The BOHpen

On we go with our honoring of each member of the 2012 Baltimore Orioles. Each player who contributed towards the 93-win, playoff bound season. We’re up to #11, second baseman, Robert Andino.

“The Curse of the Andino.” “The Other Big Shot Bob.” Robert Andino wrote the introduction to the story that is the 2012 Orioles, with his heroic ending to the 2011 campaign. He etched the Orioles name on a positive note in history for the first time in a long time. Boston fans squirm in their seats when they hear the name Robert Andino. His clutch hits against the Red Sox in the closing days of the season, including the coup de grace, eliminating them from playoff contention. A blow to the team that sent them into a tailspin that they have yet to recover from. Firing a great manager in Terry Francona, hiring a clown in Bobby Valentine, trading away probably the biggest fan favorite in Kevin Youkilis, all thanks to Robert Andino.

Even the goofy Bud Selig, with his inclusion of a fifth playoff team, almost ensuring a Red Sox/Yankees matchup somewhere in the postseason and boo-koo bucks going into his pockets, didn’t help Boston get into the postseason.

At least that’s my opinion.

The former 2nd round pick by the Florida Marlins saw his numbers drop off considerably however in 2012. He started off very hot bating .311 through April, and even upped that to .342 at one point in May. Finishing the season at .211 leaves a lot left to be desired.

Robert Andino is a personal favorite of mine however, numbers aside. He has fun out there as you can often find him being Adam Jones’ sidekick as the shaving cream bandits after a win. Also in sports, some athletes have this certain thing called “swagger”. It’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Robert Andino walks that fine line without being an arrogant prick. It’s a quality I like in a player.

As for now, Andino will be competing with Ryan Flaherty and Brian Roberts, who is under contract for one more year, for the starting role at 2nd base in 2013.