Brian Roberts on MASN and 105.7 The Fan
Brian Roberts just completed his weekly call-in segment on The Scott Garceau and Anita Marks Show. His contract situation came up toward the end, and here's what he had to say. (Warning: It wasn't much of an update):
"I think certainly if I didn't have the desire to stay, I never would have engaged in talks or negotiations. I wouldn't have gotten into this process and I wouldn't have began the process if I didn't enjoy being in Baltimore and want to be there. I have enjoyed every day of my time there. I love the city, I love the people, I've got some great connections, I love to work with the hospital. These are things that certainly weigh huge in my decision to try to work something out with them and hopefully be an Oriole for my entire career. I think that's something that I would be very proud of, to be one of those guys that plays their entire career in one city. It doesn't happen very often anymore. Hopefully we can get something worked out and we can make that happen."
Asked about his timetable for completing a deal, Roberts said, "I think we're trying to have a resolution one way or another pretty soon, and I don't really know there's a specific date yet. I think on both sides, we've had quite a bit of time to try to figure this out one way or another and I think we would both probably like to move forward one way or another pretty soon. We're looking to get toward the end here and figure it out. I think that's best for myself and the organization."
I've texted Roberts twice in the last few months for updates on his situation, but he hasn't responded, so I'll wait until he shows up at Fort Lauderdale Stadium. I know where his locker is, so he'll have to deal with me one way or another.
Just kidding, Brian. I know you can't wait to be surrounded by reporters and field questions about your contract negotiations. Good times...good times.
I'm sure Nick Markakis will be smiling the entire time, thankful that it isn't him.
As far as we know, the Orioles have offered Roberts a three-year, $30 million extension, and it's pretty clear that he wants a fourth year. The trade market for his services isn't the same as last winter. The Orioles aren't hearing much from other teams, with one theory being that Orlando Hudson's availability as a free agent has frozen the activity. It also doesn't help that Roberts is entering his free-agent year.
Two more additions to the MASN exhibition schedule that I passed along earlier:
March 18, Nationals vs. Marlins, 7 p.m.
March 25, Nationals vs. Braves, 7 p.m.
105.7 The Fan will broadcast 12 Orioles games:
Feb. 25, vs. Mets, 1:05 p.m.
Feb. 28, vs. Marlins, 1:05 p.m.
March 2, vs. Red Sox, 1:05 p.m.
March 6, vs. Nationals, 1:05 p.m.
March 8, vs. Twins, 1:05 p.m.
March 11, vs. Twins, 1:05 p.m.
March 18, vs. Cardinals (split squad), 1:05 p.m.
March 20, vs. Mets, 1:05 p.m.
March 24, vs. Nationals, 1:05 p.m.
March 29, vs. Mets, 1:05 p.m.
March 31, vs. Cardinals, 1:05 p.m.
April 1, vs. Marlins, 1:05 p.m.
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Categories (click for archive)Roch Kubatko | Roch Kubatko Orioles |
I'll just watch on the radio...thanks MASN
Not sure why the O's wouldn't fork over the 4th year? I really don't see his skills diminishing that much when he's 35 or 36. The guy has been loyal thru some pretty horrible times which is a tribute to his character. Most guys would be begging to be anywhere but here.
Roch- Do the O's despise WNST so much that they wont give them spring training crendentials? I'm in sales and if one of my clients leaves and sends biz to another company I'll always take them back, regardless of what they've said about me/my company. It just seems like the O's front office gives Nestor and Drew ammo at every turn. The way I look at it is that it seems to be a microcosm of how Peter Angelos has ran his organization from day one. Note "his organization".
I really don't care anymore if the O's sign Roberts. He's no Ray Lewis! Don't get me wrong I'd love to keep him but if wants more than he is worth, don't cripple the team. I think once he test the free agent market he'll see he has it pretty good in Baltimore. Would be nice to trade him for a couple of prospects and get him back next season. The Cardinals are looking for a second basemen, one season of LaRussa and Brian would take 2 years $20 to come back! If not a guy like Chone Figgins could be available, probably for less and much more versitle.
Well.....some good possible news...great to hear that B Rob wants to stay and retire an Oriole and hopefully they can work this deal out and he can be a Bird just as he hopes...he deserves it and so do the O's fans...and the O's themselves know what a great player and good person he is in many ways...GREAT more games...these games are the only I can get in FL unless they come on ESPN or FOX or Tampa games on FSFL local after season starts. They have baseball package on Directv or now MLB.com.new TV package...which I am not sure how great that is but probably good now..or MLB audio games...even 105.7 games are not aired after season starts...so lots to look forward to in the next 6-7 weeks...always nice to hear the O's guys call the game too...hate when you have to watch on Directv the other teams announcers..on the new MLB.com TV package..you can now choose which team broadcast you want to hear...that is really cool...thanks for some good news Roch...keep it coming...
Kevin Millar signed a minor league deal with the Blue Jays. Can we offically re-name the match to the Baltimore Orioles versus the Orioles re-treads.? It seems they beat out the Nationals for the highest amount of former Orioles. Well, to be fair, most are on minor league deals...
