Bordick eyes 2B with A’s > Yanks pay $5.1M to Mike Gallego

Winterport’s Mike Bordick thinks he has been given an opportunity to compete for a starting job as a result of Oakland’s starting second baseman Mike Gallego’s decision to sign with the New York Yankees.

The former University of Maine star became the starting shortstop for the A’s last season when Walt Weiss suffered a season-ending ankle injury.

Bordick hit .238 in 90 games with 5 doubles, a triple, 21 runs batted in and 21 runs scored. He hit .350 over the final week of the season and .295 over the final month. Bordick made 11 errors.

“First of all, I’m really happy for Mike Gallego,” said Bordick. “He got what he wanted: a multi-year contract. That puts him closer to a 10-year pension and that’s what everybody wants when they get to the major leagues. And he’s in a good spot. Not that he was in a bad spot with Oakland, but I think the Yankees are going to be a contender.”

The Yankees gave Gallego a $5.1 million, three-year contract. Gallego, 31, had received just one other offer, a $4.2 million, three-year proposal from Oakland.

“As for me, I’m excited,” added Bordick. “I know things can change overnight, but as we speak, there is an opening. There are going to be people fighting for that job and I hope they (Oakland management) consider me as one of them. It’s a real good opportunity. I’m looking forward to spring training and proving myself again. It’s nice to at least have the feeling that there is a spot that can be won.”

The 26-year-old Bordick has played a lot of second base in the minor leagues and has also played some second for Oakland.

“It isn’t a big adjustment,” said Bordick, who has also played third. “I’ve played enough second base so I have the idea of playing it down. There’s a little different look at second, but if I key on second base, I should be able to handle it well.

“And turning the double play (at second) is so much fun. I could do that all day,” added Bordick, who expects Weiss to return healthy and reclaim his shortstop job.

Bordick had a split contract this past year – he received a certain wage if he played for Oakland and a lower wage if he played in AAA – but he has been sent an American League contract by the Athletics. He was pleased about that, but said the terms of the contract were not what he expected so he has sent it back unsigned.

“I wasn’t unhappy with it, but I think I can do a little better,” said Bordick.