Orioles Roundup: Mora, Moeller, Datz

The Orioles have declined Melvin Mora's $8MM option for 2010, likely ending his successful tenure with Baltimore.Mora struggled in 2009, hitting just .260/.321/.358 in 496 plate appearances this past season. He will be 38 years old, and will likely command far less than his option number as a free agent.However, for teams looking for a third baseman, Mora might be a reasonable option. He is just a year removed from hitting .285/.342/.483, while his Ultimate Zone Rating was still 1.1 runs saved above average per 150 games in 2009.Mora criticized Dave Trembley, Baltimore's manager, in August over a lack of playing time. Therefore, once Baltimore announced Trembley's return, it became far less likely the team would retain Mora, even at a lesser cost.Mora hit 158 home runs with Baltimore after coming over from the New York Mets in a deal for Mike Bordick.Other Baltimore moves this afternoon included declining the $850K option on catcher Chad Moeller and outrighting ou...