Orioles release Chad Moeller

When the Orioles picked 27-year old catcher Craig Tatum to be Matt Wieters’ backup, veteran catcher Chad Moeller requested his release.  Today he got his wish.

Moeller has hit 0.226/.288/.351 with 29 HR, 107 BB and 327 SO in parts of 10 major league seasons.  His career 63 OPS+ makes him an offensive liability, even for a backup catcher and his defense does little to make up for it.  Since 2002 his WAR has ranged from 1.0 to -0.5.  He was slightly better than a replacement level player the last two seasons after being slightly below replacement level in 2006 and 2007.

He may have been better off accepting the O’s offer of minor league assignment, because he would have a better chance usurping Craig Tatum than he will have landing a spot on a major league roster in the coming days.  He is regarded as likable and professional but those traits only go so far.  Look for him to land on a Triple-A roster as an insurance policy and possible mentor to a young catcher.

[Update] Lawrence Barreca of Birds Watcher had this to say about the move:

"This was a dumb decision on the part of the O’s. Why would you take a veteran catcher who has worked with both youngster Matt Wieters as well as the young pitching prospects over Craig Tatum, a catcher who is only an upgrade because of his arm strength? I didn’t understand the move when it happened, and I don’t understand it now."