Report: Cubs Interested in Brian Roberts

by Thelonious on Feb 11, 2008 7:04 PM CST

News has just leaked from the Cubs front office that the team may be pursuing 30 year old Baltimore second baseman, Brian Roberts. Roberts would bolster a somewhat shaky Chicago middle infield.

Frankly, I'm a little surprised that we're first hearing about this so close to the beginning of spring training. This all seems to have come right out of the blue.

Surely, Roberts's speed and on-base skills would greatly help the cubs, but will he really be that big of an upgrade over DeRosa?

Plus, who knows what kind of packages Andy McPhail will ask for in return? Can we really afford to lose our few quality trading chips? As long as we keep all-star caliber players like Ryan Theriot, and Sam Fuld, I won't get too upset.

This is an interesting development, for sure. I'm at the edge of my seat, impatiently waiting for the next chapter in this sudden, and by all accounts short, saga.

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.

Tweet Comment 62 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

sarcasm

Main Entry: sar·casm
Pronunciation: ˈsär-ˌka-zəm\
Function: noun
Etymology: French or Late Latin; French sarcasme, from Late Latin sarcasmos, from Greek sarkasmos, from sarkazein to tear flesh, bite the lips in rage, sneer, from sark-, sarx flesh; probably akin to Avestan thwarəs- to cut
Date:1550

1: a sharp and often satirical or ironic utterance designed to cut or give pain
2 a: a mode of satirical wit depending for its effect on bitter, caustic, and often ironic language that is usually directed against an individual b: the use or language of sarcasm

Synonyms: see Thelonious Drunk. ;-)

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Feb 11, 2008 7:13 PM CST reply actions

allstar caliber????

look i love theriot but allstar caliber???? fuld played like 5 games i dont even think he batted and youre calling them allstar cailiber??? im more concerned about derosa's reaction to a trade like this or safety of colvin and veal. i heard it would probably include gallagher and murton and cedeno which i think would be a steal but i dont really care one way or another plus angelos is a stingy sonofab so yea...

by Diggs247 on Feb 11, 2008 7:16 PM CST reply actions

tongue-in-cheek

i'm pretty sure the parts about Theriot and Fuld being All-star caliber are meant to be taken as seriously as the rest of the post.

by petrie on Feb 11, 2008 7:31 PM CST up reply actions

my bad

lol i barely even read any of this. didnt realize the sarcasm bit makes a lot more sense now.

by Diggs247 on Feb 11, 2008 10:08 PM CST up reply actions

To bad this news just broke

we may have been able to work a deal to get Erik Bedard too

I can't believe I'm batting 9th again -Ted Lily

by NIUcubbie on Feb 11, 2008 7:29 PM CST reply actions

We'd have to offer a lot of players

We'd have to offer a lot of players for those guys. I could see it being like a 7-for-2 trade....that could take out the entire farm system!

by ak123 on Feb 11, 2008 7:36 PM CST up reply actions

Phil Rogers is

already trying to call Thelonious and find out who his source is...

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Feb 11, 2008 7:47 PM CST reply actions

I sure hope so

As we all know, trading Vitters, Colvin, Gallagher, Veal, Ceda, and Donaldson for Roberts would be a +1 for the Cubs. We need to make this happen.

by Thelonious on Feb 11, 2008 7:53 PM CST up reply actions

In that case,

the Cubs should get them to toss in Payton and Gibbons, putting the Cubs at a whopping +3!

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Feb 11, 2008 8:15 PM CST up reply actions

I hear the Twins might trade Johan Santana.

True?

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

by Al Yellon on Feb 11, 2008 7:51 PM CST reply actions

I haven't heard anything about it

Which means no, almost definitely. I have sources all around baseball, and I'm sure I would have been faxed or they would have called my beeper if anything big was going down.

by Thelonious on Feb 11, 2008 7:55 PM CST up reply actions

Thanks.

I was concerned, because I know if he were traded, say, to the Mets, that such a deal would absolutely kill the Cubs.

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

by Al Yellon on Feb 11, 2008 8:01 PM CST up reply actions

Hold on there, Al

I think I should tell you: I've been facetious. Santana actually WAS traded. You currently have the wrong impression, and I'm partially to blame. For that, I apologize.

I suggest you pay attention to the trade wires more often in order to keep abreast of pertinent information.

by Thelonious on Feb 11, 2008 8:09 PM CST up reply actions

I heard the Cubs traded for Derrek Lee.

True?

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

by Al Yellon on Feb 11, 2008 8:28 PM CST up reply actions

I've got it on good authority

that Lou Brock is going to St. Louis for Ernie Broglio.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Feb 11, 2008 8:40 PM CST up reply actions

Wow!

