Small update on the Brian Roberts front.

[weeghman]

http://cubshotstove.blogspot.com/

Since the Fukudome signing, the rumored trade for Brian Roberts is now a top priority. As you may, or may not already know, Roberts was in the Mitchell Report. Roberts trade value could possibly take a hit. According to Phil Rogers, the Cubs could put a package of Cedeno, Patterson, or Fontenot together for Roberts, and that if Gallagher was included in a package, the possibilty of having Bedard included in the deal would not be out of the question.

Looks like Hendry is still pursuing him per this website. I am still all for it. I think Roberts is a gamer and his involvement in the Mitchell Hunt sounds incidental, yes my glasses are rose colored.:o

What does everyone think?

[HOLYCOW!25]

Well just based on what was in the Mitchel Report, he admitted to Larry Bigbie that he had used steroids once or twice in 2003. And this wasn't given to Mitchell by Roberts himself. I'm pretty sure it was given to him by Bigbie, so at least then we know Roberts wasn't lying to Mitchell himself to make himself look like less of a criminal, and I doubt he would lie about something like that to Bigbie considering he knew Bigbie used steroids.

[weeghman]

Although I would question whether or not Bigbie would lie to the probe to make him self look like less of a Scum bag? Don't know, just trying to search through the BS. I think the names that were given without proof and where 3rd and 4th hand info, I will hesitate to crucify.

[Ivy Killa]

Roberts and Bedard would be 1 hell of a x-mas present.

[Drockvb]

I would take him even after seeing his name on the list. In my opinion there are still alot of players that are not on the list that should be. I have a feeling alot of others had different sources for their HGH or roids (ala Sosa for example).

[bringbacktuffy]

Yeah, Roberts and Bedard in my stocking would be pretty sweet. I'm not going to start crucifing these guys just yet either. The question is, what next? Will Roberts have to serve some kind of suspension next year? MLB said they will dole out punishment on a case by case basis, so what does this mean for Robetrs? A 15 game suspension I could live with but 50?

[BigZ38]

Bedard would be awesome......Roberts I don't see us needing him so badly but I would take him. I would take Bedard over Roberts though.

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

Bedard would be awesome......Roberts I don't see us needing him so badly but I would take him. I would take Bedard over Roberts though.

If Hendry traded for Roberts, DeRosa could play right field and K-Fuk could play center. Thats what I would do.

[Robertsfan]

Yeah, Roberts and Bedard in my stocking would be pretty sweet. I'm not going to start crucifing these guys just yet either. The question is, what next? Will Roberts have to serve some kind of suspension next year? MLB said they will dole out punishment on a case by case basis, so what does this mean for Robetrs? A 15 game suspension I could live with but 50?

No way MLB could get away with suspending him based merely on Bigbie's statement. Plus, they haven't suspended guys like Glaus and Schoenweis who were actually caught buying steroids but it was before 2005.

BTW, I'm an O's fan from back east and Brian is my favorite player, so I've suddenly become interested in the Cubs lately. I don't know if he ever tried roids... unfortunately it seems that most of his teammates during that era were doing a lot of 'em and at the very least he resisted for the first couple of years... but I'm confident he wasn't a hard core user. He's really a great guy who does a ton of charity work and is very sweet and genuine with fans. He's also pretty darn fun to watch on the field. :)

[roenick99]

No way MLB could get away with suspending him based merely on Bigbie's statement. Plus, they haven't suspended guys like Glaus and Schoenweis who were actually caught buying steroids but it was before 2005.

BTW, I'm an O's fan from back east and Brian is my favorite player, so I've suddenly become interested in the Cubs lately. I don't know if he ever tried roids... unfortunately it seems that most of his teammates during that era were doing a lot of 'em and at the very least he resisted for the first couple of years... but I'm confident he wasn't a hard core user. He's really a great guy who does a ton of charity work and is very sweet and genuine with fans. He's also pretty darn fun to watch on the field. :)

I just read a story where he admitted to using steroids once in 2003. It was before they were banned by baseball (right?), so I can't imagine they would be able to suspend him. I think it is so, so smart for players like him (and Pettite) to be the first ones to come and admit it, apologize for it, and move on. As long as they aren't using anymore, it can only help them.

[BigZ38]

If he does get traded to the Cubs I bet Selig would go out of his way to suspend Roberts in some way.

[TheBenjamin]

you cant really suspend him retroactively. Unless you suspend all others. Tejada, Pettitte and more

[ryno4ever]

you cant really suspend him retroactively. Unless you suspend all others. Tejada, Pettitte and more

That just may happen IF Selig does anything at all (which I heard on the radio he probably won't do anything at all), but Selig said he would be looking at each of the names and investigating/punishing them on an individualized basis.

[Bockstock]

As leadoff hitters, Roberts scored about 100 runs in 600 some AB, and Soriano scored about 92 in about 540. I know 'runs scored' is kind of a lame statistic to use to judge players.

However, the #3/#4 for Cubs (Dlee/Aram) had much higher OPS than those for Baltimore. You'd have to think with that combination plus Fuku/DeRosa vs. RHP/Theriot vs. LHP batting 2nd, the Cubs could have an awesome 1-6, and probably be able to offset any struggles from Pie, Soto, or Theriot lower in the lineup.

