The Pirates have signed infielder Robert Andino to a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training, the team announced on Twitter. Andino is represented by the Legacy Agency.
The 29-year-old Andino collected just 85 plate appearances for the Mariners in 2013, batting .184/.253/.237 in that time. He played slightly above-average defense at shortstop in that small sample, however, as he's done throughout his career at the big league level. Andino has 1073 Major League innings at shortstop and 1870 innings at second base, and Ultimate Zone Rating pegs him as slightly above average at each position.
Andino will provide the Bucs with additional shortstop depth beyond likely starter Jordy Mercer and defensive standout Clint Barmes (who recently re-signed in Pittsburgh). Andino, a 2002 second-round draft pick, has a career .232/.294/.318 batting line in 1467 plate appearances between the Orioles, Marlins and Mariners.
There was a time I wanted this guy. He was a decent SS in Florida, then went down after that. Since there isn’t much risk with this signing, we can hope he regains a little form to help us.
Good bench player
As long as you don’t expect a ton from Andino, you’ll be fine. If you’re thinking he can be anything more than a twice a week starter, you’re bound to be disappointed. If injuries push him into a starting role, it won’t be pretty.
I think expecting him to make the major league roster is expecting too much. This just seems like a depth signing to replace Ivan de Jesus at Indianapolis.
Andino actually was with the Pirates’ AAA team in Indianapolis for the last month or so of their season in 2013, so it’s not like the Bucs are completely unfamiliar with him, either.
I hope they play the Red Sox this year.
another orioles cast off i see… nice.
I wonder what his Pirate picture will look like. Google “Robert Andino Smile” its pretty funny how each year of losing and not playing seems to take a toll on the guy. Like another guy on here, I really liked him when he was coming up from the Minors but something happened somewhere…
So, the Pirates have only acquired bench players this year, and ones that can only field, not hit. Barmes resigned, Andino and Dickerson, Ishikowa signing, and the Stewart trade.
Another nice minor league signing for NH and company. Won’t make a major impact, but can help out in a pinch.