ChicagoTom -
Good to have you on board man. You're buying in at the right time! I visited Chicago last year for the Cubs/O's game on a Thursday afternoon, and then hung around for the Cubs/Sox game on Friday afternoon. Chicago fans are insane.
Guys, It's actually quite obvious why MASN will only televise 3 ST games. It's far cheaper to run O's highlights from the glory years, rebroadcast ESPNNews, or put 2 talking heads into the studio (no offense Roch) for a program, than to pay the production costs of televising a game from S Fla.
Hey Roch, any word on whether or not we still have a shot at Teixeira? I kid, I kid...!
Will any games be aired on Masn?
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Go back a few entries. I listed the dates for four exhibition games on MASN, including the last one in D.C. - Roch
Apparently, Millar has signed a Minor League agreement with..you guessed it ...Toronto.
Roch,
Thanks again for everything you bring to this Windy City refugee!
It looks like the halos will remove Nick Green from their 40 man roster to add Abreu. Could the O's be interested in bringing yet another pitcher to camp?
Thanks!
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My pleasure. And I don't believe there are any plans to add to the 37 pitchers already in camp. - Roch
Of course Ole Andrew waited too long to get anything in return for Roberts. I for one am in favor of NOT trading him while giving him a four year contract for 40mil. The kid is a proven leadoff man capable of being a table setter for many years.
I hope Roberts understands with ANDREW ....nothing gets accomplished quickly or sensibly?
WAY TO GO OLE PETER! How lucky we are to have ANDREW
Do you know if the radio games can be heard on-line? I know it doesn't work for regular season, thought/hoping that spring training was different.
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I don't believe so, but I'm never good at answering those types of questions. Not in my skill set, as they say. I'm lucky I know how to turn on my laptop and create a blog. - Roch
Don't miss the new show " The Jockeys " Fridays on Animal Planet " **** TV. Last week was show #1. This Friday #1 repeat followed by NEW #2 60 min. per show.
Roch,
Since the free agent market is such a cold, dark place right now, does it make sense for Brian to demand a fourth year?
Conversely, do the Orioles have a second base prospect with even a glimmer of the talent Roberts possesses?
Jason in LA
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He can always try. I hear really good things about L.J. Hoes, but he's in the lower levels of the minors. - Roch
Hey Roch, Thanks for not "big leaguing" me at the restaurant. Sorry if I interrupted your lunch.
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Hey Don! Not at all. Was nice meeting you. And I needed to lift my head up from my plate for a few minutes and catch my breath. Thanks for introducing yourself. - Roch
Roch,
There is something here that does not make sense to me and I was hoping you might be able to put your two cents in to help me understand.
Brian Roberts says he wants to be here, and I am willing to debate that he is the best second baseman in baseball. It seems to me the only thing that is holding this deal up is the fact that the O's offered three years, and Brian wants 4. Between his abilities in the field and on the bases, and the fact that he is older but NOT old. If I were McPhaill, I would have offered him 4 years the second he asked for it.
That being said, my question is: What is it that is keeping the O's from going to the 4 years? Not only is he a great baseball player, he is also one of the faces of the team and a HUGE merchandise seller (everyone has at least one Brian Roberts Jersey).
Any thoughts? Any Insights? Do you have any idea why we are dragging our feet on this one?
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I'm hesitant to speak for MacPhail on this matter. He very well could end up going to four years, but he's not going to start there. That's not how you negotiate. I'm assuming that the two sides believe there's still ample time to work out a deal, since Opening Day isn't until April 6. - Roch
With Dunn (40hr,.400 on base) gettin only a 2 yr deal @ 10M and no one willing to sign Hudson. Why deos Roberts feel 3yr 30M is an insult? He will get less on the open market next year, we are in a recession!
Tell Brian that he needs to be an Oriole for life and I have almost 500 fans on facebook saying the same thing!! Baltimore wouldn't be the same without him!
A 4th year for Roberts should be a no-brainer. He's what? 31? One of the top leadoff hitters in the game? If he wants to be here, sign the man!
Roch,
It looks to me like the Os have dug in and refuse to budge fm 3 yrs at 30 million, and Roberts wants 4, either because he figures this is his last big payday or he knows it is a deal breaker that will cause the Os to trade him or let him go FA next year. Either way, I think the Os move him at some point this year and we will get much less than we are hoping for. Other teams know they can wait us out, we are not in as strong a bargaining position as we were last year.
An interesting subject for your next entry with ST about to begin could be a comparision of the Os and the Nats, two teams basically in the same boat, their off-season moves, talent level at the majors and minors, where you think the teams will be in a few years. I bet that would spur some responses fm fans of both teams.
If a fourth year was all that's holding this deal up then things would be done by now. He has a limited injury history, he's a great player and definitely has four years left in the tank. There has to be more to it than another year on the contract.