That'd be a great deal for the Cubs! Broglio's an established veteran and Brock, well, sometimes you have to deal the kids to get someone really, really good who can be a solid starter for many years to come!

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

by Al Yellon on Feb 11, 2008 8:49 PM CST up reply actions

And how bout that whole Ruth deal?

Are they ever gonna regret gettin rid of him! I say we come up with some clever name for years and years of bad karma and hopefully it will stick!

Any ideas?

MMMMM...Nutrisystem!

by Kinky Reggae on Feb 11, 2008 8:52 PM CST up reply actions

Can I say....

...SERVED.

Dan

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Feb 11, 2008 9:52 PM CST up reply actions

You know, Al,

Given Thelonius' demonstrable inside knowledge of the trade landscape and his access to cutting edge technologies, perhaps you should bring him on as the Hot Stove Rumors guy. Show Rodgers and DeLuca what a real scoop looks like.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Feb 11, 2008 8:18 PM CST up reply actions

Hey, I've been hearing stuff about the Rocket ..

.. Something about steroid use, which, as you know is illegal.

I cannot believe any professional baseball player would threaten the integrity of the game with stuff like drugs. Has anyone else heard of this?

Well, Next Year is here .. and Jack's century's gotta end some time .. GO CUBBIES!

by cubnational on Feb 11, 2008 8:12 PM CST reply actions

Andy doesn't want to talk about it....

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/7784768/Report:-Pettitte-wants-out-of-Wednesday's-hearing-?CMP=OT C-K9B140813162&ATT=49

by LT on Feb 11, 2008 8:31 PM CST up reply actions

on a serious note...

I recall reading over the weekend, cant remember where (Im a big help) probably fsn or espn, but they seemed to think that it would take Roberts himself asking Angelos to allow him to be traded. If Roberts wants a shot to win badly enough, I would hope he would do that for his own sake b/c Angelos doesnt seem to be in it for the wins in the short or long term, which is a shame b/c the O's have been great in the past.

Toby Flenderson represents all that is wrong with the paper business.

by bren on Feb 11, 2008 8:22 PM CST reply actions

Not Only That...

...but he has a no trade clause, from what I hear. He has apparently mentioned that he would approve a move to the Cubs.

This is the Cubs new #1!

by initram on Feb 11, 2008 8:31 PM CST up reply actions

forget

roberts lets get nathan

WhErE's My CuBs?!?!

by tbizzle83 on Feb 11, 2008 8:36 PM CST reply actions

WHAT?!

Why didn't anybody say anything about this earlier?!

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Feb 11, 2008 8:43 PM CST reply actions

Knowing the Cubs luck

this trade will FINALLY go down sending waves of joy across Cubs fans everywhere...mostly for not having to deal with this discussion anymore. Then Brain will tear his ACL on the second day of Spring Training.

by Neifi Puppy on Feb 11, 2008 8:52 PM CST reply actions

Brian Roberts???

Since when was he rumored to be traded? I thought the Cubs were persuing Rob Bowen still...

1st Official Al-Wanna-Be! Feel free to become an Oficial Al-Wanna-Be Today!

by LilLPLancer23 on Feb 11, 2008 9:10 PM CST reply actions

ha

ha......ha?

by tizzle on Feb 11, 2008 9:25 PM CST reply actions

Wait, wait...

Why do we need help up the middle? We've got a promising double play team in Augie Ojeda and Bobby Hill, and a rising young star in Corey Patterson.

"Hey! If the moon were made of ribs, wouldja eat it? I know I would!"

by cubs0505 on Feb 11, 2008 9:42 PM CST reply actions

He better be ready this year...

If he gets hurt, we can always get Kenny Lofton though....

1st Official Al-Wanna-Be! Feel free to become an Oficial Al-Wanna-Be Today!

by LilLPLancer23 on Feb 11, 2008 9:45 PM CST up reply actions

i'll get killed for saying this, but...

if we have to sign another outfielder... why not bring back Corey Patterson on a 1-year deal instead of Lofton? if he'd be hitting 7th or 8th anyways it's not like his strike-out numbers would hurt that much... and unlike Lofton he can still run.

by petrie on Feb 11, 2008 11:10 PM CST up reply actions

Yup,

you'll get killed. That man and this team have parted ways.

Dan

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Feb 11, 2008 11:41 PM CST up reply actions

I BELIEVE...

...THAT IF WE EVER DO SIGN ROBERTS, I WILL FOREVER THINK OF HIM AS "THE MAN THAT WASTED MY ENTIRE WINTER" OF 2007. I AM SO SICK OF THESE DAMN RUMORS...AGH!

