Orioles Claim Catcher Off Waivers
Catcher Danny Ardoin was claimed off of waivers from the Colorado Rockies. Tim Byrdak was DFA’d to make room on the 40 man roster.
Grade: C
Ardoin takes the place of Chris Widger of backup catcher after Widger injured himself during batting practice yesterday. We’ll have 3 catchers on the roster for September now. Ardoin is described as a “catch and throw guy”, so he shouldn’t do any damage with the bat. Just your average backup catcher. Byrdak has been absolutly terrible this year, most likely because of the injury he suffered early on. But hes getting old and wasn’t really that productive anyway, so let somebody take him off our hands. I would have certainly kept him over Russ Ortiz though…
on August 31, 2006 on 7:52 am
Is the thought that Russ Ortiz brings guile to the Orioles, as in he can talk with Loewen and Cabrera and show them a pitcher who had a pretty good years with very ordinary stuff?
Is he like a really expensive prop for Mazzone? Ortiz obviously had a terrific year for the Braves three years ago, and in fact, is still getting paid for that one year. Mazzone made him, so maybe he’s attached to having him around.
Can we find about this? I’m all for teaching aids for the young guys, but does that mean I’m for Russ Ortiz?