Hidalgo Signs ML Deal

[ThomasTomasz]

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida (Ticker) - The Baltimore Orioles signed Richard Hidalgo to a minor league contract Sunday and invited the veteran outfielder to spring training.

Hidalgo struggled with the Texas Rangers last season, batting just .221 with 16 homers and 43 RBI in 88 games. He suffered a left wrist injury in early August and was sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.

Hidalgo, 30, figures to compete for a starting spot in what has turned out to be a crowded outfield situation in Baltimore. The Orioles already have outfielders Luis Matos, Jay Gibbons, David Newhan, Corey Patterson and utilityman Kevin Millar on their spring training roster.

In nine seasons with the Astros, New York Mets and Rangers, Hidalgo has a .269 average with 171 homers and 560 RBI.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=orio...ov=st&type=lgns

[ThomasTomasz]

What a waste. Clearly, there is something wrong with this guy, as he hasn't had a decent season in quite some time. We already have a boatload of outfielders as it is- Patterson, Matos, Gibbons, Conine, Millar, and Newhan played in the Majors last season, and Val Majewski and Nick Markasis are very promising prospects that could make the MLB roster as well. Why waste a spot on Hidalgo, when we have so many other youngsters that can use that spot?