To be frank, I’m staunch Mel Mora apologist. Always have been. Don’t know, I just like the guy.

Anyway, I think all of this bluster around the longest-serving Oriole has some merit, but is also downright ridiculous. I’ll admit that he’s not setting the world on fire. But he’s hitting .277, which isn’t all that bad and I think he’s getting back on track after a disjointed start to the season, given his injury. Fact is, his return just about coincided with the appalling lack of production from the four players in front of him, and his run-production numbers reflect that. And yeah, he doesn’t have the pop that he used to, but the good thing about Mel is that once he gets settled, he’ll stop pressing, and will be a productive bat. It looks like he’s settling.

That said, I don’t think he has a permanent claim on the 5 hole in the order. The dumb thing about the way Trembley has handled him is that the longer he waits to drop him, the harder it’s going to be. What would have to happen would be on a Sunday (when Mel usually sits), Luke Scott would have to hit for the cycle in the 5 hole and then Dave would have an excuse.

But don’t get too down on Mel. The glove is as good as ever and when it’s all said and done he’ll have a decent year.

As a Fish fan on the side, I’m happy the O’s were able to pick up Dino. Granted I would’ve rather had Hanley but Dino will do. He was the Future SS of the Fish back before the Beckett trade.

Having grown up with Brooks and Belanger, I’m just not scandalized by left-side infielders hitting .260-.270, as long as they pull their weight defensively, and these guys do. Maybe this is just the wrong day for this complaint, seeing as Andino hit a homer (!?!) yesterday and Melmo had a pretty good series.

Obviously, Melmo is not the producer he once was, but you can’t blame him for the silly batting order. There is a place for guys like him, its just not #5. He is starting to pick things up, at least as far as getting on base and even making a few clutch hits. His streakiness can be infuriating, but when he is on it’s just 180 degrees around. I can also guarantee that after a couple of days of either Huff or Wiggy at 3rd the blogosphere would be filled with moans over all the doubles down the line that Mora would have gotten to, and the seeing eye singles up the middle because the SS has to play over to cover the limited range (to put it mildly) of the alleged 3B. Just imagine Wiggy trying one of Melmos diving catches—they’d have to delay the game while the grounds crew cleaned up the mess.

As for Andino & Izzy—jeez, SC, you’re a hard man to please. Both have played the position beautifully, and both have exceeded expectations offensively. If the “good” hitters/##1-7 on the team are producing consistently, then there’s no problem if the bottom of the order is at .250+, with walks and speed.

If you want to beat somebody up for underperforming, how about the guy with the big contract, BriRob?

I’d like to see the O’s make a play for Beltre this offseason..

That’s interesting. I actually thought Izturis was pretty susceptible to boneheaded, brian-roberts-like errors in the first couple weeks of the year. From all i’ve seen (and im out of market and have mlb tv, so i dont watch games every night) Andino’s played fairly solid defense, the occasional error, but he seems to be able to make big plays too…and he’s young and athletic. To be honest, I’ve been just as satisfied with Andino as I have been with Izturis. Plus, Andino’s a few years younger and seems a little more athletic. Maybe some upside, we’ll see!

where Andy hasn’t found a potential longterm fix. I’m not sold on Waring, Moore, etc. I suspect he’ll try to address it at the deadline or this offseason. I’d love to see him work his Cubbie connection to somehow get Josh Vitters in an orange shirt.

His contract is up after this year, so I don’t really care if he plays out the string or not, and it’s not his fault that Trembley keeps putting him at #5.

Well he didn’t catch “otherworldly fire” by luck its because he’s talented as he has always been, don’t act like .340 year was because of some sort of luck either. He had back to back 27 home run years too, so all in all he has been a very consistent player. Great glove still too. So just wait until he gets going as he is now.

yeah, maybe hit the cat 5th against righties, 7th or 8th against lefties. And yes i am high, sir.