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Melvin Mora News & Rumors

Mora says he isn't retired from major league baseball
January 12
Baltimore Sun
 
"Melvin Mora's retirement has been greatly exaggerated. Or at least exaggerated for this country, he claims. A report out of Venezuela last month said that Mora, who played most of his career with the Orioles, issued a tearful retirement announcement while playing winter ball in Venezuela. The story ran in several places, including The Sun. But Mora said that was news to him. Despite multiple reports to the contrary out of Venezuela, Mora said what he announced was that he was no longer going to play in Venezuela because he didn't want to leave his family every year. But he doesn't intend to give up the sport altogether. He is still hoping to play in the majors in 2012."
Former long-time Oriole Melvin Mora announces retirement
December 30
Baltimore Sun
 
"According to a report out of Venezuela, former longtime Oriole Melvin Mora announced his retirement from major league baseball Thursday while in his home country. Mora, who will turn 40 in February, was released by the Arizona Diamondbacks last June after hitting .228 in 127 at-bats for the Diamondbacks. He said earlier this winter that he wanted to play again if he could find the right opportunity, but apparently that did not happen. Mora was traded to the Orioles by the New York Mets in July 2000 as part of then-GM Syd Thrift's fire sale. He played for the Orioles for the next 9 ½ seasons spanning 1,256 of his 1,556 career games. He made two All-Star teams for the Orioles and, in 2004,"
Mora to be released
June 30
Arizona Republic
 
"Diamondbacks infielder Melvin Mora is being given his unconditional release, and the Diamondbacks will make a corresponding move Friday. "We're just going to move on in a different direction, kind of reshape our bench a little bit," Gibson said. "We'll decide what we want to do on Friday." Mora, who was batting .228, appeared in 41 games. He signed a one-year, $2.3 million deal in the off-season and was targeted as the starting third baseman. "It's tough to leave when you're around your family," Mora said. " . . . I was supposed to play third base but (Ryan) Roberts has been playing well. I didn't get playing time at third base, and it's something different, so for me it's hard to get hot."
Melvin Mora endures tough spring
March 21
Arizona Republic
 
"March hasn't exactly been the friendliest of months for Melvin Mora. It started the first week when he was rear-ended in a car accident while driving to the ballpark on the Loop 101. He suffered a neck injury and was out of the lineup for several days. Shortly after he rejoined the Diamondbacks, Mora was hit by a pitch just above his wrist and had to miss more time. "I know. I know," Mora said, grabbing his wrist and then the back of his neck. "It's been weird, one thing after another." What hurts most these days for the 39-year-old third baseman is his unproductive spring at the plate, where he was batting .167 after his first 10 games. "He's an old man, what do you expect?" Diamondbacks"
Mora in car accident
March 8
Arizona Republic
 
"Third baseman Melvin Mora might miss a few days after getting in a car accident on the 101 this morning. Apparently he was rear-ended. (If you passed by a wreck between Cactus and Shea this morning, there's a good chance it involved Mora.) He was supposed to go with the team to Tucson but was held back for precautionary reasons. To hear Gibson talk, it doesn't sound as if it was anything serious, but we'll have to see how long he's sidelined and where exactly he's hurting."
D-Backs to sign Melvin Mora
December 6
Arizona Republic
 
"It didn't take the Diamondbacks long to find a replacement for Mark Reynolds. According to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com, the Diamondbacks agreed to terms with veteran free-agent Melvin Mora on a two-year deal worth $4 million. However, a source told me Mora's deal is for one year. He hit .285 with a .358 on-base and .421 slugging for the Rockies last season, numbers that are about league average when adjusted for Coors Field. Mora, 39 in February, could split time at third base with recently signed Geoff Blum."
Mora fills void left by Stewart at third base
September 14
Denver Post
 
"Where Ian Stewart provided power, Melvin Mora brings a presence. Where Stewart could change a game with one swing, Mora might start a rally with an eight-pitch walk. Stewart is making progress from his right rib-cage injury and could be available a week from today at Arizona. Until then, Mora continues to hold down third base for the Rockies, starting regularly at age 38 — as if he swan-dived into the Fountain of Youth. "I feel good. I have to be ready for whatever they need me to do. But Ian is the third baseman," Mora said humbly before Monday night's game. "I am here to help him." Mora has made 14 starts since Stewart landed on the disabled list, hitting .280 with a home run and three"
Mora's 8th-inning slam produces a rare road win in New York
August 12
Denver Post
 
