Brian Roberts Rumors

I was getting bored tonight and was checking up on MLBtraderumors and seeing it was all messed up earlier I could post anything. I was thinking I wish I had some Brian Roberts rumors t read and post on tonight,and what do you know. Thanks Tim hahaha

Can we just get this trade done? It has to happen now with DeRosa going to the hospital. I heard hes ok but will this happen again? Has this happened before?

I certainly hope DeRosa is all right. I hadn't heard that he'd suffered from this before. Is the cause known?

I feel there is an even more need for Roberts...

Done Deal
Baltimore gets Carlos Marmol and Donald Veal for Roberts.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Roberts would obviously be a great addition, but I would accompany it with:

1. Move DeRosa to SS. He has done it before and would do at least as well as Theriot has.

2. Give Theriot a chance this spring to see if he can handle CF. He could be a great Ryan Freel-type that could fill in practically anywhere on the diamond. He's a great athlete and CAN DO IT.

3. They better let him bat leadoff, or else it's pointless even getting him.

4. Don't give up Ceda. Gallagher, Murton, and Cedeno is MORE than enough.

Well if we get Roberts we can leave theriot at ss move derosa to right field and move foku into center, thats what i would do at least and see how it works. what i wouldn't do is bat D Lee 6th... thats not smart

2B Roberts
RF Derosa
CF Fokudome
1B Lee
3B Ramirez
LF Soriano (has had much success in the 6 hole during his career)
C Soto
SS Theriot

thats a lineup that might have some potential

Fianlly, another Brain Roberts rumor. I been saying this for 2 months now we defitnately need Roberts ,but now since DeRo is having medical problems Roberts is more of need then another awesome player comin to Chi-Town. You do this.

Ronny Cedeno, Sean Marshall, Eric Patterson. That should get it done.
Put Patterson to replace Roberts. O's need a SS and he's goin to be their starter if he goes. Marshall will be apart of that rotation probably #4 or 5.
Guthrie
Lowen
Cabrera
Marshall
Olsen

Then their line will be
1B- Kevin Millar
2B- Eric Patterson
3B- Melvin Mora/ Scott Moore
SS- Ronny Cedeno
C-Ramon Hernandez
RF- Nick Markakis
CF- Adam Jones
LF- Luke Scott

Heres the lineup:
Roberts 2b
Theriot SS
Lee 1B
Ramirez 3B
Soriano LF
Fukudome RF
Pie CF

I'd hate to put two of the few left-handed bats together at the bottom of the order, but I just have a really bad feeling that Fukudome is gonna turn out to be the same type of hitter as Jaque Jones.

the cubs lineup would look more like this if the roberts trade goes through:
1.roberts 2b
2.fukudome rf
3.lee 1b
4.soriano lf
5.ramirez 3b
6.soto c
7.theriot ss
8.pie cf

"I'd hate to put two of the few left-handed bats together at the bottom of the order, but I just have a really bad feeling that Fukudome is gonna turn out to be the same type of hitter as Jaque Jones."

Jacque Jones is an awful comparison for Fukudome. Jones had little power, and no plate discipline at all. Fukudome's plate discipline is his calling card.

I would argue that Bobby Abreu circa 2007 is a solid comp for Fukudome.

And there is no way in hell that Fukudome bats that low, because Lou is definately gonna want to split up all those righties. Thats a key reason as to why the Cubbies persued Fukudome and Roberts, because they are lefties.

2B Roberts
SS Theriot
1B D. Lee
3B Ramirez
RF Fukudome
LF Soriano
C Soto
CF Pie

The guy that said Marmol is in the deal, I dont think so. He is almost untouchable right now. Sorry.

Ok, lets bat Soriano 2nd, so that he can swing at the first pitch so roberts cant steal. the 2nd spot is a spot that must give themselve up. thats why Theriot/Fukudome is a good idea. they both take strikes and make contact. Soriano in the two hole would waste him ability to hit a fastball because he would be forced to look at some to help roberts. and if soriano didnt take pitches it would waste Roberts speed.

Thats why you would bat him there. The #2 hitter tends to see more fastballs, because is typically a big out for other team before the 3-4-5 hitters come up. With the guys coming up behind he would see good pitches. You could even switch Roberts and Soriano around and lead off with Soriano and use Roberts in the 2 hole. I dont think it will matter much.

i would have Soriano 2nd because he would see more fastballs.

Batting Soriano 2nd doesn't make too much sense. You can use the "he'd see more fastballs" argument, but that's assuming Roberts is on base. It's also assuming that opposing pitchers forget that Soriano loves to swing at high heat and breaking balls that start out at his shin-level and end up in the dirt. He's always going to have a low OBP, and that's not something you want at the top of the order. His ability to slug makes him ideal for the 5th spot in the lineup, and he boasts a career .825 OPS from that position. Since Lou currently wants to give us a very crappy lineup and shuffle the middle of the order to get a power hitter in the 5-hole, moving Soriano to that position (assuming we acquire Roberts or a legitimate lead-off hitter) allows us to leave Ramirez 4th and Lee 3rd. You take advantage of Soriano's power (while also putting him in a position in the batting order where he's had some success) while minimizing the damage he causes by not getting on base. Win-win.

As for everyone and anyone suggesting Theriot bat 2nd or lead-off...I really hope you're all joking. For starters, Theriot shouldn't be the starting shortstop on this team--especially not if they acquire Roberts (DeRosa hasn't played significant time at the position in the past couple years, but was drafted as a shortstop, has enough range, and also has a very strong arm). Theriot is a below average defensive SS, and is a horrendous offensive player. If the team wants to play him at SS to begin the year (at the expense of a better player in DeRosa), he and his .326 OBP belong nowhere near the top of the order.

The best way to score runs is to get men on base and to drive them in. If they get Roberts, they'd maximize offensive output with this lineup:

Roberts
Fukudome (although Lee could fill this role, as well)
Lee
Ramirez
Soriano
Soto
DeRosa (at SS)
Pie

Since Theriot would likely start at SS for the team, I'd bat him 8th and Pie 7th. But they'd score more runs with DeRosa (and would also be better defensively up the middle).

As far as Fukudome playing CF, that's not going to happen on a regular basis. He was able to play a serviceable CF in the smaller parks in Japan, but is a true RF in the Majors. He's also made it known one of the reasons he chose the Cubs was because they would let him play RF. Besides, even if Pie does struggle horribly (given regular playing time and being allowed to hit his way through slumps, he should be able to at least put up a league average line for CF), if Lou is smart with his lineup, the team should score enough runs to keep Pie in CF for his defense.

I really hope they don't part with Marmol. There is never much stability in the closer role for this team and I think he could develop into a K-Rod caliber closer.

BUT are we perhaps not thinking rationally judging him on just one season of MLB experience? His numbers were ridiculous last season but I certainly hope people aren't expecting him to put up a sub 1.50 ERA again in '08. Im not sure his trade value will be as high as it is now so perhaps we take the chance and cross our fingers that a "Johnny Wholestaff" Closer-go-round can tread water until Ceda is ready.

This is what I would like to see for the lineup, if indeed R/L/R is a priority:

1. Roberts
2. Lee
3. Fukudome
4. Ramirez
5. Soriano
6. Cedeno
7. Soto
8. Pie

DeRosa/Theriot/Ward/Murton/Blanco on the bench, leaving Fuld and Fontenot in the minors (or released in the latter's case, don't know if he has any options).

Lee in the 2nd slot makes sense, as Roberts is going to get on base a lot, Lee is easily the best pure hitter on the team and his power seems to be declining.

I still think Soriano is a natural 5-hole hitter, just one that happens to steal a lot of bases (though less than in the past).

