Kevin

Orie

Orie could be ready to play in September, but it’s unlikely that the Cubs will keep him around.

Even if healthy, Orie would have had a tough time making the Cubs. Ramon Martinez and Mark Grudzielanek appear locked in as the backup infielders.

Given a choice between Orie and Casey Blake following the 2002 season, we would have taken Orie. However, while Blake got his big break in 2003, Orie missed the season with a torn labrum. He didn’t make it all the way back last year, playing in just 23 games in the minors. Now 32, his chances of establishing himself as a major leaguer are slight. He’ll probably be Triple-A Nashville’s third baseman.

Orie showed up at camp with a sore shoulder. If he needs surgery, he could miss the entire season.

Orie, who is expected to miss most of the season with a torn labrum, will have to rehab from shoulder surgery as a free agent.

There’s very little difference between Orie and Casey Blake, but since Orie missed last season with a torn labrum, he probably won’t get a chance to compete for a starting job in spring training. He’ll likely be assigned to Triple-A Buffalo.

Orie, 33, hit .352/.466/.630 in 349 AB for two Triple-A clubs last season. He’d likely be a decent pinch-hitter if he received the chance, but the Astros won’t carry him. Missing 2003 and most of 2004 with a torn labrum has done a lot of damage to his chances of getting back to the majors.

Orie has the bat to be a useful bench player, but his lack of versatility makes him less attractive to NL teams. He’s going to need to catch a break in order to spend significant time in the majors.