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Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Brian Roberts
It seems as though all the players we thought we would be traded this off-season, have been traded, minus one...Brian Roberts. The oft-rumored deal to send Roberts to the Cubs continues to linger. Ken Rosenthal first suggested that Roberts would be a good fit for the Cubs back in early December and Jeff Zrebiec confirmed the Cubs interest. Then the deal may have been dead, with the O's asking price too high and by the end of January Gordon Wittenmyer suggested Cubs had turned their focus to Marlon Byrd. Then according to Jon Heyman a deal appeared imminent. Rosenthal thought the O's insisting on the inclusion of Felix Pie was a deal-breaker. But then Baltimore acquired Adam Jones and Chris De Luca noted the deal might have life. But now Heyman wonders if the proposed package(s) is not enough and if Peter Angelos will nix a deal, as Roberts is one of his favorite players. Now that Spring Training has begun we have to wonder if a deal can still get done. let's take a look at how the Roberts deal is being handled in the blogosphere.
If there is a topic you would like to see covered in "Baseball Blogs Weigh In" please let me know HERE.
- View From the Bleachers sees Roberts as a nice addition but not a necessity as he may only be a slight upgrade from Eric Patterson. They don't see the deal as a "foregone conclusion" considering the players being offered by the Cubs.
- Camden Chat is not impressed with the Cubs offer, but they wonder if Roberts is worth keeping.
- Another Cubs Blog sees the signing of Alex Cintron by the Cubs as a sign that the Cubs are making progress towards getting a deal done.
- Ivy Chat wonders if the Cubs have enough in the system to obtain both Roberts and Joe Nathan. While they would like both, they would prefer Nathan.
- Crawley's Cub Kingdom notes that Alfonso Soriano's legs are not 100% and that he may not be suited to lead off in 2008, increasing the need for Roberts.
- A Hundred Next Years is not sure the upgrade from Mark DeRosa to Roberts is worth the price.
- Wrigleyville23 calls it "The Roberts Rain Delay" and notes that the political process here in the U.S. actually moves faster than trade discussions between the Cubs and the O's.
- Orioles Fan Base talked to our own Tim Dierkes about this situation.
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Who is Byron Roberts?
Posted by: jrfukudome | February 19, 2008 at 03:18 PM
I refuse to post any more comments on this topic other than this one until this deal is done.
Posted by: AdamU | February 19, 2008 at 03:18 PM
This deal makes a ton of sense for the Cubs an no sense at all for the Orioles. It seems like they would only be making this trade to make a trade. The Cubs players that have been offered are underwhelming to say the least. Gallagher is a dime a dozen pitching prospect that the O's and just about every team has 5-6 of. Murton is a 4th OF and Cedeno is worthless. Cedeno value is sol low that even though the CUbs have one of the worst SS in all of baseball Cedeno isnt even a thought to replace Theriot. That should show you just how much the Cubs think of Cedeno. The CUbs can keep teh Eric Patterson/Cedeno and their other 2nd tier prospect. Either offer up Ceda to go with Gallagher or the O's should not do the deal. Roberts is under control for 2 more years and he can still be dealt to a contender in July. Seattle/Cleveland are just 2 that could be calling for Roberts come June. The O's would be better off waiting than dealing him for garbage.
Posted by: Vinny | February 19, 2008 at 03:22 PM
We missed the most recent bit from the Orioles side. Roch talked to Roberts AND MacPhail. According to MacPhail, it sounds like there are more than just the Cubs involved right nowand he's inclined to think that Roberts won't be traded anytime soon. MacPhail is going to collect his scouts together in order to create a list of "other teams' surpluses" I assume to plan out a Roberts trade.
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/roch/blog/2008/02/bancells_and_macphail.html
Also, Roberts has made some interesting quotes that basically show his complex situation and wish to stay an Oriole here:
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/roch/blog/2008/02/brian_roberts_5.html
From the million of posts and trade scenarios over the weekend, I was trying to find ways to make things work but really just came away with the idea that it's not possible with the Cubs. They're not quite deep enough to do this kind of trade. As soon as they trade a Gallagher, suddenly that seems like a huge chunk of the system. Offering a Win Today FOR Win TOmorrow swap doesn't seem to work with the Cubs.
Posted by: basemonkey | February 19, 2008 at 03:23 PM
Keep Roberts, trade Roberts to the Cubs, trade Roberts to someone else...let both teams move on and see what happens. Both sides of fans are stuck on their opinions. It seems it is that way with the real GMs involved, too.
Posted by: studio179 | February 19, 2008 at 03:42 PM
Can we stop beating this dead horse already and send it to the glue factory?????
Posted by: ryno23 | February 19, 2008 at 04:14 PM
The Cubs have the worst SS in baseball? I thought got rid of Izturis? Theriot, is a very good SS that has only had one full year in the Bigs...and Cedano just needs a full time gig. I would be fine with either.
