Brian Roberts is nothing but problems for the Baltimore Orioles and a heartache to the fans. Yet here we go again with another whirlwind preseason of hope and soon to be another head-first slide that leads to disappointment.
Though don’t think I forgot about 2005-9, there was no better lead off hitter than Brian Roberts (.283 Avg, .354 OBP, 30 SB in 2009). The man would take a walk after a 10 pitch at bat, and steal his way all the way over to third. He was our game changer, but since that last year that earned him “The Most Valuable Oriole”, Brian has only played 59, 39, and 17 games in the last three seasons.
Every year there is a rumor of a Brian Roberts return, but it always ends with another injury and let down. Don’t get me wrong, I love B-Rob but I think the Orioles are long past the days of Roberts being a face of the franchise. Roberts is 35 years old, and certainly hasn’t returned his part of his 40 million dollar contract extension he signed in 2009. As much as he and the Orioles organization claim that he will be healthy for Opening Day, I’m not buying it. He has yet to prove in the last 3 years that can stay healthy, let alone produce, but that didn’t stop him from claiming that he is the best option at second base on the team.
In an interview for the Baltimore Sun B-Rob said, “ I don’t mean any disrespect to anyone, but I still feel like I’m our best option…”. If I were Alexi Casillas or Ryan Flaherty I’d be chuckling right now. Brian, you haven’t been able to play a full season in the last three years and you honestly think you’re the clubs best option? Maybe that is a little harsh and he deserves some credit for still believing in himself, but like I said before, the Orioles have long moved past the Brian Roberts era. They need some stability at second base. A day-in and day-out kind of player, not a wish and a prayer. Yet, today I heard that Casillas was taking ground balls at short, while Brian was alone at second. This whole saga needs to end. Thankfully this is the last year of his contract. Then again, I have to hold back a little from my tongue lashing to consider that maybe the old Brian Roberts will return? Maybe…but not likely.
anthrinaudo
ktsauers19
I read a lot of Oriole blogs and a lot of people believe the same way you do about Brian Roberts and Nolan Reimold. They want them to return and reach their potential, but have low expectations. Anything that they do is just a bonus. That’s playing it safe. As our great leader Buck says “YOU GOTTA WANT TO” and there are two players in the orange and black camp that really want to! They show up early , hustle and risk body and limb (which sometimes isn’t the smartest thing) to help the team. The young players need leaders like them to learn the Oriole way, and they deserve a chance to play for a winning team. Just like Nick Markakis on the bench watching at the end of last year, they want to play! “IN BUCK WE TRUST”
I’m all for trusting Show but there is a huge difference between Reimold and Roberts. Nolan hasn’t hit his peak yet, and still has a high ceiling for production. Brian on the other hand is on his way out the door, maybe his contract year and desire to play on a winning team will start a fire in him. But I think Father Time has other plans for Mr. Roberts
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