The Cardinals have claimed outfielder Rafael Ortega off waivers from the Rangers, according to MLB.com's Jenifer Langosch (on Twitter). Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish first tweeted that Ortega had been claimed by an unknown team. This is the second time Ortega has been claimed on waivers this offseason, as the Rangers initially claimed him from the Rockies back in late November.
Ortega entered the 2013 campaign ranked 15th among Rockies prospects, according to Baseball America, who called him a true center fielder with a plus, accurate arm and plus speed. BA noted that he needs to be careful not to fall in love with swinging for the fences after a home run, though he does have surprising pop for someone with a 5'11", 160-pound frame.
The 22-year-old Ortega saw his season cut short by injuries in 2013, and he posted just a .228/.315/.297 batting line in 178 plate appearances when healthy. Ortega has three 30-steal campaigns under his belt in the minors and has already received a brief taste of the Majors, totaling six plate appearances with the Rockies in 2012.
Claimed from the Rockies not the Rangers
Rockies waived him, Rangers claimed. Rangers waived, Cards claimed.
The Rockies’ front office didn’t see anything worthwhile, and the Cardinals’ front office did see something worthwhile — there’s two good reasons to think that this kid will end up being pretty good.
The Rockies have a glut in the OF in the MLB as well as prospects. Ortega was also hurt. It’s a low risk claim.
Edit: Also, the Rockies currently have 9 OF on the 40 man roster. Don’t need him as well.
Also the Cards aren’t going to do anything with him besides putting him right back on waivers, soon as they need a roster spot.
Though if they see something in the guy, there’s always Eric Fornataro, Jorge Rondon, or Joey Butler to axe first.
Though if they see something in the guy, there’s always Eric Fornataro, Jorge Rondon, or Joey Butler to axe first.
Definitely an interesting pick-up. With already having a logjam in the St. Louis and Memphis outfields, it’s hard to see how Ortega fits in.
Not that interesting. Little guy who can run, but can’t hit at all.
Last season was his only poor season, and it was cut short by injuries. The guy was arguably a top prospect before last season. Just look at the numbers.
Career .298/.354/.416 minor league hitter.
Only 22, .298/.354/.416 minors numbers….. and only 22 if I didn’t mention that, oh yes I did….. so how does he not hit when considering he plays CF?