MacPhail: Roberts not likely to be traded before New Year

by cubs ftw on Dec 23, 2007 10:08 PM CST Comment 38 comments

UPDATE [2007-12-24 3:41:12 by Al]: The original diary was posted here last night with copy from the Orioles website without attribution. I put it in a quote box and post this as a reminder to everyone that you cannot post large amounts of copy from another site without proper attribution. That's a copyright violation. Also, the diary writer didn't offer ANY information of his/her own. Thanks for understanding.

Andy MacPhail, Baltimore's president of baseball operations, responded strongly Thursday to virulent rumors that he was close to sending second baseman Brian Roberts to the Chicago Cubs.

When asked if there was any truth to the speculation, MacPhail didn't really leave much room for debate.

"Zero," he said. "You can put that one to rest. The likelihood of us doing anything between now and the new year is remote."

"I just don't see anything," he said. "Everything could change if the phone rings, but I'd think it unlikely."

http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071221&content_id=2335404&vkey=news_ bal&fext=.jsp&c_id=bal

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Way to spread the Xmas cheer!

My first post on BCB... Hopefully this is just posturing on McFail's part, maybe a little pissy from the WGN interview with Roberts earlier in the week. Not sure which... anybody think that the Mitchell report is being used as leverage to drop the asking price and this is McFail's way of maintaining value in Roberts? EIther way, I'd still stake Roberts on January 2nd:)

by socalicubsfan on Dec 23, 2007 10:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Welcome!

I think he is just saying things won't get done before the New Year. That could be because the Cubs are not ready to finalize things or because the O's are. When the report came out that the Cubs had the prospects to get one of Bedard or Roberts, but not both, I wondered if Jim Hendry was holding back, waiting to see who put together the O's favorite package for Bedard - and if it was the Reds, then he planned to outbid them and forget Roberts. That would be one reason to swap Hill for Bedard. It may not improve the Cubs as much as they want, but it keeps the divisional rival from improving.

All I am saying is give Pie a chance!

by DGU on Dec 23, 2007 11:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Roberts

I really want him, but if we can't get a deal done, why not work one out with the D'Backs?

give em
-marshall,patterson,+lower level

for Hudson

by ARAM FOR MVP on Dec 23, 2007 10:42 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Hudson is underrated

and a great option if available. I think the D'backs, with their pitchers, though, are going to want better 2B defense than Eric Patterson brings to the table. Not sure what they'd want for Hudson and they did just trade for Chris Burke.

All I am saying is give Pie a chance!

by DGU on Dec 23, 2007 11:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The only problem with Hudson..

... is that he's a free agent at the end of 2008.

In some ways, I think all of this is silly. Mark DeRosa did a good job. Why not just keep him and see if you can find a platoon partner for Theriot at SS?

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 24, 2007 3:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree 100%

who are you looking at to be Theriot's platoon partner?

All I am saying is give Pie a chance!

by DGU on Dec 24, 2007 7:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Haven't looked, really.

Who's out there who is both a) available and b) any good?

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 24, 2007 8:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Can Hudson play any SS?

by McRipper on Dec 24, 2007 8:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know but...

as good as he is at second I'm sure he would be descent to pretty good at short too. Anyone know if he's got the arm to play short? Theriot does so again, I'm pretty sure Hudson does too. Like someone said, he is underrated. He'd be a great option to Roberts, especially if he could/would play short.

I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. - Robert McCloskey

by pageian on Dec 24, 2007 8:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Do the Dodgers

have anyone else that could play short if they traded Furcal? Maybe he's another option, since he fills more of a "need" position, and might come cheaper since he's coming off an off year and has a big contract. He's riskier than Roberts, but I'd rather replace Theriot in the lineup than Derosa--I think that makes for a bigger impact.

Or maybe Detroit would consider moving Carlos Guillen if we gave them someone who could play first.

DEJESUS!!!

by tomas21 on Dec 24, 2007 12:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Angels Are Loaded At SS.....

.... even after trading Orlando Cabrera. Macier Izturis comes to mind. Also Erick Aybar. They've got a kid a year or two away, Sean Rodriguez. Then there's Brandon Wood. Possibly Figgins. They can't ALL play shortstop, now or in the future. Thing is, what do the Cubs have the Angels would want for one of them?

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Dec 24, 2007 12:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe Blanton...

