Orioles decline arbitration for Mora

The Orioles have declined to offer veteran third baseman Melvin Mora salary arbitration, allowing the 37 year-old righty to pursue free agency without restriction.

The team had already declined a $9 million option for Mora earlier in the offseason. If they had offered Mora arbitration by December 1, the Orioles would receive draft compensation from any team that signed him to play in 2010. However, Mora would first have the opportunity to accept arbitration.

Since he stood to earn more money through arbitration than in free agency, Mora would likely accept the offer. Therefore, it is not surprising that the club declined arbitration.

Mora, who spent 9 and ½ seasons in an Orioles uniform, sparred openly with manager Dave Trembley in August of 2009. His .321 OBP and .629 OPS were the lowest since his rookie season.

Mora’s bat and legs have slowed down over the past few seasons, but he proved in ’09 that he can still play the hot corner. There is always a slim chance that the O’s re-sign Mora at a price much lower than his $9 million option, but with the club building upon youth and Mora wearing out his welcome with Trembley, this is not a likely scenario.

nstead, Mora will look for a roster spot on a team in need of veteran presence and a right-handed bat. In addition to his time at 3rd, Mora has also spent ample time in the majors at OF and SS.

For years, Philadelphia has been a rumored destination for Mora. This offseason, Pedro Feliz, who played 3rd for the Phillies in both of their World Series appearances, is an unrestricted free agent. There is a chance Feliz and Mora trade places, perhaps high-fiving as they cross paths on I-95.

Though he will surely search for a starting job, Mora is more likely to earn a Spring Training invite and an opportunity to earn the 25th spot on a club in a utility role.

The Orioles also declined to offer arbitration to Danys Baez, Mark Hendrickson, or Chad Moeller, none of whom were Type A or B designated.