Steve Cockey

Orioles avoid arbitration with utility man Ryan Flaherty

The Orioles have avoided arbitration with utility man Ryan Flaherty, agreeing to a $1.8 million salary for 2017, according to a source.  Our senior writer Dan Connolly was the first to report the deal.

Incentives included in the contract would pay Flaherty $50,000 each for making the All Star team and winning a Gold Glove. Entering his sixth season with the Orioles, Flaherty batted .217 with 3 home runs and 15 RBI in 2016 while playing every defensive position except catcher and center field. He becomes the Orioles’ first arbitration-eligible player to settle this offseason.

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Steve Cockey

Steve Cockey is a lifelong Orioles fan who grew up in Harford County and is a graduate of both C. Milton Wright High School and Loyola University Maryland. Steve's passion for both baseball and internet advertising -- his "day job" -- led him to start BaltimoreBaseball.com in early 2016. He is a current resident of the Canton neighborhood of Baltimore and credits his love of baseball to his dad, Dr. Stephen Cockey, Sr.

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  • I know I'm in the minority around here, but how's about playing Ryan a bit more this year?

    He's a solid and extremely versatile player that has shown in that past, that he can hit the long ball a bit when given a chance to play more than every other week or so. Maybe not as a leadoff type, but I'm thinking the southpaw corner outfielder we crave may already be on the team. I'm not suggesting him as an everyday option, but I could see him platooning in right. I love the guy, and it's good to see they plan on bringing him back for at least one more year.

    • Good idea, Ryan could put up some good numbers if he played more often. Hard to get in a groove playing so sparingly. Super Sub could be even more valuable to Baltimore if he played more often.

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