[TheBenjamin]

bockstock.... how do you have 1 checked off? We still have Marquis

[Bockstock]

bockstock.... how do you have 1 checked off? We still have Marquis

Crap, thanks

I changed it up this morning, it only used to say 'Novoa'

[SkullKey]

Some reading you guys might like:

http://www.baltimoresun2.com/talk/showthread.php?t=128330

The first post in that thread refers to a Peace21 who started his own thread here:

http://forum.orioleshangout.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56595

I listed the beginning of the thread. The 2nd page (very bottom) reveals who the Cubs give up.

http://forum.orioleshangout.com/forums/showthread.php?t=56595&page=2

I post this because this Peace21 fellow has a source who has been completely accurate in the past. Note that the thread is current as I post: 19th December, about 5:00 PM EST (as best I can read that Gawd-awful red on black). Also note that the Orioles fans seem to assume the deal is done. I wonder.

[Bockstock]

Haha Eric following his brother around the MLB

That's almost as funny as Prior going to the Reds.

[Robertsfan]

The "inside sources" on Orioles Hangout are now saying Roberts for Gallagher-Murton-Patterson is going to be announced this afternoon.

[Bockstock]

The "inside sources" on Orioles Hangout are now saying Roberts for Gallagher-Murton-Patterson is going to be announced this afternoon.

And Bedard to the Reds??

[Robertsfan]

And Bedard to the Reds??

Maybe. They said the Reds upped their offer, but that wasn't quite as close. FWIW the same insider who earlier said Roberts to the Cubs would be announced this afternoon now says another team has gotten involved and MacPhail is trying to get the Cubs to up the ante. Meanwhile, a reporter at the Baltimore Sun is saying in his blog (http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/roch/blog/2007/12/roberts_rumors.html) that unnamed Chicago radio stations are reporting the Roberts deal is done but he doesn't believe it is.

[roenick99]

The score just reported that the Cubs are trying HARD to land Roberts. Also, Blanton from the A's, and possibly signing So Taguchi (for obvious reasons). Aforementioned players for Roberts were listed. Murton is as good as gone. I say this is awesome news if we can land all three of these players. Roberts (steroids and all) for his speed and offense, Blanton because he is young, eats lots of innings, and hardly walks anyone. So Taguchi because I just REALLY like saying "That's SOOOO Taguchi of you!"...oh yeah and that would be one more guy in the clubhouse that will be able to understand what the fuk Fukudome is saying, bringing that total up to two...

[Robertsfan]

Now the Orioles Hangout sounds like the deal is back on again. Looks like pretty soon I won't be lurking here anymore. :(

[Bockstock]

I wonder if that means Fuld/Pagan will be dealt if there is interest in Taguchi, since they were both McPhail Acquisitions, and we all know how McPhail loves to collect guys in his former system.

I'll pass on Taguchi. I've already seen this movie before when it was called "John Mabry".

[roenick99]

I wonder if that means Fuld/Pagan will be dealt if there is interest in Taguchi, since they were both McPhail Acquisitions, and we all know how McPhail loves to collect guys in his former system.

I'll pass on Taguchi. I've already seen this movie before when it was called "John Mabry".

Oh God, I hope he gets rid of Pagan! Bad D and no Offense does not need to return in the form of Pagan! I think you will see either Pie or Fuld moved as well. The Cubs will not keep both. I am thinking Pie.

[Bockstock]

I don't think JH will trade Pie unless he gets something that blows him out of the water, which probably won't happen, because

A) MLB ready prospects being talked about in the Roberts Deal
B) Alot of teams batted around (Oakland-Blanton, LAA-Figgins) already have OFs in their system better than Pie.

I doubt So Taguchi could put up a better line than Jake Fox or Sam Fuld. The cubs gave F-Bomb $50 Million. That should be able to buy him alot of friends.

[BigZ38]

I hope Pie isn't traded...Taguchi could be signed as a backup plan in center incase Pie/Fuld don't work out. This is news to me about Blanton....I would welcome him with open arms.

[BigZ38]

Sean Welsh of the Baltimore Examiner spoke to Orioles' president Andy MacPhail, clearing up some rumors that had been buzzing around. MacPhail would be "very surprised" if the Orioles strike deals for Erik Bedard or Brian Roberts before year's end.

Welsh says the Cubs are focused on Roberts, while the Reds are still on Bedard's trail.

Just read this on mlbtraderumors.com. Maybe he won't be traded yet.

[weeghman]

F-Bomb

Very nice!!

Hadn't heard that one yet. My favorite to date.

[Bockstock]

Very nice!!

Hadn't heard that one yet. My favorite to date.

I can't believe he's getting "Fukudome" on his jersey

Bleacher Ushers are already hitting the weights and strengthening their voices to deal with the onslaught.

[BigZ38]

I can't believe he's getting "Fukudome" on his jersey

Bleacher Ushers are already hitting the weights and strengthening their voices to deal with the onslaught.

I thought he was going to get Kosuke put on it.....that's what I read anyways.

[SkullKey]

" ... MacPhail would be "very surprised" if the Orioles strike deals for Erik Bedard or Brian Roberts before year's end. .... "

Years end is 10 or so days away. I don't know if that quote from McPhail means much of anything. Baseball execs will probably spend much the coming days with their familys like normal people. Maybe it's just bad form to trade a guy right before Christmas.

[Bockstock]

I thought he was going to get Kosuke put on it.....that's what I read anyways.

The jersey they had at his press conference was "Fukudome"

It could have just been ceremonial. We all can hope it was the real thing