Mora Update

Sorry for not covering the Melvin Mora drama the last few days. I was just too stunned that ESPN and MLB Network both picked up the story. Anyways, here's a quick recap on what's going on:

Mora is batting .256 with a career-low 3 home runs and 27 RBIs.

This is obviously a vast underachievement for Mora. The Orioles signed Ty Wigginton this offseason as a versatile backup option for virtually every infield position. He was also signed to a 2 year contract, ready and willing to take over Mora's position if his option isn't picked up next year.

Wigginton has 8 home runs and 30 RBIs without playing regularly this season. He is als looking better than Mora recently on the field.

Anywho, manager Dave Trembley has benched Mora 3 out of the last 4 games. Mora took it personally and raged to the media.

Everyone caught up? Okay good.

The reason why Mora is feeling so "disrespected", is that he has been a starter on the Orioles every season since 2000. He is the only person left on the team who started with Cal Ripken before he announced his retirement. And since then, he has been one of the most productive Orioles of the decade. Unfortunately, Mora is the opposite of what the Orioles are trying to develop. Trembley's job is already in serious jeopardy. The Orioles are playing their worst stretch of baseball (record-wise) and he is working for his own option at the end of the season. It's a matter of keeping the team competitive at this point. Mora hasn't been keeping them competitive as the every day Third Basemen, so he might as well try something new.

In the end, Mora is probably feeling disrespected as a veteran and is going with the "if I'm going down, I'm taking you down with me" approach with Trembley. Whether that works or not, both Trembley and Mora will not be in the Charm City much longer.