"The din was continuous, depressing. It was punctuated by clacking and random howls of encouragement. Mets fans have waited 10 seasons to return to the World Series. "Wait 'til next year" sounds more like a warning than optimism. So, they take excitement where they can get it, and when Mets reliever Manny Acosta pumped two quick strikes to Melvin Mora in the eighth inning, they rose to their feet. The collective groan that followed sounded like a jet roaring overhead towards LaGuardia. With one swing, Mora broke 30,000 hearts and placed a defibrillator on the Rockies, his grand slam shoving Colorado to an unlikely 6-2 victory Wednesday night at Citi Field. "I don't know if that was a"
Rockies' Mora a five-tool player off the field
March 23
Denver Post
 
"Melvin Mora wanted a boy. He had escaped the violence that claimed his father's life in Venezuela to make it in the big leagues, and he had found love in his wife, Gisel, and stepdaughter, Tatiana. But he wanted a boy. "We wanted a boy so we could have a boy and a girl," Mora said. "Isn't that what everyone wants, a boy and a girl?" What Mora wanted and what he got . . . Well, let's just say he got more than he asked for. On July 28, 2001, Gisel Mora, a petite woman who stands 5-feet-4, gave birth to quintuplets. More the merrier, meet Mora the merrier. They've become baseball's version of the Brady Bunch. The roll call starts with the oldest, Genesis, followed by Christian, Rebekah,"
Mora deserves good memories from O's fans
February 3
Baltimore Sun
 columnist Peter Schmuck
"In the final year of a fairly distinguished decade in Baltimore, Melvin Mora struggled to the worst offensive numbers of his career. He morphed from good soldier into unhappy camper. He complained about the way he was being used by manager Dave Trembley. He seemed tired of being an Oriole, and a lot of people - both inside the organization and in the stands - seemed tired of him, too. Sad but true. So, when his contract expired, it was pretty clear that the team would make no effort to retain him. The Orioles signed Garrett Atkins and Miguel Tejada to fill openings at the two corner infield positions, and Mora recently agreed to terms on a one-year deal to be a utility player for the"
Official farewell for O's Mora
February 1
Baltimore Sun
 
"Although it had been anticipated for months, Melvin Mora's career with the Orioles officially ended Sunday when he agreed to a one-year, $1.3 million deal to be a utility player with the Colorado Rockies. The contract is pending a physical examination this week. "I do have to get a physical, but I think they'll give me more money because I am stronger than ever before," Mora said jokingly in a phone conversation from Venezuela. Mora, who turns 38 next Sunday, knew toward the end of last year that he wouldn't be returning to Camden Yards for his 11th season but said it still is not an easy thing to accept. "What can I say? The fans know my heart is with them and with the organization and"
Rockies sign utilityman Melvin Mora
February 1
Denver Post
 
"The Rockies continued to add depth Sunday, agreeing to a one-year, $1.3 million deal with Melvin Mora to serve as a utilityman and a right-handed pinch hitter. Mora's agent, Eric Goldschmidt, confirmed the deal, saying it is pending a physical. Rockies manager Jim Tracy was looking for a specific type of player after the club brought back Jason Giambi, who delivered several big hits for the Rockies but plays only first base. "Versatility is the key term," Tracy said last week. "We needed a guy who can play a couple of spots." The Rockies believe that aptly describes Mora, who turns 38 on Tuesday. He is primarily a third baseman and can be used to spell Ian Stewart if he again struggles"
Melvin Mora top target in Rockies' search for utility player
January 27
Denver Post
 
"The Rockies' front office met early this offseason and identified the players it would like in a bench role. The executives calculated that a handful of players could fall into their laps if they exercised patience. One of those is still sitting on the market — Melvin Mora. He likes the Rockies. Wants to play on a contender. There could be a match here. Melvin has long been on the Rockies' radar, but makes more sense now that the Rockies have limited some of their bench flexibility by bringing back Jason Giambi. "Melvin likes it there. He's definitely interested," said agent Eric Goldschmidt, who has roughly five teams interested in his client. Giambi is a Rockie again because of the"
Former Orioles Huff, Mora still looking for jobs
January 8
Baltimore Sun
 
