Of course they should trade Roberts, just like they should have traded him last year when his value was higher. The issue is not can you get equal value in return but rather the O's are years away from respectability and need to dump all the 30+ players now.

If the O's can get Vitters and a young pitcher with upside, they have to do it. Rowell may be 2-3 years away and Snyder will be at 1B as soon as the O's realize Tex isn't coming here. 2B/SS are easier to find than a franchise 3b (Vitters).

Well written. Pretty much sums the whole thing up.

I don't think the Cubs had much of an offer last year for Roberts either. Ceda would've been nice, but the other pieces-- Veal, Cedeno, Gallagher, Marshall-- I'm not sure any of them are any better than they were a year ago.

Pete, Have you heard anything coming from the recent organizational meetings about how the O's brass feels about Luis Montanez? Do they see him platooning with Luke Scott in '09 or do they look at him as a AAAA guy? Scott did a nice job, but I don't see him as an everyday guy like Markakis or Jones.

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Pete's reply: I have no inside info, but unless they add somebody new, he's probably coming to spring training as the fourth outfielder with a chance to share some time with Luke.

I have heard grumblings of Manny being Manny in Baltimore. Should I even begin to get excited about that or just let it go with the wind?

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Pete's reply: There's a much better chance of McCain winning Maryland and Massachusetts.

Schmuck,

I would disagree that his trade value is lower this year. It may be at an all time high.
Think about it, the Brewers, or smaller-market team, can trade for Roberts and collect 2 draft picks at the end of the year after he signs elsewhere.
Larger markets, can just poney up and sign him to an extension. It is a win-win for the Orioles.
Any deal must equal more than 2 top draft choices.

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Pete's reply: Way more, but not as much as last year, in my opinion.

Until we have the pitching base in place, keeping Roberts means very little in the standings. After all, there is no sixth place that the O's can fall to. The analysis has to be whether the O's can acquire the requisite pitching in time to make keeping Roberts worthwhile. If the realistic answer is no, trade him for several pitchers and one infield prospect. It's all about timing.

I can't see the Cuns being that interested in Roberts. Derosa did a great job and he's got more power. The Cubs should find a better leadoff hitter than Soriano but Theroit could probably fit there.
I'm not sure the demand is there for Roberts. Looking around the leagues, there aren't too many contendig teams lacking a 2b. In fact, many teams have guys better and/or younger than Roberts.
There is also some logic to keeping him because it just means another hole to fill in the infield. Our first priority(other than pulling 4 starters out of a hat) is to find a serviceable ss.

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Pete's reply: Agreed. I was just reacting to the speculation in Chicago. I don't know what the real market would be. Still early.

Why are O’s fans so enamored with this guy? He has said in the past he prefers to be traded away, he lied about using steroids & he’s only a second baseman yet he remains the Land of Pleasant living’s golden son??? Our O’s are too far away from contending for us to keep him. If the Dubs are willing to deal Vitters for B-Rob & McPhail turns it down,,,,,he’s an idiot. I thought we were going to follow the Rays model. The O’s will be loyal to a winner, they don’t care who is filling the cleats. Get a clue O’s & do the right thing.

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Pete's reply: I didn't say the Cubs were willing, just that he is someone who would interest the Orioles.

i would like to see brian roberts get signed to a long term contract with the orioles, there might have been rumors before the playoffs began that brian roberts was going to the dodgers.we have gotten a lot of off season hype in past years from the orioles front office saying this is what we'te going to do and wind up doing nothing. in a way i think andy macphail ought not say anything til a deal has all the i's dotted and the t's crossed

The Cubs' second basemen outhit Roberts in virtually every category in 2008.

Why would Chicago give away the farm to downgrade at 2B?

Cubs leadoff hitters hit 33HR with 100RBI and a 117 runs scored. That's pretty darn good, so Roberts isn't going to upgrade that spot.

Cubs' second basemen made 11 errors in 2008. Roberts had 8.

And the Cubs paid a total of $6 million for DeRosa, Fontenot and others.

Basically, Roberts isn't worth that much to the Cubs. They already have the same or better production at a lower price.

