Melvin says maybe
Melvin Mora is one of the hottest hitters in baseball, which would figure to make him attractive to a contending team in advance of the Aug. 31 deadline for traded players to be postseason eligible. That is, if he was looking for an exit.
He's not, but he's not ruling anything out either.
"It's not something I think about,'' he said yesterday. "If something came along, I'd have to go to my wife and my agent and discuss it...It would depend on what the deal is."
Of course, Mora would have to clear waivers and he would have to waive his no-trade clause for a deal to be made. No word on whether the team has even put him through waivers, so any conversation about that possibility is largely hypothetical.
Mora's intention is to remain in Baltimore after his career is over. Even if the opportunity to play for a World Series team came along, he said he wouldn't want to jump a bunch of time zones, which is why he held out for the no-trade clause in his current contract.
"That makes it so I would have to choose where I go,'' he said, "and I wouldn't want to go very far from my family."
Comments
I've thought all along that Philadelphia makes far too much sense for it to not happen (or, I guess, to happen...).
They don't have a better third baseman, they are annual contenders, and, oh by the way (with apologies to your blogleague Bill Ordine) (I can coin new words, too!), they are only an hour-and-a-half from Mora's home in Harford County.
Like I said, too much sense.
Posted by: DJ | August 19, 2008 7:39 PM
I remember in the Spring the Phillies had no interest. I wonder if they would now? They might be able to put him in LF after Burrell leaves this offseason.
Posted by: Shawn | August 19, 2008 8:00 PM
I have a great idea...renegotiate his contract to reflect his current ability (he gets paid market value now), add a couple years, and keep him in town. Everyone has always ocmmented on how great of a team player he is and I don't know one fan who doesn't adore Melvin for what he has brought to the team (a willingness to play, work, and sacrifice for the good of the team and city).
During the rebuilding, the roster will need a couple of vets to ease the transition to youth; he plays above average in the field (anywhere you put him), doesn't cost all that much, and has been getting better with age. He can DH in a couple years and spell almost any position on the field.
The fans and his teammates would benefit from him sticking around a few more years. He is literally, an overall great player because of the entire package he brings to the team.
Posted by: AZ Chuck | August 20, 2008 2:56 PM
I love the bat, for now, but I would not be sad to se him go.
Easy options-
1. Huff at 3rd, Millar at 1st, Scott DH, and Montanez for Scott in Left field.
2. Montanez converted to 3rd base.
3. Huff at 3rd, Mora to DH.
Mora has become a good player--and I like the fact Hargrove was wrong (he predicted Mora would always be nothing more than a utility player).
However, Mora's erratic defense is difficult to take in light of having seen Ripkin, Brooks Robinson, and Doug DeCinces hold down Baltimore's hot corner--and Jack Howell and DeCinces at the Big A.
I hold my breath every time a ground ball is hit his way, and shudder when he holds his ground on pop-ups, instead of deferring to the short stop.
Plus, when is Melvin going to smile?
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Pete's reply: Melvin smiles more than you think. He is just a really serious looking guy, but he's not a grump at all. He has his moods, like all of us, but he's a happy guy.
Posted by: Logiopath | August 20, 2008 10:05 PM