"This time last year, Aubrey Huff and Melvin Mora were heading into their contract years with significant momentum. Huff was the 2008 Most Valuable Oriole and the American League Silver Slugger Award winner at designated hitter after batting .304 with 32 homers and 108 RBIs. Mora hit 23 homers and tied his career best with 104 RBIs while batting .376 in the second half of 2008. One disappointing season later, however, both Huff and Mora are without jobs as spring training approaches. The Orioles have shown no interest in retaining either player. Neither says he is concerned -- yet. "I'm not worried about it. I did the same thing with the Orioles" as a free agent in 2007, Huff said. "It"
Three teams talking to Mora
January 5
Baltimore Sun
 
"Melvin Mora's 10-season stint with the Orioles is over, but it's still not known what is next for the 37-year-old third baseman. Mora's agent, Eric Goldschmidt, said Monday that "three teams have a fair amount of interest in Melvin. It's a matter of balancing playing time with the competitive nature of the club and salary." Goldschmidt wouldn't specify the teams involved, but two are in the National League and one in the AL. The Colorado Rockies reportedly were interested in December. None of the teams that have expressed interested is in the AL East or NL East, which is where Mora originally had hoped to land so he could stay close to his wife and kids in Bel Air. Goldschmidt said region"
Rockies seeking Mora's services as infield backup
December 8
Foxsports.com
 
"The Rockies search for a right-handed bat who can back up at the corner positions has led them to look into free agent Melvin Mora. Mora, Balitmore's primary third baseman in recent seasons, has played all three outfield positions, second base, third base and shortstop in the big leagues. With left-handed hitters Todd Helton and Ian Stewart at first and third base, and with outfielders Seth Smith, Carlos Gonzalez and Brad Hawpe left-handed hitters, the Rockies want some right-handed balance on their roster in addition to backup outfielder Ryan Spilborghs. In addition to Mora, 37, the Rockies have discussed Orlando Hudson with the idea he could step in at second base and Clint Barmes could"
Phillies decline Feliz' 2010 option
November 9
Philadelphia Daily News
 
"THE PHILLIES are officially in the market for a third baseman, bringing a new level of intrigue to the offseason as members of the front office arrive in Chicago today for the start of baseball's annual general managers meetings. Last night, the club announced that it has declined Pedro Feliz' $5.5 million option for the 2010 season, making the 2-year starter a free agent. It leaves general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. with an opportunity to upgrade a lineup that led the National League in runs and home runs, but was prone to maddening stretches of impotence, thanks in part to its vulnerability against lefthanded pitchers. Feliz contributed to both areas, driving in 82 runs and hitting .336"
Orioles decline Mora's 2010 option
October 30
Baltimore Sun
 
"The Orioles announced Thursday that they won't exercise third baseman Melvin Mora's $8 million option for the 2010 season, an expected move that will likely end the tenure of one of their most productive and popular players over the past decade. The team could try to re-sign him for less, but that appears unlikely with Mora coming off one of the worst offensive seasons of his career and both sides seemingly ready to head in different directions. "We'll see how the offseason unfolds," president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said. "There are a lot of twists and turns. You never say never." In a series of roster moves Thursday, the Orioles also declined the $850,000 option on catcher"
Matusz, Mora Help Orioles End 4-Game Losing Streak
September 6
Washington Post
 
"Third baseman Melvin Mora has four more weeks left before his ninth and likely final full season with the Orioles is over. Brian Matusz's Orioles' career is just starting, but he's part of a young nucleus that the organization hopes will bring better days. With the Orioles one loss away from clinching their 12th straight losing season, the two players at vastly different stages of their career helped push aside the inevitable for one more day. Matusz, making his sixth career start, rebounded from a rocky first and turned in seven quality innings. Mora, the longest-tenured member of the club, homered and drove in both the game-tying and go-ahead runs in the Orioles' 5-4 victory over the"
O's Huff, Mora, Baez clear waivers
August 10
Baltimore Sun
 
