Roberts rumored to be traded to Cubs

[Scartissue]

See MLBTR's website, with a link to the source:

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

[Imgran]

What the heck was wrong with Ryan Theriot? He's not that bad, late-season slump notwithstanding. The Cubs should have saved their bullets to upgrade their pen.

[anjo25]

I like adding Roberts, but Sean Marshall seems to be a solid pitcher for the next years, but if thats what it will take, Im down with the deal. I hope we can add a couple of arms in the next couple of weeks, though.

[Bob Sacamento]

All the names look about right (Gallagher, Marshall plus Cedeno as a throwin), but Roberts doesn't give us any numbers we didn't already have at a position that we have multitudes of players at. The biggest thing Roberts brings to the table is a proven leadoff hitter, making Soriano able to hitter in a meaty portion of the lineup. But this does make DeRosa basically a utility player.

If this goes down the lineup might look like:

Roberts
Soriano
Lee
Ramirez
Fukudome
Soto
Pie
Theriot
Pitcher

[Bob Sacamento]

I like adding Roberts, but Sean Marshall seems to be a solid pitcher for the next years, but if thats what it will take, Im down with the deal. I hope we can add a couple of arms in the next couple of weeks, though.We do lose starting pitching depth, something we might need especially with Dempster back in the rotation. I guess this opens the door for Hart to have a bigger role possibly swingman. Don't look for us to add a viable starting arm threat, we might take a shot at rehabbing an arm or a veteran that is looking for someone to give him a chance. Just don't expect us to pull off a deal for another starter.

[Jeff Pico]

Per the Baltimore Sun, McPhail strongly denied this, but Phil Rogers says it's done. Which means I am skeptical of this deal, because Phil Rogers is frequently wrong. The only rumor-monger I trust is Bruce Levine, he hasn't let me down yet. If Bruce says it's so, it's so, and not sooner.

[rockin500]

Per the Baltimore Sun, McPhail strongly denied this, but Phil Rogers says it's done. Which means I am skeptical of this deal, because Phil Rogers is frequently wrong. The only rumor-monger I trust is Bruce Levine, he hasn't let me down yet. If Bruce says it's so, it's so, and not sooner.
bruce is wrong sometimes, but not very often. i'm a bit skeptical as well.

[E.Banks#14]

I know MacPhail denied it the last time these rumors were strong (a few weeks back), but has he denied this one?

[Scartissue]

I know MacPhail denied it the last time these rumors were strong (a few weeks back), but has he denied this one?

It was reported that McPhail issued a denial through the team spokesman. The exact account from the Baltimore Sun is:

"A team spokesman said he just contacted president Andy MacPhail, who insisted that the rumor is "very inaccurate." The Sun's Dan Connolly just spoke with MacPhail, who said nothing has changed since last night."

[Scartissue]

We do lose starting pitching depth, something we might need especially with Dempster back in the rotation. I guess this opens the door for Hart to have a bigger role possibly swingman. Don't look for us to add a viable starting arm threat, we might take a shot at rehabbing an arm or a veteran that is looking for someone to give him a chance. Just don't expect us to pull off a deal for another starter.

Not only that, but we don't really have a good SS, and the loss from using Theriot instead of Cedeno might negate a good portion of the gain achieved from using Roberts over DeRosa. Throw in the loss of 2 pitchers, and I'm not keen about this rumored move unless we somehow upgrade SS as well.

I'm not going to get roped into another debate on the merits of Theriot--I'll just leave it at that he's not the guy we should want as the everyday SS.

[nathanKent]

Not only that, but we don't really have a good SS, and the loss from using Theriot instead of Cedeno might negate a good portion of the gain achieved from using Roberts over DeRosa. Throw in the loss of 2 pitchers, and I'm not keen about this rumored move unless we somehow upgrade SS as well.

I'm not going to get roped into another debate on the merits of Theriot--I'll just leave it at that he's not the guy we should want as the everyday SS.

Agreed on all counts.

