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2007 Ardoin`s been around practically forever; he made his first appearance in these pages in 1998, when we described him as, `a highly-touted defender` who `can`t hit.` That`s still true today. He hit over .500 last spring, which, combined with a Yorvit Torrealba injury, made him the Opening Day starter for the Rockies. That lasted as long as it takes to say `0 for his first 13.` A knee injury knocked him out and he was waived to make room for Chris Iannetta. Picked up by Baltimore, he improved to 1 for his first 13 as an Oriole before getting waived again. He`s signed with the Nationals. 2006 A career minor leaguer signed by the Rockies before the 2005 season, Ardoin took well to Colorado Springs, home of the Fountain of Offense, and earned a June call-up. He again proved that major league pitching is better than Triple-A pitching, but behind the plate he nailed just under 50% of all base stealers and posted excellent overall defensive numbers. Ardoin is the dictionary definition backup catcher, and with Yorvit Torrealba brought in to start, that`s the role he`ll be in. 2005 After not doing much during a long minor league career, Ardoin had a big season in Triple-A, the kind that makes you wonder if he'd be a better, cheaper, healthier alternative to the likes of Sandy Alomar. Having shown some ability to hit and draw walks, he might go all Junior Ortiz and have a seven-year MLB career if he gets a shot.
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