Baseball in Fort Wayne

Posts Tagged ‘Baltimore Orioles’

When I started taking photos of Midwest League Players back in 2003, one of the first players I sought out was Felix Pie, of the Lansing Lugnuts.

The Lugnuts have since changed their affiliation from the Chicago Cubs to the Toronto Blue Jays. Meanwhile, Pie had worked his way through the minor league system with the Cubs and had played in several games at the Major League Level.

However, the once heralded and supposed five-tool prospect that was once “untouchable” has been traded to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for a couple middle releivers -hander Garrett Olson and Class-A right-hander Henry Williamson.

That’s quite a fall from grace. Seems to be the exact same path that Corey Patterson took to go from uber-prospect to big league bust.

These photos were taken early on in the game, probably his first at-bat of the game. If I recall correctly, he stole second pretty easily after reaching first base. The Wizards Catcher (above) is Andres Pagan. The Wizards player on first (right) is Paul McAnulty (who recently signed with Boston).

As a Cubs fan, I had looked forward to the day i would get to see Pie roam the outfield at Wrigley and become the next great Cubs player.

But unfortunately, like most other Cubs fans, I’ve come to realize that Pie will never prosper with the Cubs. If he has any chance at a big-league career, it has to be with another organization. It needs to be an organization where there is not so built to win now. Baltimore fits that bill.

Best of luck to you Felix.

Note: Thanks to BK, a reader who noted some innacurracies and provided additional information (see comments).

Baltimore Sun blogger/Journalist Peter Schmuck is reporting that the Baltimore Orioles will bring former Wizards catcher, Chad Moeller to Spring Training camp:

…we’re hearing that one of the catchers the Orioles will bring to camp this spring is 33-year-old journeyman Chad Moeller, who appeared in 41 games for the Yankees last season. According to a club source, he has agreed to terms on a minor league contract.

Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said at the winter meetings that he’s looking for a couple of veteran catchers to add to the list of catching prospects that will be in major league camp.

Moeller was a Wizard during the team’s days as a Minnesota Twins affiliate. Personally, I thought Moeller would have been a good fit as the veteran backstop the Padres are rumored to be seeking as a mentor to the up and coming former Wizards Nick Hundley and Luke Carlin.

Speaking of Hundley, MadFriars recently posted an interview with the catcher (subscription required).

Related BBIFW Chad Moeller posts:

• September Callups Feature Former Wizards
• Could Moeller be on the Move?
• Yanks’ Backstop Injuries Could Bring Moeller Call-up