[kosukefukudomefan]

Not only that, but we don't really have a good SS, and the loss from using Theriot instead of Cedeno might negate a good portion of the gain achieved from using Roberts over DeRosa. Throw in the loss of 2 pitchers, and I'm not keen about this rumored move unless we somehow upgrade SS as well.

I'm not going to get roped into another debate on the merits of Theriot--I'll just leave it at that he's not the guy we should want as the everyday SS.

Agreed as well.. very well put. And it better not create a need to move derosa.

[ChrisLDuncan]

All the names look about right (Gallagher, Marshall plus Cedeno as a throwin), but Roberts doesn't give us any numbers we didn't already have at a position that we have multitudes of players at. The biggest thing Roberts brings to the table is a proven leadoff hitter, making Soriano able to hitter in a meaty portion of the lineup. But this does make DeRosa basically a utility player.

If this goes down the lineup might look like:

Roberts
Soriano
Lee
Ramirez
Fukudome
Soto
Pie
Theriot
Pitcher

Fukudome is probably going to be a retro Abreu type offensive force, if that's the case, bat him third to take advantage of his speed and patience, you should always bat your best hitter fourth anyways.

The idea line up would probably look like:

Roberts
Soriano
Fukudome
Lee
Ramirez
Soto
Pie
SS
Pitcher.

[Scartissue]

Someone said they heard Bruce Levine say on the radio that the deal is currently off.

[rockin500]

Someone said they heard Bruce Levine say on the radio that the deal is currently off.
he said on saturday hot stove game day that it would take much more because of angelos feeling like he is his favorite player (the PR aspects, the steroid issue notwithstanding). and that it wouldnt happen anytime soon.

[Lipsander]

The guy isn't Albert Pujols, so why give up the farm? I say to heck with him.

[Lipsander]

Now there's more talk of an outfielder and Sean Gallagher for Brian Roberts. I still think that's paying too much, especially if the OF is Murt.

[RBi]

Now there's more talk of an outfielder and Sean Gallagher for Brian Roberts. I still think that's paying too much, especially if the OF is Murt.

Murton doesn't have a home in our current roster anyway, so if they are looking for a left fielder in Baltimore, I say let him go.

Keep in mind, Pie can play center... Do you keep a player (Pie) who fills a void? Or keep someone who is just a fan favorite even if he doesn't have a spot to play?

Murton in my opinion is 100% expendable...

[Scartissue]

Or keep someone who is just a fan favorite even if he doesn't have a spot to play?

Murton himself would be better off elsewhere (just not the Cards, Stros or Brewers). I'd rather see him get a chance elsewhere to do well, since he's probably not going to get the chance to play enough here. He's a player I root for not just because he's a Cub. I'm sure Murton would rather play elsewhere if he gets to start.

[RBi]

Murton himself would be better off elsewhere (just not the Cards, Stros or Brewers). I'd rather see him get a chance elsewhere to do well, since he's probably not going to get the chance to play enough here. He's a player I root for not just because he's a Cub. I'm sure Murton would rather play elsewhere if he gets to start.

That is my point exactly. His trade value to a team that is in need of a left fielder is greater than his value to hold down the wood on the bench in the dugout...

That does not mean I do not like him... or won't follow his career... as long as like you said, he does not play in the NL Central!

[Lipsander]

Then why don't we package him for something we need, not another 2B. That's my problem with Brian Roberts all along. Is he that much better than DeRosa?

[RBi]

Then why don't we package him for something we need, not another 2B. That's my problem with Brian Roberts all along. Is he that much better than DeRosa?

I think, DeRosa would be fine at 2nd. BUT Having Roberts would free Mark up to roam around and give everyone days off... think about it... A few years ago in order for a player to get a day off we had to see Jose Macias, Augie Ojeda or Randall Simon in the lineup..

I would not shutter a bit to see ANY player out of the lineup for a game and see DeRosa playing in their spot... and that includes DLee... and Aram...

