Jorge Velandia
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Jorge Luis Velandia [ve-LAHN-deah] (born January 12, 1975) is a Major League Baseball infielder. A native of Caracas, Venezuela, Velandia has played with the San Diego Padres (1997), Oakland Athletics (1998-2000) and New York Mets (2000-03). He bats and throws right-handed.
In a six-year career as a backup shortstop, Velandia hit .151 with 12 RBI in 150 games. A fine defensive player, his range is above-average, he has a strong and accurate arm, and turns the double play slickly. No one ever said he hit particularly well, but he plays hard and is an influential figure in any clubhouse.
In 2004, Velandia was in contention for the utility infielder spot on the Opening Day Atlanta roster before a staph infection caused him to miss a week of action at the end of spring training. He was assigned to the Triple-A affiliate Richmond Braves in the International League. As as regular second baseman, he hit .216 with six home runs and 25 RBI in 129 games.
Velandia will likely open the 2005 spring training with Atlanta, but probably would be a nice addition to the 25-man roster.