Where is Mike Costanzo these days?
That question was asked to me a week ago and I now have an answer.
Costanzo, 26, signed last week with the Cincinnati Reds organization and was assigned to the Double-A Carolina Mudcats.
Costanzo was one of five players the Orioles received in the December 2007 deal with Houston for Miguel Tejada (the other four were Luke Scott and pitchers Matt Albers, Dennis Sarfate and Troy Patton).
The burly third baseman made an immediate impression with his power during spring training 2008 and had an outside chance to make the team. He didn’t, and then languished in the Orioles’ minors, batting just .202 with three homers in 82 games with Bowie and Norfolk last year.
This spring, the club released him after asking him whether he wanted to attempt to convert to pitching. He decided to stick with hitting, signed with the Camden Riversharks of the Atlantic League and, after hitting .278 in 16 games, was signed by the Reds.
I caught up with Costanzo in the spring and we chatted briefly about his future. He’s a real character, a tough Philly guy with a great sense of humor. Hopefully, he can rediscover the power stroke that made him a legitimate prospect a few years ago.
A Baltimore native, 
Comments
.202 with three homers in 82 games; we need an upgrade - bring him back to play first!
Posted by: Brezman1 | May 17, 2010 11:18 AM
Last I heard he has working at Tyler Chicken.
Posted by: Christian | May 17, 2010 12:32 PM
Thanks for the update on Costanzo.
What ever became of Jason Berken? Last I saw he was in the buried in the bullpen.
Is he still there? Any plans on using him in a real game?
Posted by: sarasotosfan | May 17, 2010 4:17 PM
Sadly, when you see the power numbers fall as dramatically as they have for Costanzo, you can't help but feel that the power stroke may have previously enjoyed some enhancement.
At this point, I don't think an all-cotton uniform, becoming Mr. Opposite and batting right handed, or going head-to-head with Bubble Boy would help him.
This is significant shrinkage.
Posted by: Barry | May 17, 2010 4:53 PM
Just another player who came through the Orioles organization without ever learning how to really use the bat properly. He struck out so many times that he should have Casablanca tattooed to his chest. Costanzo had his chance and he blew it miserably.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=costan001mic
Posted by: Attila the Hon | May 17, 2010 10:09 PM
Dan/Barry
I had the pleasure of meeting Costanzo...he's a great kid, and works hard. He's always the first at the park and the last to leave.
Costanzo played most of 2009 with a knee injury, which affected his numbers.
In 2008 he had to hit in Harbor Park in Norfolk, where home runs are fly ball outs....check all Norfolk Left hitting stats and players home run totals.
He's now getting a chance with Cincinnati and will make the most of it...best of luck to him...hope he posts numbers like he did in 2007 with Reading.
By the way Barry...All players are subjected to tests on a monthly basis....testing is extremely tough especially in the minor leagues...think twice before you accuse someone of using enhancements.
Posted by: Joey | May 17, 2010 10:32 PM