By Roch Kubatko on Friday, January 28 2011
Category: Orioles

Orioles sign utility infielder Nick Green (updated)

The Orioles have added another candidate for their second utility infield job, agreeing to terms with veteran Nick Green on a minor league contract with a spring training invitation. There's your big FanFest announcement. OK, not really. But he did agree to the deal. Green will compete with Robert Andino and Brendan Harris for the chance to join Cesar Izturis on the bench. If this sounds like a repeat, the Orioles almost had a deal done with Green last month, but he was hoping to land a major league deal. "I'm excited to have the opportunity to play in Baltimore," Green said in a text message. "I know Izturis is there, but I'll do everything possible to make the team." They could co-exist. It was Izturis' signing that first led Green to seek another organization, but it's possible that they comprise half of the bench on opening day. Or Green could be playing at Triple-A Norfolk in April. Another storyline for spring training. In a brief phone call to Jen Royle, agent Tom O'Connell said, "We're hoping he can compete for a backup utility spot on the major league roster." Green has played for seven teams over six seasons, most recently the Toronto Blue Jays last year. He's a career .237 hitter. Green can move around the infield, having appeared in 204 games at second base, 108 at shortstop and 55 at third base. He's also played one game at first and six in the outfield. Be sure to check Steve Melewski's blog later for an entry on the minor league coaching staffs, which were announced a few minutes ago. The only TBA is Aberdeen's manager.
Leave Comments