So if we had to give up a AAA (soon to be MLB starting pitcher) and a Matt Murton I for one would be ok with it.

Not to mention Roberts gives us a bit more of a real lead off hitter starting the games off... Also, Soriano was quoted recently to not caring where he hits in the lineup... You hit Soriano AFTER someone with a high OBP and his RBI will skyrocket!

[CubsFanLivinInMili-Wa-Kay]

Ryan Theriot was mentioned already, what about Mark Derosa, as well? I don't think the Cubs need Roberts. The Cubs are very close, especially after making the playoffs last year, they need to fulfill other needs, like pitching and the bullpen before they go and get another guy to play a posistion where they already have two or three very capable major leaguers that can play that posistionn just as well as Roberts.

[RBi]

Ryan Theriot was mentioned already, what about Mark Derosa, as well? I don't think the Cubs need Roberts. The Cubs are very close, especially after making the playoffs last year, they need to fulfill other needs, like pitching and the bullpen before they go and get another guy to play a posistion where they already have two or three very capable major leaguers that can play that posistionn just as well as Roberts.

First off welcome to BBF!

Secondly I have to ask who are these two or three "very capable" major leaguers who can play leadoff/2nd base?

Roberts has been projected to do better than the average 2nd baseman... while DeRosa and Fontenot are below the average projection.

Keep in mind, we would NOT be trading Mark or not using him. Adding Roberts will allow up to utilize DeRo as a SOLID backup to all fielding positions except center... And I am ok with him even spot starting for Pie in center....

We have too many arms already waiting in the wings... I think losing 2 or three decent prospects in efforts to add an everyday player that can hit leadoff and swipe some bases...

I don't know.. I think I would take it...

And finally... Once again, welcome to our Cubbie Corner!

[CubsFanLivinInMili-Wa-Kay]

First off welcome to BBF!

Secondly I have to ask who are these two or three "very capable" major leaguers who can play leadoff/2nd base?

Roberts has been projected to do better than the average 2nd baseman... while DeRosa and Fontenot are below the average projection.

Keep in mind, we would NOT be trading Mark or not using him. Adding Roberts will allow up to utilize DeRo as a SOLID backup to all fielding positions except center... And I am ok with him even spot starting for Pie in center....

We have too many arms already waiting in the wings... I think losing 2 or three decent prospects in efforts to add an everyday player that can hit leadoff and swipe some bases...

I don't know.. I think I would take it...

And finally... Once again, welcome to our Cubbie Corner!

First off,

Thank you for welcoming me here. Cubs fans are some of the best people I know, or even want to know for that matter! So Thank you for that.
You make some valid points about Roberts and he would be a nice edition to a team that actually needed him, I just don't think the Cubs need him to get back to the playoffs and "dare I say beyond". I think the signing of Fukadome has now provided the leadoff man they have been looking for and hopefully will put Soriano furthur down in the lineup where he belongs.

With Fukadome leading off, you can put Theriot in the 2 hole and set the table for the 3 thru 8 hitters. I don't think the Cubs make the playoffs last year without "Theriot", he looks like he will be a solid major leaguer for years to come.

As far as Derosa goes, I don't agree with him being below average status, he's a very solid player, who when given the chance, bats and plays the field very well. He helped the Cubs win alot of games last year and "yes" I know that his best value is the fact that he can play multiple posistions in the field, but do you think he's really gonna get enough at bats by spot starting for different guys once in a while. Unless there is a major injury that happens, I don't think he will get enough starts by subbing for guys and given them a day off here and there.

I think he's best utilized by playing everyday and being a leader on and off the field.

What do you guys think?

Once again, thanks for welcoming me to this forum, I'm glad I found out about it and look forward to sharing my opinions and comments all season long.

[Bob Sacamento]

I don't think the Cubs make the playoffs last year without "Theriot", he looks like he will be a solid major leaguer for years to come.Theriot was hot for one month, July, the rest of the season he was a pumpkin.

