Rockies sign Melvin Mora to one year deal
by Jeff Aberle on Jan 31, 2010 10:24 AM MST
in Transactions & Rumors
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PrintAs Ken Rosenthal tweets, the Rockies have agreed to a one year deal worth $1.3 million with 38 year old utility player Melvin Mora, formerly of the Baltimore Orioles. Mora, who has spent most of his time at third base, gives the Rockies a bunch of flexibility off the bench, as he also has experience playing shortstop, second base, and all three outfield positions.Mora, as recently as 2008, has been a league average performer (in the tougher AL to boot) and really gives the Rockies some great late game options as a right-handed hitter off the bench with the threat of power. For those who are interested, UZR rates Mora's defense as slightly above average for his career.
Last year Mora showed perhaps some decline with a 0.9 WAR season (.260/.321/.358) marked by a severe decrease in his power numbers (23 HRs to 8 and 104 RBIs to 48 in a similar number of PAs), his wOBA (down from .350 to .302), and wRC+ (114 to 82).
Luckily, the Rockies don't need Mora to be a starter--rather, he profiles as the 25th man on the roster along with fellow graybeard Jason Giambi. And that is not a bad thing at all--when Mora, a starter in the AL East last year, is your super utility infielder, that is an indicator of a strong, deep roster.
This move likely means that Eric Young Jr. is headed down to AAA to begin the season, as I've outlined in my State of the Rockies article. This move makes sense because in my opinion Mora fits the Rockies' current roster needs better than EY2 does now. The move has the added benefit of delaying EY2's salary arbitration clock, giving the Rockies more payroll flexibility down the road.
UPDATE: Thomas Harding reports that the deal is worth $1.275 million.
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Guess this is better off here than in the Rockpile
I think most of us would have preferred Orlando Hudson, and even Felipe Lopez, but Mora is a decent plan B I suppose. MLBTR mentioned he has played SS and 2B in the past (I can’t remember him at anything but 3B), so I guess he’s a bit more versatile then I thought.
Are the Rockies done in the FA market now, or will they look to sign another bullpen arm (Kevin Gregg?)?
I hope not
Matt Daley > Kevin Gregg
Impossible not to have positive thoughts.
I want Sam Deduno to pitch already.
by bballrox4717 on Jan 31, 2010 10:27 AM MST up reply actions
matt daley>>>>>>Gregg
2009 Colorado Rockies - Greatest comeback in MLB history to win NL WildCard
Brad Hawpe - Will prove the doubters wrong
Troy Tulowitzki - Best SS in the MLB - 2010 MVP
Carmelo Anthony- Smoothest Shotmaker in the NBA - 2010 MVP
PS Let's win the NL West in 2010, shall we?
this
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by Andrew Martin on Jan 31, 2010 11:56 PM MST up reply actions
Updated, thanks.
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Eschew Obfuscation!
by Jeff Aberle on Jan 31, 2010 10:38 AM MST up reply actions
Seems pretty reasonable
Much less than what we’d have had to pay for Hudson or Lopez, or even Orlando Cabrera.
by avsfan4ever33 on Jan 31, 2010 10:57 AM MST up reply actions
Mora last started games at 2nd, 3rd, and the outfield in 2003
He doesn’t have as much experience playing 2nd than short, but Fanraphs rated the seasons they have UZR for as pretty bad, though the outfield defense rates as awesome. I don’t really trust UZR though, because it will rate Mora’s defense as being on and off in being good.
Impossible not to have positive thoughts.
I want Sam Deduno to pitch already.
so you think
On barjea’ days off, stew will play second and mora third?
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Jan 31, 2010 11:14 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
Barmes' new
nickname is now barjea.
NEVER SURRENDER DREAMS
Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!
Diplomatic and Military History Book Review - My other blog where I go all historical on you.
by Russ Oates on Jan 31, 2010 11:18 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
barjea?
why?
2009 Colorado Rockies - Greatest comeback in MLB history to win NL WildCard
Brad Hawpe - Will prove the doubters wrong
Troy Tulowitzki - Best SS in the MLB - 2010 MVP
Carmelo Anthony- Smoothest Shotmaker in the NBA - 2010 MVP
PS Let's win the NL West in 2010, shall we?
PF had
a mobile comment mishap above.
NEVER SURRENDER DREAMS
Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!
