Too expensive to trade and too old to factor into the team’s rebuilding plans.  Ignored by the team’s publicity department, which is pushing the youth movement.  Considered expendable by many fans.  Constantly subject to trade rumors.  Expected to mentor their eventual replacements. 

Part of a team expected to lose close to 100 games.

Welcome to life as a veteran member of the 2008 Baltimore Orioles. 

This season is supposed to be about seeing glimpses of the future.  Success is not measured by wins, but by every Nick Markakis RBI, Adam Jones homer or Chris Tillman strikeout in AA Bowie. 

After trading SS Miguel Tejada and SP Erik Bedard--the team’s two most accomplished players--the rebuilding process is officially underway in Baltimore.

Not exactly a place most veteran ballplayers want to be. 

In light of their situations, many older Orioles could understandably mail in the 2008 season.  Who could criticize them for merely playing out the string, much like lame-duck politicians?  After all, they have no external motivation to commit themselves to the team’s long-term success.

Interestingly enough, though, many of the O’s veterans are playing critical roles in the team’s rebuilding project that far exceed their contractual obligations.

3B Melvin Mora’s spring training rejuvenation set the tone for the selfless mindset adapted by many of his veteran teammates in 2008. 

Mora has long been known to sulk and suffer from lapses of moodiness.  Yet it was Mora who not only offered to play in a spring training game in Ft. Myers that he was not required to attend, but also to drive young SS Luis Hernandez so the two could talk during the 130-mile ride.   

Nice move by the 36-year-old veteran who doesn’t figure to be around when the Orioles hope to be competitive in 2010 and beyond.

Other veterans such as 37-year-old SP Steve Trachsel and 31-year-old C Ramon Hernandez have also embraced their roles as mentors and take pride in molding the foundations of future Baltimore batteries.

Their professionalism and dedication to detail are traits worth emulating.  For example, Trachsel is meticulous in his preparation for starts and Hernandez showed up to camp this spring in top-notch physical shape. 

Are you paying attention, Chris Tillman and Matt Weiters?

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