"Aubrey Huff, Melvin Mora and Danys Baez, three veterans in the final guaranteed years of their contracts, have cleared waivers, according to league sources, meaning they can be traded to any club if the Orioles find a suitor. The two infielders and the reliever clearing waivers isn't at all surprising as the Orioles didn't find much interest in any of the veterans before last month's nonwaiver trade deadline. All three have struggled at times this season and are still owed a decent chunk of money for the rest of the season. Mora, who is hitting .254 with three homers and 29 RBIs, is still owed about $2.7 million. Huff (.255 average 12 homers, 68 RBIs) is due approximately $2.4 million"
Sherrill hunt
July 19
Los Angeles Times
 (scroll down)
"The Angels have expressed interest in Baltimore closer George Sherrill, and the Orioles had a scout at Saturday's game, but the teams do not appear close to a deal. The Orioles so far are asking for two top prospects for Sherrill. The Angels would like Sherrill to pitch the eighth inning for them, but not at the price of, say, Brandon Wood and Trevor Reckling. Sherrill, 32, has converted 20 saves in 23 opportunities, with a 2.35 earned-run average. He would earn $915,000 for the final two months this season and would not be eligible for free agency until after the 2011 season. The Orioles have told teams that Sherrill, reliever Danys Baez and infielders Aubrey Huff and Melvin Mora are"
O's Mora Had Surgery on Right Shoulder
November 13
Washington Post
 
"Melvin Mora underwent right shoulder surgery about a month after the season, though Baltimore Orioles President Andy MacPhail said the veteran third baseman is expected to be healthy in time for spring training. MacPhail said the surgery was elective and unrelated to a baseball injury, although Mora battled lingering shoulder problems all of last season. "He was looking to get some relief . . . from an arthritic condition," MacPhail said. Former Orioles pitcher Jim Palmer leaked word of the previously undisclosed procedure on Wednesday during a ceremony to unveil the team's new uniforms. Mora and his agent, Lon Babby, did not return messages, and Manager Dave Trembley declined to comment."
Mora still bothered by hamstring
September 10
Baltimore Sun
 
"Originally in the Orioles lineup tonight, third baseman Melvin Mora tested his strained left hamstring before the game and decided that he wasn't ready to return. Mora, who said he would be available to pinch-hit, hasn't played since injuring the hamstring on Aug. 29 while trying to beat out an infield single. "I don't want to go to third base and screw up everything," Mora said. "I can't do it. If I can do it, if I'm 80 percent, yeah I'll be there. But I don't think I can make 70 [percent]." Mora said the hamstring tightened up on him as he was running during batting practice. He said he is hoping to return to the lineup in a couple of days. He is hitting .283 with 23 home runs and 97"
Mora likely out rest of road trip
August 31
Baltimore Sun
 
"Orioles third baseman Melvin Mora will likely miss the rest of the road trip with a strained left hamstring, leaving the lineup without one of its best run producers. Mora suffered the Grade-I strain in Friday's series opener while trying to beat out a ground ball. He immediately left the game, and manager Dave Trembley said Mora might not return to the lineup until Friday. "I would think the best-case scenario for Melvin would be to be ready to play when we get off this road trip," Trembley said. "That's kind of how I see it. If he can play before that, I think it's a bonus. From how he feels today, it's improved. But I think it would probably be doubtful for him to play in Boston. He"
For Mora, Revival a Shot in Arm
July 23
Washington Post
 
"Baltimore Orioles third baseman Melvin Mora ended the first half of the season in disappointing fashion, going 0 for 5 in a loss to the Boston Red Sox right before the all-star break. But since then, Mora has shown signs of rejuvenation, an upswing that might be tied to something else that happened that day in Boston. Before the game at Fenway Park, Mora took his third cortisone injection of the season in a right shoulder that has been sore since spring training. Mora said the shot, in addition to the time off, has done his shoulder well."
Leaving 'em all on field: Mora strands 11 runners
July 14
Baltimore Sun
 
"The matchups appeared to favor the Orioles each time third baseman Melvin Mora stepped to the plate yesterday. Their leading hitter with runners in scoring position at .355, he batted five times with a chance to put his stamp on the game. And five times, he failed to produce in a 2-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox.Mora ended the first, third, fifth and seventh and ninth innings, stranding 11men in the process.Before yesterday, Mora was hitting .406 with two outs and runners in scoring position."
Mora leaves game after fouling pitch off knee
June 15
Baltimore Sun
 
"Orioles third baseman Melvin Mora left tonight's game after fouling an inside pitch from Pirates starter Zach Duke off his left kneecap in the first inning.Mora was replaced by Oscar Salazar after being examined by Orioles head athletic trainer Richie Bancells.Salazar completed Mora's at-bat and struck out swinging to end the first inning."