Diplomatic and Military History Book Review - My other blog where I go all historical on you.
by Russ Oates on Jan 31, 2010 11:49 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
ohh...I haven't been as much lately
so I thought maybe I missed out on a new nickname…
2009 Colorado Rockies - Greatest comeback in MLB history to win NL WildCard
Brad Hawpe - Will prove the doubters wrong
Troy Tulowitzki - Best SS in the MLB - 2010 MVP
Carmelo Anthony- Smoothest Shotmaker in the NBA - 2010 MVP
PS Let's win the NL West in 2010, shall we?
at least inalfo Jimenez didnt catch on
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Jan 31, 2010 12:25 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
Mora has gotte scattered innings at 2B and SS over the past three years.
So he could presumably serve as an emergency player there.
by Greg Stanwood on Jan 31, 2010 12:25 PM MST up reply actions
A much better 25th guy than Q IMO. However I'm not sure what to make of his Groundhog Day birthday.
If he plays real good, does he do it over and over and over again? Guess the same could be asked if he fails.
Baseball statistics are like a girl in a bikini. They show a lot, but not everything. ~Toby Harrah, 1983
I like this signing.
Well, our quest to find the utility infielder is over. Roster is filled out, now it’s time for ST to see who makes the bullpen because IMO that’s the only thing that needs any consideration.
by CentralCaliRox on Jan 31, 2010 11:00 AM MST reply actions
This is acceptable
2009 Colorado Rockies - Greatest comeback in MLB history to win NL WildCard
Brad Hawpe - Will prove the doubters wrong
Troy Tulowitzki - Best SS in the MLB - 2010 MVP
Carmelo Anthony- Smoothest Shotmaker in the NBA - 2010 MVP
PS Let's win the NL West in 2010, shall we?
Solid pickup
I would have preferred lopez or carbrera, but I have a feeling that barmes and stew will pick it up this year (knock on wood). The next few years are looking awfully bright. Can’t wait for the season!
by Cargo5 on Jan 31, 2010 5:34 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
Mora is decent but not ideal.
His career batting average against LHP is not great for a right handed pinch hitter.
.282 vs RHP
.268 vs LHP
although his OPS is slightly better
.782 vs RHP
.805 vs LHP
If this was all Rox ever intended to spend
I’m just glad they got one of the possibilities whose names have been bandied about so frequently recently. I view him as far more significant than merely the 25th man, which role Q held down a year ago. If Stewart and/or Barmes are in protracted slumps, here’s a legitimate short-term replacement over whatever time frame is necessary. His age and declining numbers are a concern, but a chance to play on a contender may well rejuvenate Mora.
I would now anticipate Lopez going back to St. Louis for a second tour of duty and Washington eventually signing Hudson once his asking price ($9M, really?) comes down.
As with most
I’m pretty happy about this deal, if not jumping for joy. I hope he does have the chops to play some 2b, as it seems unlikely that it is either possible or wise for Barmes to play 162 games (and, as a consequence, Tulo too).
I am one of the (apparently very) few who thought EY2 should get some burn this year, but I realized that dream was dead with the Giambi signing. I guess the advantage of the current plan is that EY2 will be getting his (likely needed) reps from the jump in AAA and will be available quickly should the Mora or Giambi plans prove to be mistakes.
Really, I’m almost complete in my turnaround on DOD. Starting with Marquis, peaking at Matzek, but continuing through his strong moves down the stretch and my support of his offseason plan, I really think he’s doing a fine job. Unlike post-2007, I didn’t think this team needed too much tinkering (for 2010 anyway) and he apparently sees that too.
Barring an implosion, I see the biggest wildcard as Francis, and he’s one guy that I’m ready to roll with. Pitchers and catchers, start packing up your stuff and head on down to the sunshine…man I miss Tucson this time of year.
Also, the true meaning of this deal
No EY2 in left. :)
To be honest I like the deal, I think it’s great the confidence they’re showing in Barmes this year; remember what happened when Tracy gave Barmes his vote of confidence last year? This creates a lot of stability in the infield and that’s ultimately what helped us win most of last year, although this might hurt Stewart’s bid to get 500 AB.
Impossible not to have positive thoughts.
I want Sam Deduno to pitch already.
And it's really cheap too
Impossible not to have positive thoughts.
I want Sam Deduno to pitch already.
by bballrox4717 on Jan 31, 2010 12:23 PM MST up reply actions
The Rockies also signed Robby Hammock, the former Arizona catcher, to a minor league deal.
If that was posted before, I missed it.
I know that name
He wasn’t great and will be fine with backup stuff in ST. I don’t see him playing past ST in our organization though.
