Rey Ordonez Is Still Alive, Still Can't Hit

Apparently I don't read spring training box scores as closely as I should, because I was shocked today to read that Rey Ordonez -- umm, he's the one hovering over Derek Jeter's shoulder -- is about to make the Mariners' Opening Day roster. From the Seattle Times:

The transformation of Ordonez, from a no-hope curiosity at the outset of camp to a guy looking like the team's backup infielder, took a giant step forward Wednesday when backup outfielder Jeremy Reed was optioned to Class AAA Tacoma.

The Mariners apparently are confident enough in the outfield skills of both Willie Bloomquist and Ben Broussard that they feel they can afford the luxury of carrying Ordonez's glove. With second baseman Jose Lopez still not at his defensive best, coming off a sprained ankle, the addition of Ordonez would give the Mariners both backup and late-game defensive insurance.

Mind you, before this spring Ordonez was last seen with the Cubs in 2004, hitting .164 in 23 games. He's a career .246 hitter with a horrifying .289 OBP and .310 SLG, and considering his bat is carrying two years of rust I'm guessing he's about as ready to contribute at the plate as I am.

It'd be one thing if he enjoyed a scorching hot spring and forced his team's hand like Sammy Sosa did with the Rangers, but Ordonez has hit just .227 in 44 at-bats. I know he's supposed to be slick with the glove (though it's and I'm hardly a big believer in spring training stats, but come on, shouldn't he have to show something with the bat to earn his keep? No? I should tried out.