A blast from the past: O's bring back Chris Gomez

The Orioles have re-signed utility infielder Chris Gomez, according to The Sun's Jeff Zrebiec.  Check out Zrebiec's article here. 

Gomez, 37, made his professional debut in 1993 with the Detroit Tigers.  He played for the Orioles in 2005, 2006, and most of 2007, when he was traded to the Cleveland Indians.

Gomez has played first, second, and third base, as well as shortstop.  It is his ability to play short stop that probably made him attractive to the Orioles.  Signed to a minor league deal, Gomez will have to play well in spring training to make the major league team, but he will likely be a useful back up to starting short stop Cesar Izturis.

Gomez has played all four infield positions in each of the last five seasons.  The lanky righty played thirteen games at short with the Pittsburgh Pirates last season.  He did not play short stop extensively during his previous tenure with Baltimore, filling in occasionally for the tireless Miguel Tejada.  He played 77 games at short stop with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2004 and a career high 130 games at short for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2002.

In sixteen seasons, Gomez has a career average of .262.  Check out his statistics here.