JFK
I actually don't think he got an invitation to ST.
Which means he signed not even intending to compete for a major league spot.
by Greg Stanwood on Jan 31, 2010 12:41 PM MST up reply actions
I can't wait for baseball.
We look very very good.
by CentralCaliRox on Jan 31, 2010 12:48 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
Can you imagine even 4 years ago
that players want to come to the Rox because we are a contender?
man, that is some sweet music to my ears….
2009 Colorado Rockies - Greatest comeback in MLB history to win NL WildCard
Brad Hawpe - Will prove the doubters wrong
Troy Tulowitzki - Best SS in the MLB - 2010 MVP
Carmelo Anthony- Smoothest Shotmaker in the NBA - 2010 MVP
PS Let's win the NL West in 2010, shall we?
Four years ago I didn't know the name of a single player on the Rockies.
by Greg Stanwood on Jan 31, 2010 2:04 PM MST up reply actions
seriously?
2009 Colorado Rockies - Greatest comeback in MLB history to win NL WildCard
Brad Hawpe - Will prove the doubters wrong
Troy Tulowitzki - Best SS in the MLB - 2010 MVP
Carmelo Anthony- Smoothest Shotmaker in the NBA - 2010 MVP
PS Let's win the NL West in 2010, shall we?
Yep.
All things considered, I’m a relatively new baseball fan. As someone who finds 90% of athletics and sports uninteresting, baseball just sort of came out of nowhere. it was June 2-006 that I started following regularly. The first game I ever watched in full (well, not counting ones I went to as a kid) was Josh Fogg’s ownage of the Mariners. I was hooked after that.
by Greg Stanwood on Jan 31, 2010 2:15 PM MST up reply actions
I've been hooked on baseball since I was 6.
The Rockies since I was about 10.
by CentralCaliRox on Jan 31, 2010 2:19 PM MST up reply actions
That Game was Awesome
Josh Fogg (really?) owning the Mariners was the best Rockies pitching performance I’ve watched. That game took like an hour and half. Man, just thinking of that game makes me smile. I just wanted to mention how awesome that game was.
by Mitchell Who on Jan 31, 2010 2:38 PM MST up reply actions
I was hooked in 1999 when I changed the channel to the Rockies game
…………….and saw Raul Mondesi hit a jack for the Dodgers, lol.
"CarGo had to make some repairs to it. They called it a kitchen accident, but he was performing surgery. On teh lazor."
Hollidayrain Music
nice....so you owe your love of the Rox to
Josh Fogg….man now that is poetic!
I love it and will sorely miss the Dragon Slayer :(
2009 Colorado Rockies - Greatest comeback in MLB history to win NL WildCard
Brad Hawpe - Will prove the doubters wrong
Troy Tulowitzki - Best SS in the MLB - 2010 MVP
Carmelo Anthony- Smoothest Shotmaker in the NBA - 2010 MVP
PS Let's win the NL West in 2010, shall we?
who?
2009 Colorado Rockies - Greatest comeback in MLB history to win NL WildCard
Brad Hawpe - Will prove the doubters wrong
Troy Tulowitzki - Best SS in the MLB - 2010 MVP
Carmelo Anthony- Smoothest Shotmaker in the NBA - 2010 MVP
PS Let's win the NL West in 2010, shall we?
Click on the link..
It’s Josh Womack..
by CentralCaliRox on Jan 31, 2010 3:08 PM MST up reply actions
didn't see the link...sorry
2009 Colorado Rockies - Greatest comeback in MLB history to win NL WildCard
Brad Hawpe - Will prove the doubters wrong
Troy Tulowitzki - Best SS in the MLB - 2010 MVP
Carmelo Anthony- Smoothest Shotmaker in the NBA - 2010 MVP
PS Let's win the NL West in 2010, shall we?
According to
this the Dodgers are close to signing Reed Johnson. He seems to have some swagger when I saw him play, which was rarely.. Lol.
Weekends = Sloooowww..
I think this is our year!! 2010. O’Dowd has put the pieces together without interrupting the core. We’ve had the same 8 penciled in for the spots since the season ended, and the starting 5 we expected. Depth is key on a championship-caliber team, and we have that as well. Our bullpen is only going to get deeper with Bucky and Weathers(?) coming back this year. It’s damn impossible to be excited about this upcoming season. Since I love predictions (even though I suck at them) I want to make one bold prediction: Come October, Rockies have the #1 seed. GO ROCKIES!!