I've seen several situations that point to Blanton as a possibility... wow! That'd be a nice post-xmas pick up. Any chance we could send Dempster, Cedeno, Murton, and "A" prospect for Roberts? Blanton = Patterson, Hart, Wuertz, and Marshall. Keep it easy on me, like I said I'm new at this (and have had an eggnog or two...

by socalicubsfan on Dec 23, 2007 11:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

gosh

i dont even know if id want blanton for that much. it doesnt seem like a lot at first but wuertz = reliable solid relief pitcher, marshall = cheap young, better than league average lefty starter, patterson still put up a good first year in iowa and should have decent value, and then hart would be the toughest of all to give up.

Kevin Hart Watch: IP: 11 K: 13 ERA: 0.82 WHIP: 1.00 K/BB: 3.25 a productive farm system is a wonderful thing.

by kylejo on Dec 23, 2007 11:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

but yeah thinking again

though i think the a's would be making a pretty solid deal, id do it if i were hendry.

Kevin Hart Watch: IP: 11 K: 13 ERA: 0.82 WHIP: 1.00 K/BB: 3.25 a productive farm system is a wonderful thing.

by kylejo on Dec 23, 2007 11:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Speculating

The Orioles have a gaping hole in CF right now. (Jay Payton? Are you serious???) I bet that McPhail is holding out for Pie (+ Gallagher) and that Hendry won't give him up -- at least not for Roberts. Perhaps he would for Bedard...

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Dec 24, 2007 12:04 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

More speculating

I think it is that MacPhail is in no hurry to trade these guys. With the Tejada trade, the salary cap is down significantly. Neither player will be a FA after 2008 so what's the rush?

My bet is that MacPhail will wait until he can get the best deal and why shouldn't he? I've said all along that I don't think the Cubs have the chips for Bedard. I still believe that but they do for Roberts if the price is reasonable.

by rlpete on Dec 24, 2007 8:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

By January 4, 2008...

... Roberts becomes a Cub.

This is the Cubs new #1!

by initram on Dec 24, 2007 12:10 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

This diary

is crap.

First of all, the person who posted it wrote exactly nothing. It's just a crappy cut and paste job with an URL attached. That's not a proper diary--and if anyone wants to argue otherwise, they can just keep it to themselves.

Second, it's misleading. MacPhail doesn't say that it's unlikely that Roberts would be traded. It says it's unlikely he'll be traded before the new year. That's a huge difference that the diarist apparently doesn't understand.

Third, this quote by MacPhail has been discussed before.

This is a great example of how not to write a diary.

The artist formerly known as JoshinLA

by Josh77 on Dec 24, 2007 1:36 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I have to agree...

... and again, I would point out that copying/pasting from another site, without proper quoting, is a copyright violation.

I fixed it.

Josh is also right in that it is misleading -- it only says that Roberts wouldn't be traded before the end of the year. Maybe MacPhail's on vacation, who knows.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 24, 2007 3:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Vacation?

MacPhail just had like a decade long vacation in Chicago and he's already taking another in Baltimore? What's with this guy, how lazy can one person be?

I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. - Robert McCloskey

by pageian on Dec 24, 2007 9:02 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

MacPhail

Say what you want about Andy MacPhail and perhaps he did not pay enough attention to what was happening on the field but as Cubs President the man probably did more work than any other president in major league baseball. Aside from finding new revenue streams, working with the city to expand Wrigley, and get more night games, the man was perhaps most responsible for the labor peace we have right now. The man deserves criticism but this is just not fair criticism.

DmL

by dmlichte on Dec 24, 2007 3:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm sorry but

I just do not agree. HE did not pair these "new revenue streams" into really meaningful player acquisitions, which is all I really care about.

There is no mistaking the fact that as soon as McFAIL was shown the door, for the first time IN MY LIFE (I'm 50 now), the Cubs went after people that were absolutely the top free agents, and manager, and really spent in proportion to what the team brings in.

The amount of failure - ON THE FIELD - that we were subjected to as loyal, obsessed, sick, fans is entirely inexcusable.

In 12 years, "Andy The Clown", while President, was in management when the Cubs made the playoffs TWICE. One of those appearances the team was swept. And, he was sold to Cub fans as a "winner, for the winning Twins." What a pathetic joke!

Are you related to him?

Puh-lease...

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Dec 24, 2007 5:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

am I related to him?

No, I just believe in the truth and actually trying to figure out what really went wrong. Reread what I actually wrote and tell me what I factually said that was wrong. I don't see whats wrong with pointing out the good that MacPhail did. Its not about whether or not I thought he was a good president and GM at all. Its acknowledging that there is a lot to the whole picture.

DmL

by dmlichte on Dec 24, 2007 10:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

What up Scrooge?

you may or may not be right but in the future, some advice to you...

don't tell me I cannot argue otherwise when I disagree with somebody.

Merry Christmas.

MMMMM...EVERYTHING from Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!

by Kinky Reggae on Dec 24, 2007 8:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I really don't care

what the hell you think. And Al backed my point up and it's his blog.