July 31 for 89, 22 R, 6 2B, 2 HR, 6 RBI 14 BB, 5 K, 5/7 SB, .348/.437/.483/.920
Rest 112 for 448, 58 R, 24 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 39 RBI, 35 BB, 45 K, 23/25, .250/.304/.319/.623

After the league started seeing him more, they adjusted, found his weaknesses, and exploited them. It was evident as seen in his 2nd half numbers, in 280 AB, his line was .257/.315/.339/.654. If Theriot is our starting SS again, this is the line to expect to see. Not exactly awe inspiring nor better than what we've had in the past with Izturis, Cedeno, and Perez; at least they could cover the ground at SS.

Theriot will be a MLBer but he's not a longterm starter.

[Jeff Pico]

Theriot was hot for one month, July, the rest of the season he was a pumpkin.
.......
Theriot will be a MLBer but he's not a longterm starter.


Well put, and you could pretty much say the same thing about Fontenot, but down one notch. It's debateable Fonty should be on ML bench, because of his lack of defensive versatility, and aside from that hot July last year, he was really not anything special. At least Theriot can play a couple positions, make contact, and steal a base, which makes him a guy you most definitely want on your bench. (but no further!)

[Bob Sacamento]

Well put, and you could pretty much say the same thing about Fontenot, but down one notch. It's debateable Fonty should be on ML bench, because of his lack of defensive versatility, and aside from that hot July last year, he was really not anything special. The reason why Fonty never got a shot with Baker was because of his lack of defensive versatility despite his gamer's effort and bat skills. Dusty preferred the defensively able player who could play multiple positions well despite their hitting ability. As much bashing as Dusty took, he valued defense first and foremost, something not popular with the saber crowd because they haven't found a good way to quantify just how important having defense is.

Back to the Roberts possible trade to Chicago, it does still look to have legs but unfortunately we're in a cat and mouse game and a 3 card Monty with the Mariners as well. The O's have leverage in both cases, they have Roberts under contract for two years and Bedard for one year. Fact: the O's want young controllable starting pitching. Fact: the O's want a CF for the future. Fact: The O's don't plan to extend/pay either Bedard or Roberts, not it this rebuilding phase.

I also want to point out something that hasn't got as much press as it should have, in that new Baltimore CEO Andy MacPhail has taken over the trade talks with both the Cubs and Mariners. MacPhail wants both deals done, and holds the whistle in the game of prospect hot potato. He's already fought off Angelo, telling him changes need to be made as the O's can't compete in the deep AL East as is or in the future. Something Angelo has a hard time admitting. MacPhail and his special assistant and ex-Cub Scouting Director, John Stockstill, know the Cubs system better than anyone and they know what their returns are capable of. With MacPhail at the helm and if he gets his way like he usually does, then some combo (2-3) of Sean Gallagher/Tyler Colvin/Sean Marshall/Donny Veal/Ronny Cedeno/Matt Murton gets the Cubs' Roberts. In the same breath though, MacPhail wants to string the Cubs along long enough so that he can play the Mariners off us, saying that we have the talent, depth, and desire to win now that we're willing to take on Eric Bedard
too and give up top talent. So now are you ready to give up CF Adam Jones, SP Tillman, and 3B Tuiposuopo for Bedard?
At least Theriot can play a couple positions, make contact, and steal a base, which makes him a guy you most definitely want on your bench. (but no further!)[/QUOTE]

[Hack_Miller]

MacPhail and his special assistant and ex-Cub Scouting Director, John Stockstill, know the Cubs system better than anyone and they know what their returns are capable of. With MacPhail at the helm and if he gets his way like he usually does, then some combo (2-3) of Sean Gallagher/Tyler Colvin/Sean Marshall/Donny Veal/Ronny Cedeno/Matt Murton gets the Cubs' Roberts.Given this it's pretty clear that the O's know exactly what personel they want. I'm guessing we're looking at numbers now. I agree with a lot of the posts here that Theriot and Fontenot are backup level guys. Roberts would give the Cubs a LH bat on the infield against RH pitching and good OBP, speed, XBH power and he would free up Derosa to fill in all over the field. In short Roberts would be a great haul for the Cubs at the right price.