Rotation: Z/Lilly/Hill/Marshall/Lieber (only Lieber because they promised him a spot). Keep Dumpster in the bullpen long relief, dump Marquis any way possible.

Lee career vs. RHP: .279/.360/.494

Ramirez career vs. RHP: .280/.331/.485

Soriano career vs. RHP: .281/.321/.518

All three of these players have also done better against RHP in the last couple of years, but just to prove my point, I went with career splits against RHP.

There's no legitimate reason to split up those 3 hitters. Lou can talk about "balance" in the lineup all he wants, but all three fare very well against RHP, and they are the best options to hit 3rd, 4th, and 5th. I did mention possibly moving Lee to the 2-spot, with Fukudome probably hitting 3rd, but that would all be contingent upon Lee and Fukudome's slugging percentages. If Lee is the hitter he was in the second half of '07, he's the best option to bat third for this team. If he's getting on base at his typical high clip but not slugging so much, and Fukudome is, then they could flip-flop in the order.

Like I said before, the best way to score runs is by getting men on base and having guys slug them in. Batting guys "lefty-righty-lefty-righty" for the sake of "balancing" a lineup doesn't help the team score more runs; putting high OBP players at the top and high slugging/OPS players in the middle of a lineup does.

And yes, Lou does love Theriot for his "scrappiness" and "grit." Which is another way of saying that Lou has a man-crush on Theriot for his absolute lack of talent.

I know it wouldnt be this way but its something to think about...
1 Soriano
2 Roberts
3 Fukudome
4 Dlee
5 Aramis
6 Soto
7 Pie
8 pitcher
9 Theriot

I think this could work and its kinda fun to think about. It would give us 3 different times that a leadoff hitter could lead off the inning, with a legit hitter behind them.

one of the main reasons that fukudome even came to chicago is that they promised him that he could have rf. dont expect him to move any time soon

Everyone is having fun playing Lou, so I figured I would fill out a lineup card. I see it as being the following.

2B Roberts
1B Lee
3B Ramirez
LF Soriano
RF Fukudome
C Soto
CF Pie
SS Theriot
Pitcher

I really like the idea of moving Soriano to cleanup here especially with his 75% healthy leg. Also, with Fukudome protecting him, he will see more pitches in the zone. Love Theriot in the 8 hole. I really dont think that Pie would be able to handle the 8 spot very well.
Disclaimer : We all know that Sweet Lou will probably use 50 different lineups this year but this would be the one that I see being used most especially 1-5. And...if Fukudome gets hot, we can move him up to 2 and shift everyone down.

I must be the only one in the world who thinks this way so I would like someone to explain to me why batting Pie seventh or eighth is a good idea . I realize Pie isn't going to be a high average, high obp guy , but will Pie's growth be stumped by never seeing a good pitch in the eighth spot ? Assuming Roberts does get traded to the Cubs here is where I think Pie should go ...
2B Roberts
CF Soriano
RF Fukudome
1B D Lee
3B Ramirez
CF Pie
C Soto
SS Theriot
This would get Pie better pitches to hit , and split up two good right handed hitters .

Currently the line up is for the 3/4/5 holes, Fukudome, Lee, Ramirez.

without roberts its

Soriano
Theriot
Fukudome
Lee
Ramirez
De-Ro
Soto
CF

If they get roberts I see that Soriano goes to the 6 hole to protect Ramirez.

Now on the days De-Ro plays it would depend on what position he plays. If he plays in RF for Fuku move everyone up one spot to Lee 3rd and De-Ro would bat 6th. If De-Ro plays Second Soriano would bat first and everyone else would stay the same. But that is just my opnion.

As for what we will need to give up. I imagine its going to be Marshall or Gallagher, Cedeno, Patterson, and someone like Jim Henderson. I have a feeling we are going to get taken.

MESA, Ariz. -- Lou Piniella used more than 120 different lineups last season and he wants to find the right combination this spring, which could result in a 3-4-5 combination of Kosuke Fukudome, Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez.
"I've been thinking about our lineup and what makes sense and what we can try," Piniella said Friday. "Let me warn you, it's only Feb. 22, so there's plenty of time to adjust this thing."