Just a word of advice.

The artist formerly known as JoshinLA

by Josh77 on Dec 24, 2007 3:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I know you don't...

you don't care what anyone thinks do you? You're just a rebel without a cause.

Oh by the way, who the hell cares if Al backed you...your approach is lame and you can stuff your comments in a sack mister!

Oh did I remember to wish you a Merry Christmas?

MMMMM...my mother-in-law's homemade ravioli!

by Kinky Reggae on Dec 24, 2007 5:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Um...

... take it easy, my friend. This WAS a lame diary, for the reasons stated, which I confirmed.

As a valued contributor to this site, I'd think you'd understand.

Thanks.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 24, 2007 6:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Al

you know I understand and I appreciate your opinions of course however...

do we really think Josh was justified in telling us all this was "crap" and if we want to argue to "keep it to ourselves"?

Last I checked this guy has no say in what opinions of mine that I choose to express. If my opinions are offensive, then I need to be called out...by you. It just wasn't appreciated.

For the record, if the diary was not well thought out, this point was much more well stated by you. Josh needs a bit of work on his delivery IMHO.

That being said, happy holidays Al and everyone else here!

MMMMM...my mother-in-law's homemade ravioli!

by Kinky Reggae on Dec 24, 2007 6:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think the Cubs should explore Hudson

if for no other reason than to show the Orioles that there are other options. I don't know why they are searching for a second baseman after the job that DeRosa did, though I suppose it would be a good thing to have someone as handy as DeRosa as a super-sub. My guess is that Hendry doesn't so much want to replace DeRosa as much as he wants Roberts on the team. Even casual interest in Hudson might make MacPhail blink, even slightly. Who knows, can't hurt to try. And if you come up with Hudson in a reasonable trade, that's not a bad thing either.

I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. - Robert McCloskey

by pageian on Dec 24, 2007 9:05 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

maybe...

hendry wants a second baseman and have derosa as a super utility man as a backup for pie. if pie was really having a terrible year then they could try moving fukudome to center and play derosa in right.

by cubsmania on Dec 24, 2007 10:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Let's all send Josh some good cheer

Why so grumpy on Christmas Eve Day? This diary is like a whole lot of stuff on the this site and every other one I go to. A nugget for thought, or information being passed along.

by Nibbles on Dec 24, 2007 10:34 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I have to agree with Josh.

The diary contained absolutely NO material written by the diary writer -- I'd like people to at least give a FEW of their own thoughts in posting. All it was, was a copy/paste from another site with a link, and the material given along with the headline was misleading (implying that MacPhail said he wasn't going to trade Roberts at all, when the content of the article made it clear that MacPhail was only saying it wasn't "close", as some sites had stated).

A little thought, please, before posting -- the minimum is only 300 characters (not 300 "words", as some thing). 300 characters is less than half of the characters included in this comment (spaces count, so does every character in a long URL).

Thanks.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 24, 2007 2:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

roberts will be a cub

it seems that every comment I hear from mcphail says that no deals will be made between now and the new year.....that seems to hint to me that these deals might be done right after the new year. Roberts is a guy that hendry wants, and if hendry wants a guy he is relentless in trying to get that guy. Since hendry really seems to want roberts and there are no other teams that seem seriously interested, I think this deal will get done soon after the holidays.

by cubsmania on Dec 24, 2007 10:37 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

just a thought

todd walker didnt play last year and is looking for a job.....could be a cheap left handed bat to have as a utility infielder/pinch hitter who can hit and gets on base a lot.

by cubsmania on Dec 24, 2007 9:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Is it April 1st??

MMMMM...my mother-in-law's homemade ravioli!

by Kinky Reggae on Dec 24, 2007 10:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

True, though. Todd Walker? Seriously? With all his clubhouse issues?

There's a reason Walker was on seven teams in eight years.

Todd Walker's best value to the Cubs is going to come in a year or two, when Jose Ceda makes the team.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Dec 25, 2007 3:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Worried

I am worried Sean Gallagher is going to be a real pitcher for YEARS and we will be getting Roberts to replace DeRo which is a small upgrade.

I realize "you can not have enough good players", but are we giving up too early on a guy who could be a great pitcher?

Aug 15 - Ted Lilly walked by the lineup card and said to nobody in particular "I can't believe I'm batting 9th again".

by mweil on Dec 25, 2007 7:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

agree....

I dont think gallagher get enough credit for the talent he has....he has posted a low ERA in the minors, even the pacific coast league. Theres a chance gallagher could be a good major league pitcher.

by cubsmania on Dec 26, 2007 4:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs