Bordick signs with Orioles> Contract is 3 years, $9 million

BALTIMORE – The Baltimore Orioles, acting with Cal Ripken’s blessing, agreed Thursday to a $9 million, three-year contract with free agent shortstop Mike Bordick, a Winterport native and former University of Maine star.

As a result, Ripken will give up the position he held since 1982 and move to third base.

“Cal wants to win, and he feels we will be a better team with Mike Bordick in the lineup,” Orioles general manager Pat Gillick said. “It’s very evident that Cal made the phone call that got the guy here.”

Ripken did not immediately return messages Thursday left with his agent and lawyer.

Bordick, who would wind up with $13 million over four years if the Orioles exercise an option for 2000, played all seven of his major-league seasons with the Oakland Athletics, where he compiled a .258 career batting average.

But it was his glove that made him a catch for the Orioles, who feel the acquisition of the 31-year-old shortstop strengthens the left side of the infield.

Bordick had an excellent .979 fielding average last year. He had two more errors (16) than Ripken, but Bordick’s 474 assists was eight more than Ripken and second among major-league shortstops behind Pittsburgh’s Juan Bell (477).

Bordick, who went to the College World Series with UMaine in 1984 and ’86, was eager to play for a contender, and Baltimore fit the bill. But he was reluctant to fill the position held by Ripken without first talking to the future Hall of Fame star.

“He wanted to come here, but the guy who played a big part in this is Cal Ripken,” Gillick said. “He has a lot of respect for Cal and was insistent on talking to him first. Obviously, Cal moved things along.”

Gillick told Ripken that the deal was completed early Thursday evening, and he said he got a positive response from the player.

“Cal thinks this makes us a better team, so he’s all for it,” Gillick said.

Bordick hit .240 last season with an on-base percentage of .307. He hit five home runs and had a career-high 54 RBIs.

Ripken, 36, had played in a major-league record 2,216 consecutive games at shortstop until he moved to third base July 15 when manager Davey Johnson decided to try Manny Alexander at shortstop.

It was Ripken’s first game at third base since June 30, 1982. He handled all chances flawlessly and even made a sensational stop on a grounder to his right side.

The switch lasted six games. Alexander went 1-for-22 and fielded poorly after the move, and Ripken returned to shortstop for the rest of the season.

He started at shortstop in the All-Star game for a 13th successive season. He has played in 14 overall, selected each time as a shortstop.

Although Ripken’s arm was admittedly tired by the end of October, the numbers show he had another fine season in the field. He made only 14 errors, and his .980 fielding percentage was among the best of all major-league shortstops.

His move to third base has no effect on his string of consecutive games, which stands at a major-league record 2,316.