I love Roberts and all, but he has to be traded. We are rebuilding and want to get younger and having him here isn't helping. Plus he deserves to go to a contender and compete for a World Series. He has done a lot for us and has waited patiently and has done a great job for us. ow it is time to return the favor and have him go off somewhere else and contend.

Peter, Nice job by The Sun to put the World Series coverage on PAGE 6. It's only the championship of Major League Baseball. Very weak!
John

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Pete's reply: In my paper, the headline/reefer with the Rays winning was stripped very prominently across the top of the sports front, referring to the story on another page. That's because we're locked into a full front Ravens Extra on Fridays.

The Rays' success this year notwithstanding, I just don't see the Orioles ever being competitive again in the AL East as long as Major League Baseball refuses to stand up to the Yankees, Red Sox, other large-market clubs and, of course, the players' union, to implement a revenue-sharing and salary cap formula that restores a somewhat level playing field. Until that happens, speculation about trading Brian Roberts or any other transaction is meaningless to me. See how long the Rays are able to keep their core of young talent together - another year, maybe two, and then they will be rejoining the Orioles at the bottom of the division while the Yankees and Red Sox battle it out every year to see which one of them wins the division and which gets the wild card spot.

i was in cleveland last weekend and listening to their sports radio station. when they brought up the indians, the first thing they said was they thought they would be going after b-rob. just thought i would pass it along.

personally i think we resign him

Pete,
I am a big fan of Roberts. He plays hard, he is a good teammate, and he is a quality person. Despite all that, Andy needs to trade Roberts. Besides Weiters, we have no blue chip position players in the minors. Roberts will be at the end of the line when, and if, we are ever in a position to compete. Vitters for B-Rob would be a no-brainer. We need to compensate for 15 years of mostly pathetic draft choices.

Pete,

I thought you did a great job with your answers to Murph.

I have confidence that McPhail will make the right decision. It might be the right decision to trade B-Rob but timing and the getting the right type of player is very important. No point in making a trade to just "make a trade". Picking and trading for "safe" types of players have gotten us nowhere in the past.

Listening to the Tampa Bay Ray’s front office, they picked players who had a certain type of personality along with the athletic ability to make in impact on their franchise. We did the same last season (getting Adam Jones). That's what needs to happen again this off-season.

Like Pete mentioned, the Cubs might not even be interested in B-Rob (I don’t think they are). I think the reason Murph (and other cubs fans) asked is because they lost in the first round, and they feel Roberts might be the missing link to a world series.

When are the Orioles going to have a stable of youngsters to stack up with other teams? Andy are you listening?
Why don't you steal one those scouts from the Minn. Twins or the A's? They ALWAYS have talent replacing their free agents. Sure we have a couple but as bad as the O's have been they're bound to luck out on a couple prospects.

Oriole Doubter...your assessment is ridiculous. You need to get a clue. First of all, those homeruns from the Cubs leadoff spot are thanks to Soriano who shouldn't be batting first. He's not a true leadoff hitter as evidenced by the fact he couldn't get on base in the postseason and set the table for his team. DeRosa was awful in the postseason, making errors and potentially costing them games and the series. The failures of their leadoff hitting and second base defense were largely to blame for losing in the divisional round which is why they are screaming in Chicago about needing Roberts. As for having the same production at a lower price...not even close. He is a superior defender who hits for a high average, is a tremendous table setter as a league leader in doubles, draws tons of pitches, forcing the opposition to work extra hard to get him out and he's a switch hitter. Not to mention a good presence in the lockeroom the charity work he does. If we can get the right pieces, a trade might be good for us, but there's no reason to give this guy away for peanuts. He's too valuable.

Peter,

I can't believe Loewen sold us out like this, after we gave him this chance. I'm completely shocked. Did you see this coming at all??

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Pete's reply: Yeah, but only the last day or so.