Seriously though, I hate it.

Dan

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Feb 11, 2008 9:53 PM CST reply actions

Amen brother

This incessant focus on Brian Roberts is robbing the legitimate excitement that exists for this team heading into spring training. It's not a good thing for the fans. And I strongly doubt if it is a healthy thing for Sweet Lou and the players. Especially Mark DeRosa who all he did in 2007 was have a very solid year and serve as a consummate professional and teammate.

Screw Brian Roberts. Is it wrong of me to hope he breaks his leg getting out of bed tomorrow morning so we can finally and mercifully put an end to this garbage!?!?

by MDBNIU on Feb 11, 2008 10:00 PM CST up reply actions

REALLY?

OMG lets go and get him right now then. I assume that having another all star in the lineup cant be bad at all. Why have I not heard this before.

(more sarcasm)

I think my favorite uncle was Uncle Caveman. We called him that because he lived in a cave and would eat one of us. We then realized he was a bear.

by deepthoughtsbyjackhandey on Feb 11, 2008 10:44 PM CST reply actions

Brian Roberts?

Never heard of the guy. A 2nd baseman? Dont we have that guy named Ryan Sandburg

Is it March yet?

by Me and Lou WS 07 on Feb 12, 2008 1:20 AM CST reply actions

You know we can't let that mistake go right?

Ryan Sandberg?

MMMMM...Nutrisystem!

by Kinky Reggae on Feb 12, 2008 8:03 AM CST up reply actions

Or...

Ryne Sandberg

by jbertram on Feb 12, 2008 8:30 AM CST up reply actions

No mistake

Ive seen both names misspelled that way before, thats where I was trying go go with that.

Is it March yet?

by Me and Lou WS 07 on Feb 12, 2008 4:33 PM CST up reply actions

NY Times article on Fukudome

Didn't know where else to put this, but here's an article on Fukudome from the NY Times

by hightightfastball on Feb 12, 2008 3:20 AM CST reply actions

Most interesting part of that article...

"I was explaining to them that if you told a man to stand on his hands for a day, he couldn't do it," Fukudome said. "But if you told him to stand on his legs for a day, that would be no problem. The point is your legs have more power than your arms so when you're batting, you've always got to be concerned with how to transfer the power of your legs to the bat in your hands.

"Since the hips are the midpoint between the two, the way you rotate them is crucial for delivering the strength from your legs. This isn't the stuff of home runs, it's about effectively harnessing the power from below to make contact with a strongly pitched ball and not be beaten by its strength."

Smart guy. I have absolutely no doubt that he'll be able to make adjustments to American pitchers.

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

by Al Yellon on Feb 12, 2008 3:58 AM CST up reply actions

Another thing of note out of this article

Is that he'll be in Arizona in 2 days. While the rest of the position players report next week, we'll have plenty of pictures and reports on Fukudome to hold us over until the rest of the position players show up next week.

by hightightfastball on Feb 12, 2008 6:32 AM CST up reply actions

In reading up on his arm strength...

I find my self feeling giddy about the fact that our 2 corner OF have a reputation for nailing guys trying to stretch plays out.

I bet the Cubs have at least 25 assists between the two this year.

MMMMM...Nutrisystem!

by Kinky Reggae on Feb 12, 2008 8:07 AM CST up reply actions

And, don't forget...

... that Felix Pie made a spectacular throw to nail a runner at the plate in his very first major league game.

The Cubs OF has the chance to be truly outstanding defensively this year.

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

by Al Yellon on Feb 12, 2008 8:20 AM CST up reply actions

re: And, don't forget...

This is precisely what's been on my mind since the prospect of the Cubs signing Dome rose on the horizon this past fall. And it's one of the reasons I'm so glad they got him. If opposing runners were ill-advised to run on Soriano last season -- they're now at risk from all three outfield positions.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by daver on Feb 12, 2008 9:16 AM CST up reply actions

What I remember about that throw

It that was the first we had seen of it. It was from mid-centerfield and he through a rope to home on the fly. He has that style of throw that really REALLY reaches back for it. Not entirely like those guys who fall forward with a front flip after the throw but the reach back part.

In therapy for my shoulder that type of flexibility is really really key and Pie has plenty. Just gotta turn on that inside pitch.

I would suspect that with Maddux changeup and 2seamer that Pie would go OFER against him. Hope all the work this winter pans out.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Feb 12, 2008 9:46 AM CST up reply actions

The thing about Pie's hitting...

... is that if he fails -- and I don't think he will -- it won't be for lack of working his butt off to improve.

There's the primary difference between him and Corey Patterson.

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

by Al Yellon on Feb 12, 2008 10:01 AM CST up reply actions

If he

could just give me Theriots avg and obp from last year with a little more slugging. Thatd be great, if he could throw in 20 stolen bases thatd be nice too.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Feb 12, 2008 10:10 AM CST up reply actions

Two changes

(1) ...Theriot's (pre-Sept) avg and obp...
(2) ...thrown in 35-40 stolen bases...

Getting that production from him, regardless of the slot in the lineup will be huge.

IMHO if there's significant BA & OBP improvement, by default the SB's will increase.

The time he's spent this winter should really improve his overall game. Guess we'll be 1st-hand witnesses to that come 28Feb.

by blackhawk24 on Feb 12, 2008 11:49 AM CST up reply actions

well

I guess we view it differently. I would love to see his numbers reflect what Theriots did for the whole season last year. I also think, in my opionion, 35-40 stolen bases is unrealistic for Pie. Hes fast and all, but I just dont see it.

If youre right Ill hug you. If Im right Pie will be around the whole year and thats what Im hoping for.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Feb 12, 2008 12:47 PM CST up reply actions

Felix...

...was outstanding in the games I saw from him in AAA. If he could just be 90% of that player I saw in Iowa in the Chicago...

Check his stats from his 229 ABs in Des Moines: .362/.410/.563, 9hr, 51r, 43rbi, 9sb.

Sigh... guess I just can't wait for the season to be here.

An open invitation to visit Des Moines and watch the Iowa Cubs...

by IowaCubs- on Feb 13, 2008 9:01 AM CST up reply actions

That made me swoon a little bit

Yeah thats right, I'll admit it.

"There are no curses here...Games are won and lost on the baseball field" - Lou Piniella

by El Borto on Feb 12, 2008 8:19 AM CST up reply actions

Anyone else?...

...find this a bit dirty? Sheesh... sounds like a 1987 interview with Patrick Swayze.

An open invitation to visit Des Moines and watch the Iowa Cubs...

by IowaCubs- on Feb 13, 2008 8:53 AM CST up reply actions

Very doubtful...

I truly doubt that Hendry will trade either one of Fuld or Theriot, let alone both of them.

It's been widely reported that Hendry is just as high on them as we all are.
He believes, as he very well should, that along with Fontenot they will be the core of this team for many years to come.

I mean think about it, you'd be blocking the development of Fontenot.... forget it, it's a no no.

...

by Chitown Mojo on Feb 12, 2008 8:40 AM CST reply actions

I'm not so sure

that Fontenot is going to be a key part of the club for years to come, although I could be very wrong.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Feb 12, 2008 10:32 AM CST up reply actions

We must be talking about a different Fontenot

n/t

...

by Chitown Mojo on Feb 12, 2008 11:10 AM CST up reply actions

Your not wrong

and the very fact that you suggested you could be worries me greatly.

"It's a long fly to left field. And there it goes. Ahhh crap." -- Harry Caray

by cubz1963 on Feb 12, 2008 1:36 PM CST up reply actions

Sorry

haste makes waste. You're not wrong.

"It's a long fly to left field. And there it goes. Ahhh crap." -- Harry Caray

by cubz1963 on Feb 12, 2008 1:37 PM CST up reply actions

You should get screen name changed to Scoop

...I hadn't heard of this and now I am shocked and intrigued. Don't forget cedeno and and that other middle infielder, what's his name? Ray Fontenot, we must hold on to them at all costs.

by DudeVf11 on Feb 12, 2008 10:00 AM CST reply actions

A+ thread!!!!

Thelonious, you are the man! About time people stand up and realize that Ryan Theriot is nothing more than a decent backup infielder option.

A poor man's Ryan Freel, with less versatility.

Super Mario Galaxy! Get it NOW!

by TheBeerBaron on Feb 13, 2008 7:59 AM CST reply actions

The obsession with Ryan Theriot....

this really needs to end. He is not very good at baseball. I love his effort and for that I commend him, but all the effort in the world will not make Theriot better.

He's a decent backup at best and the fact that he might start the season at SS while DeRosa rides the pine (assuming that Roberts is acquired) is ridiculous.

Super Mario Galaxy! Get it NOW!

by TheBeerBaron on Feb 13, 2008 8:06 AM CST up reply actions

Will all do respect

...YES....he is very good at baseball. Good enough to start for a contending team last year. Try and tell Theriot he is bad at baseball and hed probably laugh.

I want an upgrade too, but that doesnt make him BAD at baseball

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Feb 13, 2008 1:40 PM CST up reply actions