My gut feeling is the O's want three guys for Roberts. Do you give up two good young starters and a potential everyday player? If so is Roberts worth that much?

[stejay]

Maybe the Cubs will be scared of the whole roids issue, and not trade him...?

[Bob Sacamento]

My gut feeling is the O's want three guys for Roberts. Do you give up two good young starters and a potential everyday player? If so is Roberts worth that much?I'd say your gut feeling is about right but we've been trying to work the right players into the deal that the O's want/need as they are also trying to corral a few Mariner prospects for Bedard. It's no secret that M's CF Adam Jones is ready for the show and is the centerpiece of the M's-O's deal, that will include 2 other quality prospects. But if that deal falls through, Baltimore still wants a CF of the future who is ready soon. That's where Tyler Colvin gets inserted instead of Sean Marshall and the deal looks more like Gallagher/Colvin/another arm. No matter how you cut it from a Cubs' prospective we're at least giving up Gallagher for Roberts, it's the accessories that have this deal in the air still. I will say that Roberts does better the team but would leave us exposed if anything happened to our starting rotation depth.


Maybe the Cubs will be scared of the whole roids issue, and not trade him...?No, Cubs aren't scared about that at all and either or the O's. Roberts isn't someone who really comes off as someone who benefited from enhancements, his game has always been solid contact, plus speed, and a great eye. Roberts was injuried there for awhile, I suspect (I didn't read the whole Mitchell report) he took something somewhere around that time. I believe his last couple of years are untainted and those are good ground to judge him off of what he brings to the table.

[The Big C]

I looked on baseball-reference and Brian Roberts has played 53 games in his career at SS. Is there any way he could play SS regularly for us if we acquire him? I know almost nothing about his defensive ability. Normally that low number (compared to his over 700 games at 2B) would indicate that he isn't a good SS. However, Miguel Tejada was his teammate for a large portion of his career, and Tejada doesn't miss many games, so that could be keeping that number lower than it might have been in a different situation.

[Jeff Pico]

I looked on baseball-reference and Brian Roberts has played 53 games in his career at SS. Is there any way he could play SS regularly for us if we acquire him? I know almost nothing about his defensive ability. Normally that low number (compared to his over 700 games at 2B) would indicate that he isn't a good SS. However, Miguel Tejada was his teammate for a large portion of his career, and Tejada doesn't miss many games, so that could be keeping that number lower than it might have been in a different situation.

I thought that too. I don't have specific information, but his last significant time at SS was 2001, nearly 7 years ago, and Tejada wasn't an Oriole until 2004. In '02 and '03, SS was maned by the Orioles by Mike Bordick and Deivi Cruz. I don't think they moved a good glove SS to 2B in order to get one of those in the lineup. Deivi could only have been playing because Roberts wasn't a SS in the Orioles eyes.

I think DeRosa is the same way; came up as a SS, but not anymore. Actually, DeRosa is probably a better option than Roberts, as he has more recent experience.

[Scartissue]

Roberts is a converted shortstop--went into the minors as a SS. He's a good fielder, but converted to 2B because of his weak arm, not because of Tejada.

Some people like Eckstein compensate for a weak arm with a quick release. I haven't seen Roberts play a lot to speculate on how well he could compensate, but chances are his arm would make him below average defensively at SS. Even when Tejada was being discussed as moving to third, I don't recall hearing anyone say Roberts would be the guy to take over SS.

[Bob Sacamento]

M's and O's finally get the deal done! Bedard goes to the Mariners for CF Adam Jones and 2 other prospects. With the O's getting their CF for the future, look for the Cubs to get the Roberts deal done here shortly with a Gallagher and Marshall plus other punch.

[Scartissue]

Well, Seattle put up a good fight to keep him, but finally blinked. What do you think--price too high for Bedard? Not sure who the other prospects are, but assuming they are mid-level prospects, seems fair looking at today's pitching market.