Hey Oriole Doubter,

Enjoy that glue you've been huffing. Did you actually do any research before you said the Cubs 2nd basemen outhit Roberts in "virtually every category?" DeRosa played 2nd predominantly (149 games vs. Roberts' 155) and had 21 HRs to Roberts' 9 and 87 RBI to Roberts' 57. He had better numbers in 2 categories, that's it. Roberts' BA was 11 points higher, he had 20 more doubles, 5 more triples and 34 more stolen bases. RBIs are negligible since Roberts is hitting lead-off, a position in the BO where HR should not be as valued as being able to get into scoring position. Plus, Roberts is a switch hitter and two years younger. How can you say he would not be an upgrade?

Hey Pete,
What's your take on the Loewen fiasco? To me, I understand why he wouldn't want to waste his time with this franchise, but didn't the O's negotiate with him before they released him? They would make him or his agent a LIAR! Sure hope that he doesn't get hit by a pitch in that arm when he is batting.

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Pete's reply: I'll post something on this in a few minutes.

Without a doubt, Roberts would be an upgrade at 2B to the Cubs, or most any MLB team. Straight statistical comparisons do not adequately explain a player's value to a team, particularly for a lead-off hitter. So, while Roberts' statistics are, nonetheless, sparkling, his value goes beyond BA, HR and RBIs. And not to downgrade DeRosa, who has always shown himself to be a very good player, but I'm pretty sure that Piniella would have preferred Roberts as his everyday starting 2B and lead-off hitter last year. This would have provided him stability to both his middle infied and at the top of his batting order. Soriano, as everyone knows, is not a lead-off hitter--he did such a wonderful job in getting on base, etc. in the 1st round of the playoffs this year, didn't he? Therion also had a nice year, but it is only one year and he is not a proven lead-off hitter...yet.

It is unfortunate for the O's that 2B are not that highly valued, but Roberts is an elite player at his position and has at least 4-5 "prime" career years left. For that, and for the right fit, which the Cubs still seem to be, I believe they still possess a number of valuable trading chips. Trading Roberts for Vitters, Cedeno, either Gallagher or Marshall and Veal (if he wasn't traded to Oakland in the Harden deal) or another pitching prospect--I don't think we could get Ceda in this package--would appear to be a very good return. Heck, throw in Cabrera and ask for Ceda. That way, the Cubs get a starting pitcher and all-star 2B and the Birds get a near ready 3B prospect, a MLB-ready starting pitcher and starting 2B (who, if he struggles, can be platooned with any number of the O's present middle infiled suspects), a prospective future stud reliever and a pitching prospect. If they sign Orlando Cabrera as a FA, the middle infield is taken care of for next season. This would satisfy the organization's need to restock its minor league system with high minor positional prospects and pitching while, at the same time, provide an immediate replacement at 2B and in the pitching staff.

On the other hand, I don't think the Dodgers will make a good trading partner. Even when Roberts' trade value was at its ostensibly highest level last winter, they never seemed to present anything near a fair return package (at least as was rumored to have been offered or not offered.)

I think MacPhail will ultimately shoot himself in the foot. Roberts won't resign and by holding out for too much Roberts will end up just leaving and the O's will get nothing for him. If you were Brian Roberts, why would you resign with the worst team in the AL East that is going nowhere fast and are in rebuilding mode? Only an idiot would resign with the Os.

Trade him to the Cubs now for Marshall, Vitters and Cedeno and count your lucky stars that you get anything for him at all. Stupid MacPhail should not be hanging onto expensive aging players when he is in rebuilding mode and has already traded all his other veterans away.

I think MacPhail will ultimately shoot himself in the foot. Roberts won't resign and by holding out for too much Roberts will end up just leaving and the O's will get nothing for him. If you were Brian Roberts, why would you resign with the worst team in the AL East that is going nowhere fast and are in rebuilding mode? Only an idiot would resign with the Os.

Trade him to the Cubs now for Marshall, Vitters and Cedeno and count your lucky stars that you get anything for him at all. Stupid MacPhail should not be hanging onto expensive aging players when he is in rebuilding mode and has already traded all his other veterans away.

I think MacPhail will ultimately shoot himself in the foot. Roberts won't resign and by holding out for too much Roberts will end up just leaving and the O's will get nothing for him. If you were Brian Roberts, why would you resign with the worst team in the AL East that is going nowhere fast and are in rebuilding mode? Only an idiot would resign with the Os.