What Piniella is considering is bunching speed at the top of the order with Alfonso Soriano, Ryan Theriot and Fukudome, followed by Lee, Ramirez, Mark DeRosa, Geovany Soto and whoever wins the center field spot.

"It's food for thought, it's early," Piniella said. "But it's a good way to get some more power into the middle part of our lineup and get some more speed into the top part of our lineup. It's something we'll look at here in Spring Training and see how it works."

Fukudome, Lee and Ramirez were all agreeable to the projected order. Lee, who has batted third the majority of his time with the Cubs, said he's had "informal casual conversations" with hitting coach Gerald Perry about dropping to fourth and tried to downplay the story.

"We haven't played a game yet," Lee said. "I think Lou has 100 lineups in his head, like he did last spring. We talk about it."

It was news to Fukudome, too.

"I haven't heard anything about it, and if Lou puts me there I'll try to do whatever job I'm supposed to do," Fukudome said through his interpreter Ryuji Araki.

Fukudome batted third in Japan with the Chunichi Dragons, and part of the reason for the move would be to help the outfielder in his transition to the Major Leagues.

"I think he'll probably be more comfortable in the two or three hole than the five hole," Piniella said of Fukudome. "That's my opinion, and I'll ask him. I'll talk to the players, too, and see how they feel. I know Ramirez feels very comfortable in the five hole. I'm sure Derrek will do what's best for the team. The fourth spot won't be a problem for him."

Fukudome said he didn't think it would make much difference.

News and features:

• DeRosa to undergo further testing
• Cubs notes: Ascanio sits out after incident
• Cubs' DeRosa suffers irregular heartbeat
• Cubs notes: No hints for hitters in BP
• Cubs' potential 3-4-5 hitters endorse idea
• Cubs notes: Dempster to start Cactus opener
Multimedia:

• McRae on the Cubs, Lieber 400K
• Samardzija on RCDP experience 400K
Spring Training info:
• MLB.com coverage | Schedule | Ballpark | Tickets

"I think it'll be the same if I hit third in the states," he said. "I don't think there's a big difference."

Ramirez didn't mind, either.

"I like the idea," Ramirez said. "I already talked to Lou. I'll hit wherever he wants me to hit. I don't have any problem with that.

"I'm going to be the same hitter, I'm going to be aggressive," Ramirez said. "If he thinks that's what is best for the team, I think it's a good move, too."

Last season, Lee batted third in 144 games, and hit fourth in three games, while Ramirez hit fourth in 122 games, and fifth in seven games. Piniella would like to settle on a 3-4-5 combo and stick with it.

"I told you this is not a year we'll tinker much," Piniella said. "We just have to take a look at it in Spring Training and see what it looks like. Then we have to make sure Soriano is running out of the one hole, too. That's another consideration."

Soriano's sore legs last season kept him from being a basestealing threat, and he was told not to go 100 percent this winter to avoid aggravating the right quad he injured in August.

Where Fukudome bats is key because the Cubs want to take advantage of his left-handed bat. The team is still very right-handed.

"I don't want to get caught with all this right-handed hitting in one area," Piniella said. "It makes it too easy for the opposing manager to bring in a tough right-handed reliever and he can go take a nap for a couple innings.

"This [lineup] is something I've talked to the coaches about, and it gives us speed, on-base percentage, and then we have power and another guy in the eighth hole who can run," Piniella said. "We'll see."

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080222&content_id=2384471&vkey=spt2008news&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc

Bleacher Buddha/article:

I don't understand how Lou used 120 lineups last year? Aren't there only 81 games? :)

Opening Day 5 weeks from today!!

Stastistics did well in erasing some stereotypes in subjective scouting, but it's gone too far in that direction, in my opinion. Theriot isn't going to be supplanted anytime soon, and for the right reasons. Theriot brings it everyday, his head is always in the game, is a smart baserunner, he's aware of game situations and his fully aware of his responsibilities as a SS. Cedeno brings none of this and, despite his AAA statistics and superior physical gifts, will probably always come up wanting at SS. You can count on mental errors everyday from Cedeno but they don't show up on the stat sheet. You can only tell by either being in the game (like his teammates) or by watching the game closely. Nobody likes to play with a guy who's out of position, who isn't sure of his responsibilities and makes mental errors throughout the game. I'm sure if you were to ask Cubs players privately, they feel a lot more comfortable with Theriot's leadership and smarts at a key position. I think the stat/sabermetric revolution is beginning to wane and will soon take it's proper seat in baseball evalauation; as a tool that helps evaluate -- not define a player. Even Bill James lamented the misuse and abuse of statistics by his readers.

Anyway, back to the Roberts rumor. It's my opinion it gets done before opening day. Piniella understands now that Wrigley Field's winter extends into early May. He wants to be able to get off to a good start this year and manufacture runs early in the season. It's difficult to hit for power in Chicago in April. Roberts would be a key piece to that puzzle by helping find alternative ways to score. If the deal isn't done by June, acquiring Roberts becomes less imperative for the Cubs. The Cubs power bats will thaw out by then and they'll score runs the same way they did last summer. Roberts greatest value to the Cubs is in April and May, so I think a deal gets done before the season starts. If not, it's possible the Orioles will have to find a different suitor by the trade deadline. I also don't think the DeRosa situation affects it one way or the other. He's had this issue his whole career and he's played with it in the past.

I can imagine an episode like that would be pretty scary. I've understood DeRosa's had them before but this one lasted a bit longer than usual. He's a real fan favorite in Chicago for his smart play and willingness to do whatever it takes to help the team. He's also a popular guy in the clubhouse, so I'm sure there was a lot of concern. I'm just glad he's OK.

First off, here's to DeRo getting healthy! Glad to hear this shouldn't be serious. But assuming the Roberts deal goes through, let me be the 857th person on this thread to throw out a lineup. :-) Obviously Roberts leads off, and consequently you don't want Fukudome in the 2 hole then because you'd have your only lefties back-to-back. If I'm writing out the card it looks like this:

1. Roberts, 2B
2. Theriot, SS
3. Lee, 1B
4. Soriano, LF
5. Ramirez, 3B
6. Fukudome, RF
7. Soto, C
8. Pie, CF
9. Pitcher

I like Soriano between D-Lee and Rammy because he's so prone to K's that putting him between 2 guys who don't strike out much (for RBI guys, anyway) in Lee and Rammy will help minimize the effect of those K's. Also, you want Pie to see some pitches to hit, but there's really nowhere for him other than the 8 hole. If he shows a little something early it might be good to move him up to #2. He'd see a lot of good pitches hitting between Roberts and D-Lee, and Theriot is a nice option at #8.

I think Soriano in the #2 hole would be a good idea. I understand that most people dont agree but with Roberts on base, he is a basestealing threat. Pitchers tend to throw a little harder (fastballs) to help keep the runner at first. The 2 spot in the line will typically see fastballs. This would be a good spot for Soriano to hit. He is such a great fastball hitter, its hard for me to believe that he should fit anywhere else in the lineup. I do agree though that he may have to take some pitches (which hasnt been his strong point in the past). Remember folks that this is just my opinion and how I feel. It just makes sense to me. This also breaks up the lefties and righties a little bit better with Fukudome hitting 3rd and Lee and Ramirez following.

I also agree with hitting Pie 7th or even 6th. If what they have been saying is true, with trying to teach him a shorter swing and using his unbelieveable speed to get on base, then Soto and Theriot could follow. He will also see better pitches in the 6th or 7th hole. I believe he only needs a confidence booster.