That said, I don't know that I do this trade if I'm Mariners. Tough, tough call. Bedard is coming off his career year and has 2 years left in cost-controlled years, heading for a monster payday. Haven't heard whether they are getting an extension window. Ichiro is not the right answer at CF for the long term (or maybe not even this year). I can see this turning out one-sided for the Orioles in a couple of years. I'm not saying this is a dumb move on the Mariner's part--it's very understandable. Rotation's looking pretty good overall. Could very well put Mariners in the playoffs this year.

[Bob Sacamento]

Well, Seattle put up a good fight to keep him, but finally blinked. What do you think--price too high for Bedard? Not sure who the other prospects are, but assuming they are mid-level prospects, seems fair looking at today's pitching market.

That said, I don't know that I do this trade if I'm Mariners. Tough, tough call. Bedard is coming off his career year and has 2 years left in cost-controlled years, heading for a monster payday. Haven't heard whether they are getting an extension window. Ichiro is not the right answer at CF for the long term (or maybe not even this year). I can see this turning out one-sided for the Orioles in a couple of years. I'm not saying this is a dumb move on the Mariner's part--it's very understandable. Rotation's looking pretty good overall. Could very well put Mariners in the playoffs this year.From what I'm hearing it's CF Jones, young top starting prospect SP Chris Tillman and either C Jeff Clement/OF Wlad Balentin. It's a high price to pay for Bedard especially if Seattle doesn't resign, I know I have a few M's friends who thought Jones for Bedard straight up was too much to pay. For the M's it gives them an amazing rotation, but they still have offensive wholes to fill. They will apparently sign Wilkerson to help fill it for the time being.

Back to the Cubs, it looks like we're going to be giving up 3 pitching arms to land Roberts. MacPhail and Hendry both want this done before pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training.

[Ubiquitous]

Once again we have Andy saying there is no deal in place.

[Bob Sacamento]

Once again we have Andy saying there is no deal in place.Therefore we know something is in the works and will get done between the two sides.

[Mince]

What the heck was wrong with Ryan Theriot? He's not that bad, late-season slump notwithstanding. The Cubs should have saved their bullets to upgrade their pen.



Who says they will sack Theriot? Theriot's slated for SS anyway. I believe they will either sack DeRosa (unlikely) or force either DeRosa or Roberts to convert to OF, as Washington did with Soriano, to replace Pie, whom I presume would leave in the deal. Man that would be a nice problem to solve, though. You could finally move Soriano to an RBI slot.

[Lipsander]

Here's the latest on this trade.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/02/angelos-to-nix.html

Cedeno, Gallagher, and Murton for Roberts??????? You have to be joking.............right? I would state what I really think, but I would be removed from this board. :twocents:

[Hack_Miller]

Here's the latest on this trade.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/02/angelos-to-nix.html

Cedeno, Gallagher, and Murton for Roberts??????? You have to be joking.............right? I would state what I really think, but I would be removed from this board. :twocents:

From a pure talent level you're right, that's probably too much to give up for Roberts. Having said that it appears that Cedeno and Murton probably will never be everyday players for the Cubs. Murton just doesn't have a place to play and Cedeno has never really shown he can consistently hit Major League pitching. Basically giving those two guys up for Roberts would at least make the Cubs better in the short to medium term.

Gallagher is the piece of the rumored trade that I think would hurt the Cubs long term...maybe if we could slide Hart in the deal in place of Gallagher, I might feel somewhat better about it.

Still I think you have to ask why it doesn't appear that there are any other teams rumored to be after Roberts?

[Lipsander]

Still I think you have to ask why it doesn't appear that there are any other teams rumored to be after Roberts?



Amen to that.

[nathanKent]

From a pure talent level you're right, that's probably too much to give up for Roberts. Having said that it appears that Cedeno and Murton probably will never be everyday players for the Cubs. Murton just doesn't have a place to play and Cedeno has never really shown he can consistently hit Major League pitching. Basically giving those two guys up for Roberts would at least make the Cubs better in the short to medium term.