Posted by: SouthernFriedCub | February 19, 2008 at 04:50 PM
Who needs Brian Roberts when you got Alex Cintron?
Posted by: crunchy1 | February 19, 2008 at 04:50 PM
Nathan would be a 1 year rental where would be giving up the farm for about 70 innings of him. That makes no sense at all, im sorry.
Posted by: Aduncaroo | February 19, 2008 at 05:05 PM
After a stunning 170 comments were posted to "Alex Cintron Signed By the Cubs," I'm not sure what's left to say.
Posted by: jrfukudome | February 19, 2008 at 05:05 PM
Seriously...its getting really hard to come up with anything new. Hey Jr., did you know Hendry had a package of young players put together in case they didn't get Fukudome, and he was going to go after Swisher? I thought that was interesting, but it hasn't really been mentioned by anyone else. Considering what it took from the Sox, you have to wonder what in the world the Cubs would have had to give up...
Posted by: Aduncaroo | February 19, 2008 at 05:51 PM
Adun, whatever happened to the Crawford rumors that started back in November? If the Cubs are going to unload Pie and other top prospects, I'd much rather make a run at Crawford. CF is a far bigger question mark then 2b this year. Crawford would also leadoff...that's 2 birds with one stone. Now THAT would be worth unloading the prospect truck for.
Posted by: crunchy1 | February 19, 2008 at 06:01 PM
Very interesting. They were pretty organized with the Matsui>Roberts and the Fukudome>Swisher plans. Can't sign 'em; trade for 'em. I wonder what else was a part of that original plan.
And, boy, what an advantage to sign Fukudome (even to a large deal) rather than trade the farm for Swisher. Poor Kenny...
Posted by: jrfukudome | February 19, 2008 at 06:05 PM
Okay guys , how do you take Brian Roberts comments ? Was it A.)he is sentimental and doesn't really want to leave ? B)he wants to leave , but is afraid to say so in case he ends up staying ? C .)he wants to leave , but doesn't want to tell Angelos ? D.)he is being sentimental because he knows he is going to be traded ?
Posted by: hawkeye26 | February 19, 2008 at 06:35 PM
crunchy1...there really never were any Crawford rumors. Those started because some writers in Chicago were just speculating on a center fielder/lefthanded hitter/leadoff guy for the Cubs and Crawford was the most obvious choice and a known commodity.
Chicago may have approached the Rays (I have never seen in written that they did), but there were never any reports that any serious discussions occurred. And if any did, they certainly died down once the Rays traded Delmon Young.
Posted by: Cork Gaines | February 19, 2008 at 06:43 PM
I would go with
E) Saying one thing publicly and another privately. He has a no trade clause, so if he were to put his money where his mouth was, he would tell them up front that he isn't going anywhere, and trade talks would be over. But he has told those close to him he would waive it to come to Chicago.
Posted by: Aduncaroo | February 19, 2008 at 06:45 PM
I know we talked with a rays magazine writer, actually on this site, and he said talks would begin with Soto and Pie, and probably something like Gallagher and Ceda too. Basically, the fact that they have no reason to trade him, and are looking like they could start getting competitive by 09 means they would have to be overwhelmed by a package of many good young players. Their system is loaded, so I think the players they got back would have to be pretty much ready now.
Posted by: Aduncaroo | February 19, 2008 at 06:47 PM
I am really glad that Hendry passed on Matsui for obvious reasons...and it is very cool that they had plan As, Bs, and so forth. I know that Hendry is itching to get at least one more deal done, so it will be very interesting to watch the next few weeks. I would imagine that something gets done, whether it be Roberts or another player. If its another player, I would think it would be some kind of backup right handed CF. We will soon find out if Ronny is going to get a chance I think, because right now I believe that he will be our right handed back up CF option.
Posted by: Aduncaroo | February 19, 2008 at 06:52 PM
I think you are talking about Bruce Levine who is a Chicago radio guy. He said the Cubs were preparing a package to make an offer to the Rays. We never heard anything about it after that.
HERE IS THAT LINK:
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/11/cubs-to-make-of.html
If you are referring to Marc Topkin the Rays reporter from the St. Pete Times (has a newspaper blog called 'The Heater') I dont think he ever touched on that subject when Tim was interviewing him.
Posted by: Cork Gaines | February 19, 2008 at 06:56 PM
Wouldn't the Cubs trade for a right handed hitting center fielder anyways or would they trust Cedeno as the back up at center ?
Posted by: hawkeye26 | February 19, 2008 at 06:57 PM
No, I'm saying the guy we talked to was just another poster on here, but we came to find out he wrote for a magazine about the Rays. I doubt he was on their payroll or anything, but he was very knowledgeable. I don't remember his name though...
Posted by: Aduncaroo | February 19, 2008 at 07:14 PM
"Alright well I've seen about enough of these rediculous trade offers. As a writer for the rays magazine, I feel the need to jump in here."
Posted by Delmon MVP...I can't verify that he was what he said he was...just saying...
