to that point.

It’s time for the Orioles to find another utility player like Ryan Flaherty. I’m just spitballing here, butAdam Lindis available. He played a few different positions as a Washington National in 2017 and he has a nice bat. He’d be a great addition to the Baltimore Orioles roster.

I know Flaherty was a fan favorite in Baltimore, but at a certain time, you have to move on from players who never live up to expectations. His roster spot could go to someone with a better track record likeDanny Valenciawho has been clutch in his career. The only thing hindering Valencia is his middle infield skills, but I think he’s working on that now.

Next: 5 Bold Predictions for the Orioles 2018 Season

If Baltimore does decide to re-sign Flaherty, it’s going to come to the disappointment of Orioles fans. Despite hitting .351/.390/.514 with a home run and eight RBIs this spring with the Phillies, it’d be difficult for Flaherty to find playing time.

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