When he joined the Orioles in July 2000, Melvin Mora was one of 14 unfamiliar commodities received in the club's now infamous trade-deadline fire sale that sent six high-priced veterans to various contenders.
Mora was considered the key to the Mike Bordick deal with the New York Mets, but he was viewed in baseball circles as nothing more than a late-blooming utility man.
Nine years later, Mora, 37, is about to end his Orioles career as the lone member of that regrettable group to make an impact. Five never reached the majors, and only one, the Tampa Bay Rays' Chris Richard, is still in affiliated baseball.
Meanwhile, Mora ranks in the top 10 in most of the franchise's offensive categories, including hits, homers, doubles, RBIs, runs and at-bats. His .340 batting average in 2004 is the highest posted by an Oriole in one season.
"When they traded Bordy for him, I think everybody knew he was a good piece of the puzzle," said Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts, who has played more games with Mora than any other big league player. "But I don't think anyone expected him to do what he has done here."
On Saturday, Mora moved into 10th on the franchise's list of games played with 1,246, passing a local legend, MASN broadcaster Rick Dempsey.
A week from Sunday, though, his Orioles ride almost certainly ends. A two-time All-Star, Mora is expected to play third base for the last time as an Oriole at Camden Yards before declaring for free agency.
It's highly unlikely the club will re-sign him.
"If I go in 10 days and be a free agent, I'll go with my head up. That I did everything I was supposed to do with the Orioles," Mora said. "Whatever I am going to be next year, I'll never get tired of thanking the Orioles, because I made my career here."
Although the club won't publicly discuss his contract situation, it will not pick up Mora's 2010 $8 million option. And when the Orioles traded closer George Sherrill in July to the Los Angeles Dodgers for two prospects, including heralded minor league third baseman Josh Bell, Mora's swan song officially was cued.
Conversely, Mora, whose 2009 offensive production is his worst in eight seasons, wants to play four more years. And, after 10 seasons of losing here, he wants to be in the playoffs, something that might not be in the club's immediate future.
