Bordick Returns to Orioles

BALTIMORE (AP) â€” The Baltimore Orioles welcomed a familiar face Wednesday, agreeing to a two-year contract with free agent shortstop Mike Bordick. <br><br>Bordick spent 3 1/2 seasons with the Orioles

Wednesday, December 20th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

BALTIMORE (AP) â€” The Baltimore Orioles welcomed a familiar face Wednesday, agreeing to a two-year contract with free agent shortstop Mike Bordick.

Bordick spent 3 1/2 seasons with the Orioles before being traded to the New York Mets in July. A sure-handed fielder throughout his career, Bordick last year supplemented the package with a power stroke that earned him his first trip to the All-Star game.

During his first stint with the Orioles, he was part of a veteran-laden club with designs of winning a world championship. Now he's among a handful of over-30 players on a team filled with youngsters.

``When I first came here in '97, my main goal was to be part of a winner and to get into the World Series. That hasn't changed,'' he said. ``I think it's going to be a great experience for me.''

Bordick hit a combined .285 with the Mets and Orioles, setting career highs with 20 home runs and 80 RBIs. He hit .297 with 16 homers and 59 RBIs in Baltimore, but his production tailed off shortly after he joined the Mets.

That mattered little to the Orioles, who again plan to make him their starting shortstop. Melvin Mora, who struggled at the position after joining Baltimore in the Bordick trade, will return to his more natural position in the outfield.

``Trading Mike Bordick last July was extremely difficult, because we all know what a productive player, quality person and hard worker he is,'' said Syd Thrift, the Orioles vice president of baseball operations. ``Getting him to come back is a significant step for us. His signing provides us with a proven shortstop and another veteran to make a positive impact on our younger players.''

Bordick, 35, was traded as part of the Orioles' youth movement. His return doesn't make the team a contender, but certainly appears to have improved the mix.

``It solidifies two positions for us, because it allows us to move Melvin Mora back to center field, further strengthening our defense up the middle,'' Thrift said.

Bordick homered during his first at-bat with the Mets, but finished with only four homers and 21 RBIs in 56 games. He did, however, get his first taste of World Series competition.

It appears unlikely he will get there in the next two years with the rebuilding Orioles, but Bordick isn't conceding anything.

``There are some familiar faces and great players here,'' he said. ``It's a new look, and it's exciting in that regard. The fact of the matter is that a lot of people are counting the Orioles out. But in baseball nothing is guaranteed. Young teams have a certain fire in their eyes.''

Bordick is the Orioles' third free agent acquisition in three days. Baltimore signed right-hander Pat Hentgen on Tuesday and have reached an agreement with first baseman David Segui.

``With our signings this week, we have made significant strides in improving our club,'' Thrift said. ``We believe they give us an opportunity to field a competitive club.''