Cintron In - Angelos Out

Lost in the hubbub of Opening Day was the free agent signing of infielder Alex Cintron. The Orioles had shown interest in the 29 year old during Spring Training, but Cintron decided to sign with the Cubs instead. Only after being cut at the end of March did he come crawling back to sign with the O’s.

Seriously though, Cintron adds some valuable depth to the organization. He can play shortstop, second base and third base. He’ll start the year in Triple-A Norfolk as the starting shortstop, but you can count on seeing him with the Orioles sometime soon, assuming he stays healthy – not a given considering Cintron’s track record.

Cintron’s best season came in 2003 with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He played in 117 games, had 448 at bats, and hit .317/.359/.489 with 26 doubles and 13 homeruns. He saw more playing time in 2004, getting 564 at bats in 154 games, but regressed - hitting .262/.301/.363. Since then he’s struggled with injuries and his playing time has decreased every year, down to 68 games and 185 at bats last year for the White Sox.

That last part of the title, “Angelos Out”, confusing you? Well, yesterday Inside Charm City posted a blog discussing a rumor that Peter Angelos is thinking about selling the team after this season. It even mentions the possibility of the Orioles becoming a community-based, group-owned organization like the Green Bay Packers. I’m not sure how that would work out, but don’t sweat the details…it was only a cruel April Fools joke! I’m telling you about it, because I fell for it and wanted to share my pain. Dashed to pieces, my hopes are.