Trade him to the Cubs now for Marshall, Vitters and Cedeno and count your lucky stars that you get anything for him at all. Stupid MacPhail should not be hanging onto expensive aging players when he is in rebuilding mode and has already traded all his other veterans away.

Even though I have no objections to trading Brian Roberts, I'm sick & tired of the Orioles becoming a dumping ground for Cubs rejects like Rocky Cherry. Pete, sorry to see that you lost some valuable time talking with that waste of space named Mike Murphy.

Hey, I don't think anyone is saying to just trade Roberts for the sake of trading him or even to cut costs(although don't think that idea hasn't come up in the warehouse). Sure, he's a good player but so was Tejada and Bedard and those trades worked out pretty good. We shouldn't discount dealing him if we can get a good package but let's be realistic. The Cubs have a decent 2B in Derosa and we can argue all day about whose better-they are different types of players. To get Roberts, the Cubs may actually get worse if they give us true value in return. They are poised to make another run at the World Series so I doubt that they need to make too many changes to their existing lineup, other than shuffling their batting order.
I can live with him or without him; sure he's a great player but we finished last or near the bottom with him. I survived losing Eddie Murray so anyone is fair game if it improve our chances to compete sometime soon. Many posters here are letting their emotions in the way of rationale thinking-it's okay to trade Tejada & Bedard but not Roberts because he's good in the community and is still in his 'prime'(despite the fact that Tejada took a real skid this year at the same age!).

The Cubs DO have some valuable pieces in the system. However, as much as I like Roberts, sending Vitters in any deal would get Hendry run out of town - new 4 year extension and all. McPhail blew it last year when he didn't move him. A GM can ask for too much or too little and sometimes trades are made. Andy, with the Greek watching over his shoulder, asked for way too much and didn't get it. Who in good Gods name would work for that goof (Angelos) is beyond me. As a long suffering Cubs fan, I'm hoping for a good new owner. As any O's fan should be hoping for the same. He's the reason for the O's being a below average organization. SELL !!

The Cubs DO have some valuable pieces in the system. However, as much as I like Roberts, sending Vitters in any deal would get Hendry run out of town - new 4 year extension and all. McPhail blew it last year when he didn't move him. A GM can ask for too much or too little and sometimes trades are made. Andy, with the Greek watching over his shoulder, asked for way too much and didn't get it. Who in good Gods name would work for that goof (Angelos) is beyond me. As a long suffering Cubs fan, I'm hoping for a good new owner. As any O's fan should be hoping for the same. He's the reason for the O's being a below average organization. SELL !!

I don't know who that jerk was who said Roberts lied about steroid use. He should take the cotton out of ears and listen to the truth which is he admitted firsttime and only tinme about steroid use. Yes he is one of the best leadoff hitters and the Os will keep him.

The O's offense was pretty good for much of the year. No question O's need to plug SS, deal Ramon, but filling up the SP 2-5 is paramount. Tillman, Arrietta, Erbe, et al are still 1-3 years away from MLB. If you can deal Brian and plug SS oe 2B, get one quality SP and a blue chip prospect that's not an OF or C, this off-season is the one to pull the trigger with BRoberts. That being said, Brian is a pleasure to watch and it kills to think of him not in Orange and Black. Who will leadoff? But it will take pains to turn this thing around. I trust in A. MacPhail.

Dump him. We have got to learn from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Wow, watching them does give us hope, except all of their star players are like 23 or 24. We make trades and acquire guys who are 30 and 31 (Luke Scott, Sherrill), so I don't see what the fuss is about unless McFail is ready to flip them.

My feeling is that Brian will be traded, but there are going to be a lot of teams that will be in the hunt before it's all said and done. It certainly appears that the Cubs traded away a lot of the pieces that the O's were looking for, but there is always a chance of a three way trade.

I am not sure why every other post is about Andy dropping the ball on not trading Brian last year, as the same fans that are saying trade him, would have gone crazy if he was traded last year along with Miggy and Bedard. I just don't get why the FO, Scouts, etc. are being lumped in with the GMs and Scouts of the past because Andy has been brilliant in getting the most bang for the buck.

