Roberts Must Go

[clapdiddy]

I'm truly hoping that Roberts has talked to the FO and asked them to move him. I know he likes it here, but I'd think the competitive fire in him wants a chance to win it all.

I wouldn't blame him one bit, and I'll be excited for him if he's able to get into a World Series.

[skiba7]

1.) Roberts wouldn't displace Soriano from the leadoff spot anyways.

You're guessing.

[TyCobb]

Roberts should be traded. He is worthless to this team. Once Bedard is gone there is no hope (not like there was any hope with Bedard staying).

[Rob H]

You're guessing.

Think about it logically.

Lou has publicly stated numerous times how important it is to not only get lefties into the lineup, but to split them up. So if he bats Roberts leadoff, he can't hit Fukudome second... nor will he put Lee, Ramirez, or Soriano there. And I'd be extremely surprised if our front five is not those guys.

Also, Soriano has stated plenty of times that he isn't comfortable batting anywhere but leadoff. His numbers reflect this. If Lou did try something stupid by moving him out of that spot, once Soriano's numbers drop, Lou will move him back to leadoff.

So yeah, it's more of an educated opinion than complete speculation.

[B-more]

Question: Can we build a winner with the prospects from the Tejada trade and Bedard trade alone, assuming PGA gives his boy a long-term extension? Or are more needed from a Roberts trade?

I think we need to add more young talent. Trading BRob can add to our depth since many of the guys we get may not pan out. In addition, when we have a good chance to finally compete, BRob will likely be declining. He's said that he doesnt want to be the last man standing which indicates he probably does not want to be around for a rebuild. That is why his last contract was only until 2009.

The reason to hold onto BRob is because you believe we arent getting fair value in a trade for him. He also tends to do really well in the first half of the season so his value in a trade could be better when the trade deadline comes. That is definitely a risk and hitters dont always have the best value at the deadline compared to pitchers.

I think we can get good trade value this offseason especially if the rumors of two or three teams interested in BRob now are true. So long as we get a fair deal, I believe BRob should be gone as well so we can truly build around young talent.

[skiba7]

Think about it logically.

Lou has publicly stated numerous times how important it is to not only get lefties into the lineup, but to split them up. So if he bats Roberts leadoff, he can't hit Fukudome second... nor will he put Lee, Ramirez, or Soriano there. And I'd be extremely surprised if our front five is not those guys.

Also, Soriano has stated plenty of times that he isn't comfortable batting anywhere but leadoff. His numbers reflect this. If Lou did try something stupid by moving him out of that spot, once Soriano's numbers drop, Lou will move him back to leadoff.

So yeah, it's more of an educated opinion than complete speculation.

I've also heard Lou and Jim saying multiple times this offseason that if they got a better candidate to bat leadoff, they'd seriously consider moving down Soriano.

[whatdoiget000]

yea ive heard that soriano only chose the cubs because they would let him leadoff...but with roberts that would be a pretty nice lineup

Roberts 2b

Fukudome rf

Lee 1b

Soriano lf

Ramirez 3b

[Ricky Bobby]

We need some position talent. Surely, with a combination of Roberts and some pitching we could get Pie.

[Rob H]

We need some position talent. Surely, with a combination of Roberts and some pitching we could get Pie.

If "some pitching" was Bedard, I'm relatively certain you could've got him.

[Old#5fan]

Brian Roberts is one of my all time favorite Orioles. He is the complete package of on and off the field value. I wish we had 3 more like him.

However, he must go. This team will lose 90 with or without him. He won't sign an extension. It is asinine to keep him around to eak out a victory or 2 or 5. I would trade him for two blue chippers, if need be- no need to for a 4 or 5 for 1.

I am afraid that PGA will see the trade of Tejada and Bedard as "enough" and hold on stubbornly to our boy.

For our sake...heck, for his sake...let's move him.

I agree because I love him as a player and nice guy they should do him the favor of moving him to a contender. I wish him nothing but the best. He won't get it continuing as an Oriole.

[davearm]

The sense I'm getting these days is that the majority wants this Cubs/O's deal not to happen anymore.

In December it seems like most did want it to happen.

What's happened since then is that the O's side got their heart set on Pie, which has always been unrealistic, and now anything less feels like settling.

Folks on the Cubs side have been drinking the Gallagher koolaid thanks to the weight loss and the 96 MPH readings in Arizona, and would rather just keep him and the other young guys that also have more value than they're getting credit for.

So let's all hope this one goes away.

[waroriole]

I disagree with this whole line of reasoning that Roberts must go. We're talking about trading a guy just b/c he is a certain age. I've not seen any indication that he won't sign here. We need Roberts to help the young guys along and be a leader on this young team. So, unless we are overwhelmed with an offer from the Cubs then keep him, his value will likely only go up.

[4thebirds]

I disagree with this whole line of reasoning that Roberts must go. We're talking about trading a guy just b/c he is a certain age. I've not seen any indication that he won't sign here. We need Roberts to help the young guys along and be a leader on this young team. So, unless we are overwhelmed with an offer from the Cubs then keep him, his value will likely only go up.

I agree. Roberts is the 2nd best offensive player on this team and he mans a position we have little or no depth in. It doesn't make sense to trade him without getting a very good return.

[skiba7]

I disagree with this whole line of reasoning that Roberts must go. We're talking about trading a guy just b/c he is a certain age. I've not seen any indication that he won't sign here. We need Roberts to help the young guys along and be a leader on this young team. So, unless we are overwhelmed with an offer from the Cubs then keep him, his value will likely only go up.

It is much more likely that it goes down, as opposed to up.

[waroriole]

It is much more likely that it goes down, as opposed to up.

Why would it go down, teams are very likely to be looking for an experienced lead off man come trade deadline and he will likely be an all-star again. What makes you think he will have a down year?