2006 In Review: Third Base

Melvin Mora

.274/.342/.391, 25 doubles, 16 homeruns, 83 RBIs, 11 stolen bases

Grade: D

2007 outlook: Mora signed a big extension and then had by far his worst year since 2002, and had his worst OPS since 2001. He still took his fair share of walks and will most likely give you an OBP of around .340, but his power fell right off the table. Mora’s slugging percentage dropped .083 points from last year and .171 points (!) from 2004. Maybe its just “one of those years” and he’ll bounce back to his old self next year, but if not it looks like a fast, hard decline that will make the contract the O’s gave him very foolish. If the O’s can get an upgrade at third base, Mora could move back to the outfield. But for now it looks like he’ll be the everyday third baseman next year.

Fernando Tatis

.250/.313/.500, 6 doubles, 1 triple, 2 homeruns, 8 RBIs

Grade: C

2007 outlook: Most likely won’t be back with the Orioles, unless its at AAA Norfolk. Tatis was solid in his time with the big club and made some contributions. Played most of the year at AAA Ottawa and put up some good numbers. He’s a good example of minor league talent that can step in and perform notably for a short period of time.

Ed Rogers

.200/.192/.200, 2 RBIs

Grade: D

2007 outlook: Similar situation to Tatis. Won’t be with the O’s unless its in the minor league system as filler/depth. Not much significance performance wise, but Eddy did have the funniest moment of the O’s season when a ball hit to left field bounced off the grass and went up into his jersey and got stuck there. If we ever need a magic show, we know who to call.