Posted by: Aduncaroo | February 19, 2008 at 07:27 PM
I think we should put a package back together for Crawford. I have posted a few things about it in the past. For a young proven Center Fielder like Crawford. I would give them Soto, Pie, Gallagher and Ceda.
Then trade Marquis, Murton, Patterson for a catcher.
Posted by: uww1 | February 19, 2008 at 07:28 PM
I forgot to add that we have a pretty good prospect climbing up the ladder as a catcher in Josh Donaldson. He is 23 I believe
Posted by: uww1 | February 19, 2008 at 07:36 PM
Thanks, Cork. I should have known that was too good to be true!
Posted by: crunchy1 | February 19, 2008 at 07:49 PM
I don't think I would give up 6 years of service time of a young catcher who will probably be one of the better ones in the nl next year, along with pie, who is probably better than crawford defensively as we speak.
Posted by: Aduncaroo | February 19, 2008 at 07:50 PM
Maybe trade donaldson and keep soto
Posted by: uww1 | February 19, 2008 at 07:58 PM
well. there was a Rays Magazine, but it never got off the ground. I am not sure who that was and he may have had good sources. I dont know.
And Crawford is maybe the best left fielder in terms of getting to a ball (speed helps), but he has one of the worst arms i have ever seen. sometime i wonder aloud if he was born right-handed.
Posted by: Cork Gaines | February 19, 2008 at 08:03 PM
Sounds like he would be Juan Pierre in CF...
Which brings me to my point...of coarse I would love to have him, but not at near what they are asking. We already have a defensive stud in CF who needs a chance to see what he can do in a full season. I think SS is a much bigger hole than CF is...
Posted by: Aduncaroo | February 19, 2008 at 08:19 PM
I shouldn't say what they are asking....more like what it would take to get him.
Posted by: Aduncaroo | February 19, 2008 at 08:25 PM
Lets get the deal done. I want no excuses if we dont win. Get it done and move on to trading for a starting pitcher.
Posted by: uww1 | February 19, 2008 at 09:19 PM
I'm with uww1-
I was reading the newspaper today and they were going over pros and cons and it seems to me we do need Roberts. Like
If Soriano gets hurt again with his hamstring problems who would hit leadoff and be the best option. Brian Roberts. They also said if we did get Roberts ,Soriano would probably bat 5th.
I think tht if Soto lives up tp his hype even tho he doesn'y have spped it would be interesting to back him 2nd. Then have the following line up.
2B- Brian Roberts
C- Geovany Soto
1B- Derrek Lee
3B- Aramis Ramirez
LF- Alfonso Soriano
RF- Kosuke Fukudome
SS- Ryan Theriot
CF- Felix Pie
Posted by: CUBBIES2008 | February 19, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Man...there are some stupid ideas written on these discussion boards.
MacPhail thinks that we're going to jump and give them Pie, Murton, Gallagher, and Ceda for Roberts. Guess what, that's NOT going to happen. Ever.
Hendry should never call him again. I'd see how Eric Patterson does in CF and give him a shot at the leadoff spot. How's that?
If they don't get anybody, Theriot should be the leadoff man. He's quick, takes pitches, draws walks, and makes good contact.
By the way, it sure feels good to lay our garbage (Izturis) on an already crappy division rival (Cardinals).
Posted by: TheGrinch | February 19, 2008 at 11:36 PM
If we do get roberts, I like this one:
Roberts
Lee
Ramirez
Fukudome
Soriano
Soto
Pie
Cedeno
Without:
Soriano
Theriot
Lee
Ramirez
Fukudome
De Rosa
Soto
Pie
Posted by: jrfukudome | February 19, 2008 at 11:38 PM
"CF is a far bigger question mark then 2b this year. Crawford would also leadoff...that's 2 birds with one stone. Now THAT would be worth unloading the prospect truck for."
Crawford let it be known if he was traded that he would not play CF and a corner spot only. Does not matter now.
Posted by: studio179 | February 20, 2008 at 12:59 AM
If we got Roberts, I like this:
2B- Roberts
RF- Roberts
1B- Roberts
3B- Roberts
LF- Roberts
C- Roberts
CF- Roberts
SS- Roberts
P- Roberts
He's too good not to have everywhere. Big Z is not needed and can sit down, too.
What do you think Jrf?
Posted by: studio179 | February 20, 2008 at 01:06 AM
"After a stunning 170 comments were posted to "Alex Cintron Signed By the Cubs," I'm not sure what's left to say."
I would like to dive into the Alex Cintron signing a bit more. :)
Posted by: studio179 | February 20, 2008 at 01:09 AM
Someone please put an * or two on this one so we can read it in 3 weeks and then again next year to see how it worked out.
B Roberts for...
Gallagher
Veal
Cedeno
Murton
You know what, f it, put three *** on this one.
Posted by: Cub4Life | February 20, 2008 at 01:59 AM