BALTIMORE (AP) _ Mark McLemore agreed Wednesday to a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles and will attend spring training with the hope of making the club for a second time.
McLemore, 39, played the past four seasons with the Seattle Mariners. As a utility player last year, he hit .233 with 15 doubles, two homers and 37 RBIs in 99 games.
The Mariners used him last season in the outfield, at shortstop, third base and second base. He hopes his versatility will help him land a job with the Orioles.
“I’ll have my usual assortment of gloves with me,” McLemore said.
Melvin Mora filled the utility role with Baltimore in 2003, but he’s projected as the starting third baseman this year.
If McLemore is added to the Orioles’ 40-man roster, he would receive a $725,000, one-year contract and the chance to earn additional performance bonuses.
McLemore played in Baltimore from 1992-94, mostly at second base. He played with the Texas Rangers from 1995-99 before joining the Mariners.
“I really didn’t think I’d be back in Baltimore,” McLemore said. “It’s not one of those things you really think about. But I’ve got a lot of fond memories of playing there. It’s probably my favorite ballpark; it’s a cozy place to play.”
McLemore broke into the majors in 1986 with the California Angels. He has a .259 career average with 51 homers and 594 RBIs in 1,755 games.
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