Gallagher is the piece of the rumored trade that I think would hurt the Cubs long term...maybe if we could slide Hart in the deal in place of Gallagher, I might feel somewhat better about it.

Still I think you have to ask why it doesn't appear that there are any other teams rumored to be after Roberts?

I'm with you.... I'd much rather see Hart gone over Gallagher. Also, I'm still not really getting this obsession with stockpiling 2nd basemen. If we get Roberts, doesn't that put us at five?

[Westlake]

What am I missing? Objections to a trade that lands you an all-star 2B (with good OBP, stole 50 bags, and has good D) for a terrible hitting back up shortstop, a back up outfielder, and the #5 prospect in your organization? Sounds good to me.

Unless, of course, you think Derosa can have that kind of production.

[cosmo34]

I'd make that deal. The window with this team is only going to be open for so long, and Gallagher isn't the guy to hold this team from acquiring a player like Roberts. We're not talking about a Joba or Bucholz type guy here. Gallagher could be a good #2 someday (very, very hard emphasis on someday), or he could flame out. Personally, I think he's gonna turn out like Ricky Nolasco. Really, is Gallagher going to be the guy to be a key cog in the rotation for the next 10 years? Roberts makes this team better NOW, which is what they need to be focused on. Winning NOW.

Murton, despite his solid talents across the board, has no place on this team. Cedeno.....well, he's Ronny Cedeno. Roberts at the top of the lineup makes this team several wins better. Especially the fact that TheQuiet will be bumped to the 8 hole, where he belongs.

I just can't fathom wanting to hold onto a guy with #2 ceiling at best and who is not going to be a world beater, rather than get a guy who makes the current teams chances of winning increase 5-15%.

[IronManRipken]

I would like to see a better deal for Roberts than what we got for Bedard if he does get traded

[rockin500]

I would like to see a better deal for Roberts than what we got for Bedard if he does get traded
and I would like to date a supermodel, but thats not happening either.

[nathanKent]

and I would like to date a supermodel, but thats not happening either.

Remind me to tell you the 3-7-10 rule sometime.

I just don't feel like Roberts is enough of an upgrade over DeRosa to risk losing Murton, especially when we really don't know about Fukudome yet. I know I'm a broken record.

Also, I'd trade Cedeno for a new pencil in the dugout.

[Hack_Miller]

I just can't fathom wanting to hold onto a guy with #2 ceiling at best and who is not going to be a world beater, rather than get a guy who makes the current teams chances of winning increase 5-15%.

Listen if they want Cedeno and Murton go ahead, deal them. I love Murton but he's not going to get a chance to play in Chicago.

Why give up Gallagher when you don't have to. Has anyone seen offers flying in for Roberts? It looks to be a buyers market not a sellers market.

Given the other question marks on the Cubs, 4th & 5th starter, CF, closer...? Does it really matter if the Cubs get Roberts to play 2B if Pie goes .111 vs LH and .241 vs RH like he did last year? My point is the resources could probably be put to better use than acquiring a 30 year old 2B. I say DeRosa is close enough to Roberts to let the Cubs pursue players who could fill in some of these other unknowns on the team.

[Westlake]

Listen if they want Cedeno and Murton go ahead, deal them. I love Murton but he's not going to get a chance to play in Chicago.

Why give up Gallagher when you don't have to. Has anyone seen offers flying in for Roberts? It looks to be a buyers market not a sellers market.

Given the other question marks on the Cubs, 4th & 5th starter, CF, closer...? Does it really matter if the Cubs get Roberts to play 2B if Pie goes .111 vs LH and .241 vs RH like he did last year? My point is the resources could probably be put to better use than acquiring a 30 year old 2B. I say DeRosa is close enough to Roberts to let the Cubs pursue players who could fill in some of these other unknowns on the team.