Since everyone else is putting your lineup, I see the lineup like this:

Roberts
Soriano
Fukudome
Lee
Ramirez
Soto
Pie
Theriot
Pitcher

you dont trade for a 30 year old 2nd baseman to move him out of position. There is no reason to not have Pie in your lineup. Not every position has to give you a ton of offense. Let Pie worry about his D, get comfortable, and the O should come. He can hit, as shown by his AAA numbers, now he just needs to do it in the bigs.

It seems like a catch-22 situation with Pie. To my eyes, he looked completely lost at the plate last year. He didn't look like he was at all ready to handle Major League pitching. For that reason alone I don't want to see him hitting high in the order and essentially being a free out in the middle of our big boppers. At the same time, you also don't want to hinder his development by having him in the #8 spot where he's going to see nothing but garbage to swing at. Especially when swinging at garbage was his biggest problem at the plate last year.

Why are so many people wanting D-Lee to hit #2? The guy had a slow first half last year in the power department because he was still recovering from a BROKEN WRIST people! We have every reason to expect a 100 rbi season from him this year. Putting him in the 2-hole would rob him of all those RBI opportunities. Fukudome or Theriot makes way more sense there. Fukudome's power numbers are going to drop in the major leagues. It happens to most all of the Japanese players that come over here. He was a 25-30 HR guy over there which is probably going to turn him into a 15-20 HR guy here with 70-80 RBIs. That's much better suited to the 2 hole than Lee, who assuming good health should give us something like .310-35-110. Just my $.02...

CubFanForLife, I don't know what your big problem with Lee batting second is. Even if he does hit 25-30 hommers, he'd still have (supposedly) Brian Roberts getting on base ahead of him a big majority of the time. Yeah he'd get a few less RBI chances, but he'd score more runs. He'd still be very valuable to the team in that spot. And how can you be so against that...i believe we had a 30 hommer guy LEAD OFF last year, so don't complain about homerun guys batting higher in the order. Lee works amazingly in that spot. How can you say he doesn't. And the reason Fukodome's not gonna be batting second is because you don't want your only 2 left-handed acquisitions batting back to back. it completely negates the point of adding them (and i know that's assuming we get Roberts, but that's the point of this...we are all commenting on a rumor post about the possible aquisition of him).

jr.. i like your lineup. I would just switch Fukudome and ARam. I thinkyou want the guy with the most power batting cleanup.

We're shaping up to be an excellent defensive team (look at that outfield!). I think Blanco's defense is invaluable; he's one of the best defensive catchers around, and he can help tutor Soto. Piazza is done as a catcher. I got no problem with Hank.

If Cedeno could emerge as a decent hitting SS (he'd bat 8th), then the defense would be off the hook.

Matt Murton will more than likely be part of the deal that gets Brian Roberts to Chicago so there really is nothing to be done with him.

It's a tough call on Murton. Personally I've always liked him. He's very patient, has a nice swing, and is a very good hitter. But it's tough to keep him on the bench, because he's a guy that was used to playing every day and his bat seems to go cold when he doesn't get regular ABs. Last year he hit .252 in spot duty before he got sent down to AAA. Once at Iowa, he started getting everyday ABs, found his stroke again, and when they called him back up he hit .310 the rest of the way. If I was running the show, personally, I would play Fukudome in CF and Murton would start in RF until Pie proves he can hit at the big league level. But obviously that isn't going to happen, so Murton is stuck as the 4th outfielder. His problem in the majors is always going to be his power. I think if you gave him 140 starts a year, he'd hit you around 20 HRs and drive in 80-90, depending on where he hit in the lineup. But contending teams are looking for 30+ HRs and 100+ RBIs from corner outfielders. I really like Murt the Hurt and I really hope he gets a shot at being an everyday player in this league. But since his power is just average (as is his defense), he's going to be one of those guys that can start for a team that is not in contention or be a 4th outfielder on a team that is. I think more than likely you'll see him traded before the season is out, whether it be in the Roberts deal or somewhere else. I can definitely see him being moved near the deadline for a decent reliever if we are looking for bullpen help at that point. (And let's face it, who isn't at that time of year?)

