Roberts plunked...walks off...maybe for good
Brian Roberts was hit on the left shin by Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jesse Litsch in the bottom of the sixth inning and limped off the field to a loud ovation. Clearly, the crowd recognized the possibility that fans were seeing the last appearance by Roberts in an Orioles uniform.
Manager Dave Trembley acted this weekend as if Roberts' return for 2009 was not in doubt, but Andy MacPhail was less committal during his Saturday news conference. He seems less inclined to deal Roberts than he was last winter, but said it would be irresponsible not to listen to all offers.
I think the Orioles will sign him to an extension in the next few months. They already are desperate for a decent starting shortstop. Can't imagine Andy wants to try and fill two critical middle infield positions.
Roberts finishes the season batting .296 with 107 runs, 51 doubles, 8 triples, nine homers, 56 RBI and 40 stolen bases. He ranks second in the league in doubles, third in the league in runs, fourth in stolen bases, fourth in triples. He also ranked in the top 10 in walks and on-base percentage.
Comments
It takes two sides to agree to a contract extension. I think BRob wants out. He has said on many occasions that he wants to play for a winner. We are nowhere near winning, he wont commit
Posted by: Cereal Blogger | September 28, 2008 4:47 PM
Why would B-Rob sign an extension? Perhaps he would with a no-trade or limited no-trade so he can determine his next team. But this guy needs to play for a winner in his next contract. And he deserves to play for a winner. What a great ball player.
Posted by: Captive Fan | September 28, 2008 5:26 PM
If Trembley is rewarded with a contract extension then McPhail and the entire Management team should resign. For the sportscasters to chastise the fans in displaying their disgust in early departure is ludicrous. Fans pay with their earnings and have every right to display deserved emotions for little league performance and incompetent management. A closing record of 6 - 28 doesn't speak well of Trembley, only that he is among the injured that he claims as being responsible. How many failed decisions can he absorb. He is destroying the only good players on the squad which management wishes to trade for
another rebuild season to fail. Let us Pray.
Posted by: Rusty Staub | September 28, 2008 5:26 PM
Hey,why not trade both Roberts and Markakis? We'd get a ton of prospects and even a servicable starter or 2. The O's would also be doing both of them a favour by getting them out of a losing environment that looks to continue for another 2-3 years.
Most players don't mind losing once in awhile but I imagine that finishing 5-30 and another 90 plus loss season can get to you. Markakis and Roberts must feel that they will never experience a pennant race and playing for personal goals like 50 doubles or .300 gets old after while.
I actually feel sorry for these types of pros, because I'm sure they look around the retreads, misfits, hangers-on etc and say gee-I hope that's not me in 5 years...
Posted by: TerryP | September 28, 2008 8:12 PM
Roberts has to be traded for 3 or 4 top prospects.
Posted by: Bill Frederick | September 28, 2008 8:56 PM
peter correct me if i am wrong. i thought i read a few days back that brian roberts would stay in baltimore. i hope that the he and the orioles can agree on a new contract. i am very curious about cc sabathia for next year.the brewers have over used him in their push for the post season. we will see just how much confedrate money the orioles have, for those free agents that wind up just giving the orioles lip service about playing in baltimore. one thing for sure the hot stove league and all the rumours will be here soon
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Pete's reply: Trembley said the other day that he was assuming Roberts will be back, but it's not up to him.
Posted by: leonard | September 28, 2008 9:14 PM