Redman optioned to Triple-A

Despite an impressive 40-game display of his talent with the Baltimore Orioles last season, Tike Redman won’t be starting the 2008 season in the major leagues.

The Orioles’ outfielder cleared waivers on Friday and was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. He has 72 hours to accept his assignment to the minors or he’ll become a free agent. Expect him to suit up for the Tides to start the year. Redman’s assignment to the minors was reported in this Baltimore Sun blog entry.

The former York Revolution outfielder hit .279 in 41 at-bats this spring and was the victim of some unfortunate circumstances out of his control. The club’s addition of Luke Scott and Adam Jones, plus the uncertainty of Jay Gibbons’ status to start the season kept Redman from garnering a spot on the opening day roster.

But he’ll return to a place where he enjoyed great success last year. Redman hit .300 in 296 at-bats for Norfolk as the club’s leadoff hitter and every-day center fielder. After his promotion to the big leagues, the Alabama native hit .318 and seemed like a lock to stick with the O’s.