Just because there aren't other offers for Roberts doesn't mean they are going to give him up for pennies. I'm sure they're happy enough keeping an all-star 2nd baseman.

[Hack_Miller]

Just because there aren't other offers for Roberts doesn't mean they are going to give him up for pennies. I'm sure they're happy enough keeping an all-star 2nd baseman.

Of course they're not going to give him up for nothing but why bid against yourself if you're the Cubs. I hope the O's are happy with him and personally I hope they keep him. That would let the Cubs move players in deals that would bring more value than replacing DeRosa with Roberts.

A solid, inning-eating 4th starter would be nice...maybe a CF with a proven bat...basically what 1/2 of the ML teams are looking for.

[nathanKent]

Listen if they want Cedeno and Murton go ahead, deal them. I love Murton but he's not going to get a chance to play in Chicago.

Why give up Gallagher when you don't have to. Has anyone seen offers flying in for Roberts? It looks to be a buyers market not a sellers market.

Given the other question marks on the Cubs, 4th & 5th starter, CF, closer...? Does it really matter if the Cubs get Roberts to play 2B if Pie goes .111 vs LH and .241 vs RH like he did last year? My point is the resources could probably be put to better use than acquiring a 30 year old 2B. I say DeRosa is close enough to Roberts to let the Cubs pursue players who could fill in some of these other unknowns on the team.

+1. Stockpiling. Look for help at SS or CF, not 2B.

[Scartissue]

I would like to see a better deal for Roberts than what we got for Bedard if he does get traded

You're kidding, right? Bavasi's butt is probably still sore from the Bedard trade.

[Lipsander]

Also, I'd trade Cedeno for a new pencil in the dugout.

That is great....lmao.

[latinball]

My argument here is that even though Fukodome tore up the Japan league, how will he adapt to Major League pitching ? Will he adapt quickly or will he need some time? Until we know, we cannot assume he is our lead-off man. Roberts we know already has the big league experience, and knows how to run the bases. It is important that we have a good lead off man who can steal some bases if we plan to score some runs early in the game. Having not won in 99 years, this is not the year to gamble on Fukodme as our lead off man. Put him right behind Ramirez in the five spot.


First off,

Thank you for welcoming me here. Cubs fans are some of the best people I know, or even want to know for that matter! So Thank you for that.
You make some valid points about Roberts and he would be a nice edition to a team that actually needed him, I just don't think the Cubs need him to get back to the playoffs and "dare I say beyond". I think the signing of Fukadome has now provided the leadoff man they have been looking for and hopefully will put Soriano furthur down in the lineup where he belongs.

With Fukadome leading off, you can put Theriot in the 2 hole and set the table for the 3 thru 8 hitters. I don't think the Cubs make the playoffs last year without "Theriot", he looks like he will be a solid major leaguer for years to come.

As far as Derosa goes, I don't agree with him being below average status, he's a very solid player, who when given the chance, bats and plays the field very well. He helped the Cubs win alot of games last year and "yes" I know that his best value is the fact that he can play multiple posistions in the field, but do you think he's really gonna get enough at bats by spot starting for different guys once in a while. Unless there is a major injury that happens, I don't think he will get enough starts by subbing for guys and given them a day off here and there.

I think he's best utilized by playing everyday and being a leader on and off the field.

What do you guys think?

Once again, thanks for welcoming me to this forum, I'm glad I found out about it and look forward to sharing my opinions and comments all season long.

[nathanKent]

My argument here is that even though Fukodome tore up the Japan league, how will he adapt to Major League pitching ?

I agree with this, and that's a lot of why I want Murton around, at least for the first part of the season. If Fukudome adjusts immediately, great. If it takes him two or three months and he needs games off to get his head together, we need a part-time sub for him, and Pagan and Jones are gone. If he tanks altogether, Murton is a .300 hitter with developing power, and certainly worthy of a starting job in MLB.

Just keep him around until we're sure about Fukudome. That's all I'm saying. Maybe try to convert him to SS.... hehe.