It's just too hard to say until we know what position players (if any) are in the Roberts deal. Cintron is not on the roster if Cedeno stays, in my opinion; that spot is DeRosa's. If Cedeno is moved, then Cintron will be on the bench and Fuld will replace Cedeno (Ouch! that's a crappy bench). If Murton is moved, then we have a spot open. Hopefully it's a RH-hitting OF who can play CF. Byrd? Johnson?

I would have to agree with with CubsFanForLife has to say about Matt. I personally like Matt and he is not going to be anything more than a 4th outfielder for the Cubs but I'd like to see him play everyday somewhere else. Having said that, I also think that Matt has the potential to hit 25-30 HR given the right opportunity but I also feel that he is below average when it comes to fielding.

I like Murton, too. Seems like a good guy. I just disagree he is a 25-30 Hr. guy.

I must agree with cubbies2008 on trading Colvin . The Cubs aren't going to have him in the majors until the summer of 2009 or later and he will more than likely be blocked from starting when he does get up there . If the deal can be done quickly , and I mean quickly , I would offer up Colvin , Ceda , and Patterson . That should leave plenty of depth for pitchers if the injury bug happens (Gallagher , Hart , and Marshall ) . I'd rather hold onto Marshall in case Hill goes down or Cotts doesn't perform . That would be over paying for Roberts , but if it gets the deal done quickly , it would be worth it .

Then again, I am the only one who thinks the idea of batting Pie sixth is a good idea . So I must not know much .

Cub fan for 30 years ...I feel your pain . This team has the making of having the best OVERALL team since the 84 Cubs if they can land Roberts and a chance to go all the way if they get another stud right handed starter in July . But if IF'S were FIFTHS , we'd all be drunk .

Suddenly it looks like the Cubs are being forced to overpay for Roberts. While the DeRosa situation just turned out to be a scare, it's a reminder of how much the Cubs need depth in the infield. The Cubs would be a much different team with Fontenot, Cedeno or Cintron at second. And I don't mean that in a good way. As bad as this deal might make the Cubs look in a few years, it's starting to look like they're going to (over)pay the piper.
I'm wondering what the O's are thinking about doing with Patterson. Would they give him another shot at second? The Cubs are playing him exclusively in the OF this spring. If the O's intend on keeping him in the OF, then I doubt they'd want Patterson and Colvin -- with Reimold waiting in the wings.

How about this:

Colvin, Gallagher, Marshall, Cedeno, Patterson

FOR

Roberts, Sherrill

a) Why would the Orioles want Patterson? You don't want him. The Cubs don't want him. He doesn't fit the profile of what the Orioles are doing. If we want a stopgap, I'd rather have Fontenot (who came up in the Orioles system). But I wouldn't take either of them as a part of a Roberts' trade; it dilutes Roberts' value. Maybe in a separate, low-level deal. Cedeno has more value because he can play shortstop, and because he still projects possible upside. But the speculation in Baltimore is that he'd be more likely acquired in a separate deal, if at all.

b) It is clear in Baltimore that MacPhail wants a starting pitcher, and most likely one who could start this year. That sounds like Gallagher or Marshall to me. Veal seems to get some love from MacPhail (if what we're reading is true), but he's not likely to be the featured pitcher. Plans can change, of course, but I think most of the speculation with Ceda as featured pitcher is unlikely to come true.

c) The Orioles like Murton, but with Markakis-Jones-Scott-Reimold, are again unlikely to take him in a Roberts' deal over someone more likely to benefit them in the long run.

Patterson has about 35 times the value that Mike Fontenot does...maybe more. Patterson has potential to put up Roberts like offensive numbers, Fontenot is pretty old and is not even good enough to be in the majors...Patterson is the easy choice between the two.

Wow