I am upset about Adam because I think he had intentions of what he would do if the Jays came calling, but in no way do I feel that he would be up at the Yard within the next 3-4 years pounding the ball so to blame Andy is a little silly in my opinion.

Pete, I am just throwing this out there, but perhaps getting a SS or 2B in return is not as important as last year because we don't know if the O's have targeted a free agent SS and you can always fill 2B with a guy like Mark Loretta or Juan Uribe because if I am trading B Rob, I want major league ready pitching more than infield prospects because even a guy like Byrd will command some decent money this year and if reports are true that the Sox are looking to bring back Lowe than the only other prize is AJ and we wont be alone in the hunt for his services.

I would love to see Brian traded to the White Sox! Anybody but the Cubs please!

Their priority needs cover 4 positions: starting pitching (at least 2), shortstop, catcher and 3rd base in that order. We'll need to wait 2-3 years for the minors to possibly give us the pitchers and a catcher. The other positions will need to come from trades and/or free agent signings. I'd try to use the Roberts trade to fill the 3rd base and/or shortstop needs.

Vitters and Wieters has a nice ring to it in the middle of the order

The Orioles were very wise not to make a Roberts deal with the Cubs last offseason. All the players mentioned--Ceda, Veal, Gallagher, Cedeno, Pie, Patterson--took down turns this season--all together would not be worth Roberts. We'd be better off with the two draft choices, if/after Roberts walks.

If a player of Vitters potential could be included, that's worth looking at, but the Cubs don't have a lot else to offer. Maybe the Dodgers. Maybe the Indians. Maybe the Brewers.

Oh Petey Pete Pete Pete!!
Roberts has been the face of the club for the last several years with Brian's Bash, his connection to the community and the fact that he's actually good AND reasonably young-why would Andy let him go, especially to the Cubbies who, as you most ably pointed out, haven't much to offer.
I hope he takes the extension and we can keep him here for a while.
Nice to see you talking baseball. I guess Baltimore Football just isn't too impressive. I'm looking forward to December 7 though.
See ya buddy!

Pete:

Back when the O's had the pipeline jammed with second basemen (Hairston, Roberts and Fontenot) they traded Mike Fontenot to the Cubs for a washed up roid filled slugger. What overhill-the-hill problem plagued player is in the Cubs organization now that the Orioles can shot for?

John Hoffmann

Pete.

It must be a business decision regarding Roberts. He may be one of the best lead-off hitters and probably kept the O's as respectable as they were this past season. But the reality is his age and the status of the O's! If the O's have no intention of playing a lot in the Free Agency, they must trade him. We are not a player away, we are 3 starters, a SS, Firstbaseman away from respectability. Our minor league cubbards are bare, excluding our catcher and we have a ton of dead weight on the payroll (Walker, Hernandez, Gibbons and Baez) to which we should expect nothing. Andy is doing a great job, but it's hard to mold a masterpiece with inferior clay!

Pete,

Any word on who the Orioles might be getting in return for Chad Bradford? And also, does his pitching performance and/or the Rays' overall success have any impact on the return in the deal?

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Pete's reply: I suppose the quality of the prospect could depend on how well Bradford has pitched, but I doubt it. Andy has intimated that it won't be a dynamic prospect or player.

Pete,

If the Cubbies even indicate they are interested in dealing Vitters for Roberts then I think Andy has to say, OK let's get this deal done. Give me Vitters, Ceda, & Gallagher/Marshall. If Andy needs to send back a young arm, then offer Hoey.

I trust MacPhail to make the right deal, and have no problem with him waiting out other teams. When you have so few bargaining chips, you need to make sure you get the right deal folks!

This isn’t in response to the Roberts question. This is just an idea that I thought I would pass on to you!

All of us Baltimore Oriole fans should slap Peter Angelos with a class action lawsuit for providing a less than mediocre baseball team to the fans of Baltimore for the past 10 or 11 years!

Baltimore fans are used to fielding major league teams that are contenders! Peter hasn’t seemed to care about us Baltimore Oriole fans!

Hopefully, Andy McPhail is a move toward the Orioles becoming a contender again!