It’s damn impossible to be excited about this upcoming season.
Think you missed a “not” in there :)
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Jan 31, 2010 5:34 PM MST up reply actions
Yeah a couple of grammar mistakes in there :P
I read that and it didn’t come off the tongue right, but it was after I posted and I believe one of the mods said that we’re driving up the post counts with our typo posts so I didn’t bother. Mahhh baaadddd
by CentralCaliRox on Jan 31, 2010 5:40 PM MST up reply actions
Well I meant in the NL playoffs ;)
So technically the All-Star Game is irrelevant to us having the #1 seed. (well unless Crawford pulls another..miracle..on Hawpe again) :P
by CentralCaliRox on Jan 31, 2010 5:41 PM MST up reply actions
Do not speak of that evil deed :)
2009 Colorado Rockies - Greatest comeback in MLB history to win NL WildCard
Brad Hawpe - Will prove the doubters wrong
Troy Tulowitzki - Best SS in the MLB - 2010 MVP
Carmelo Anthony- Smoothest Shotmaker in the NBA - 2010 MVP
PS Let's win the NL West in 2010, shall we?
Damn.
Was hoping you wouldn’t be around to hear that one :P
by CentralCaliRox on Jan 31, 2010 5:51 PM MST up reply actions
I have HawpeDar
2009 Colorado Rockies - Greatest comeback in MLB history to win NL WildCard
Brad Hawpe - Will prove the doubters wrong
Troy Tulowitzki - Best SS in the MLB - 2010 MVP
Carmelo Anthony- Smoothest Shotmaker in the NBA - 2010 MVP
PS Let's win the NL West in 2010, shall we?
Okay Um..
Explain that one lol I don’t get it..
by CentralCaliRox on Jan 31, 2010 5:57 PM MST up reply actions
you've heard of radar right....
just a play on words. Mom’s have MomDar….I have HawpeDar…
2009 Colorado Rockies - Greatest comeback in MLB history to win NL WildCard
Brad Hawpe - Will prove the doubters wrong
Troy Tulowitzki - Best SS in the MLB - 2010 MVP
Carmelo Anthony- Smoothest Shotmaker in the NBA - 2010 MVP
PS Let's win the NL West in 2010, shall we?
That's what Hawpe gets for not hitting it a country mile.
I think that catch was the sole reason for his dismal second half.
The arc of baseball
will bend toward the Rockies in 2010.
NEVER SURRENDER DREAMS
Purple Row - Covering all your Rockies needs!
Diplomatic and Military History Book Review - My other blog where I go all historical on you.
I absolutely cannot wait until ST starts.
Baseball statistics are like a girl in a bikini. They show a lot, but not everything. ~Toby Harrah, 1983
by pedalpusher on Jan 31, 2010 6:33 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
It might have been a little better to have someone who's a middle infielder by experience
But I’m pretty happy with this signing. Our bench is extremely solid offensively with Smith, Giambi, Mora, Olivo and Spliborghs. Top to bottom, the Rockies might have the best offense in the NL.
by controlled_slide on Jan 31, 2010 7:39 PM MST reply actions
The Phillies and Cardinals will be in that discussion, but I think at the very least, we'll have the best in the NL West.
by Greg Stanwood on Jan 31, 2010 7:49 PM MST up reply actions
Bench
Smith: should start for most MLB teams
Spilborghs: 3rd on the team in wOBA in 2008 behind Iannetta and Holliday and the 2009 Opening Day CF
Giambi: only one sub-100 wRC+ season in his career, and he’s six years removed from that.
Mora: Started at least 125 games each year sans 2003 since 2000.
Olivo: averaged 91 starts over the last seven seasons.
All five of them could find a starting role on 5-20 teams
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Jan 31, 2010 8:00 PM MST up reply actions
Retraction on Giambi
There aren’t 5 open DH spots
"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein
by Andrew T. Fisher on Jan 31, 2010 8:06 PM MST up reply actions
Regardless, the point still stands
And what an awesome point it is.
"Admirably obsessive." - Uni Watch, March 24th, 2009
NA34 | HK | RMN
"Even our depth has depth." - Silverblood
After years of having a famously deep bench
This may be our deepest bench yet.
by controlled_slide on Jan 31, 2010 9:56 PM MST up reply actions
ownt
"CarGo had to make some repairs to it. They called it a kitchen accident, but he was performing surgery. On teh lazor."
Hollidayrain Music
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