Roch,
I'm not happy to read you throwing out phrases like "trade market for (B-Rob's) services," as though the Orioles are looking to unload him. Is that the plan (what do your "inside sources" tell you) or has MacPhail simply been too busy gathering to the fold the likes of Pie, Hill and Wigginton?
I honestly believe this is going to get done, because there are too many reasons such a signing makes sense not to get done and quite frankly, very few good counterarguments to dump Brian (who clearly wants to play here).
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Referring to a trade market has nothing to do with a team trying to unload a player. Of course, MacPhail will listen to offers, which apparently aren't coming fast and furious. Doesn't mean his first priority is to trade Roberts. - Roch
Roch,
Do you think the O's are willing to meet him half way, say 4 years for $35 million? If this gets done, I really like the way this club is shaping up.
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I honestly don't know. As you can see, neither side is talking about it. - Roch
Roch, still uncertain about Scott Moore's status. If he is not claimed, is he free to make his own deal ?........ OR....... Would he still be the property of the O's ?
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I'm going to have to check whether he can refuse an outright assignment to Triple-A. Not sure of his status. - Roch
The team has to get this done and I have complete confidence that it will happen within the next three weeks.
Roch,
Small request. Can you pack the digital camera and snap some photos for the blog?
Thanks
Roch, do you think his demands would be less if the O's were a contending team or do you think he would insist on that 4th year even if he had been traded to a contender? I think he's in for a rude awakening if the market next year is anything like this year. 3 years, $30M is a very fair and reasonable offer. I know he's a good player, but he'll be 33 this year, and O.Hudson can't find work.
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I'd hate to speak for Brian, but I'm assuming that fourth year would be important either way. But again, that's just an assumption. - Roch
Too much posturing. "One way or another" is a fence sitter. The term LOVE is being used way too loosely. You would think if he loved everything about Balmer sooo much, he would hang his hat year round. Like I said, too much posturing.
IF a 4th year is the only thing holding it up then I would most likely be sorely disappointed in the O's for not getting an extension done. However, I'm going to trust that there is a little more going on -- like discussing more years but for slightly less per year or 3 guaranteed years plus performance driven option years -- that are being discussed to find the closest to a win-win situation for both sides. I will give Andy benefit of the doubt... but if this things carries INTO spring training I can't swear that I won't start to get highly antsy!
Roch, I'm asking from ignorance more than from a recommendation/suggestion standpoint: do you know if lead-off hitting second basemen ever sign incentive-laden contracts, and if so, are the contracts based on things like on-base percentage, stolen bases, and fielding percentage? I ask because I'm curious if such a contract would be a realistic possibility with Roberts, i.e., 3 years with a 4th year based on achievable benchmarks such as an on-base percentage of over .360, 20 stolen bases, etc., in the third year. Such factors are Roberts' strengths right now, and it would seem that if the Orioles are concerned about a diminution of his skills in that last year, they might be able to abate their concerns somewhat with such a deal.
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You can put any incentive into a contract and I assume it's been done, though I've never researched it. Roberts' first preference obviously would be to have that guaranteed fourth year. - Roch
AM - 3 yrs. 30 million
Bagent - 4yrs. 40 million
Am - 4 yrs. 36 million
Bagent - 4 yrs. 38 million no trade clause
AM - 4yrs. 36.5 million limited ntc
Bagent - 4 yrs. 37 million limited ntc
Orioles announce Brian Roberts extension - city rejoices - Teixeira remorse vanishes - fans thrilled ,can't wait for season to begin!!
Roch,
Great job as always. Love reading your blog.
Do you think that B-Rob would take 3 years and a mutual option for a fourth? That might be the best he gets.
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Not sure. The next step for the Orioles is probably a team option for the fourth year, if it hasn't already been offered. Your idea makes sense, which means it probably won't happen. - Roch
Stubby- you can't put performance based incentives in contracts, only playing time type incentives or awards clauses (i.e. time on the 25 man roster, innings pitched, at bats, or MVP or GG).
Jack - clearly we would have been better off had Angelos not squashed the Roberts/Penn for Laroche deal. Definitely waited too long to trade him. It's too bad the Cubs wouldn't offer us Rich Hill and/or Felix Pie last year, otherwise we could have gotten one of them for Roberts. Oh wait, on second thought, maybe it's a good thing we didn't trade him for the best offers we received over the years, considering those offers were never good. Think about your comments before you make a post.
Tx Os fan..
You have obviously never seen Dunn hit. I'd like to see that guy hitting in the AL parks, particularly to the short flag court in RF at the Yawn for 81 games. He can use a frying pan for a glove at 1B as long he kept hitting 40+ HR & getting on base 40% of the time. That bat in the middle of the O's lineup would have made the Markakis's, Huff's, Mora's, etc even better too.
Also, you talk great D to me? Where were you when Gibbons was at 1B or in the OF? Huff is OK, but he ain't a wizard there either. There are countless examples of stiffs in LF or 1B over the last several years with the O's, but I don't recall too many of them having Dunn's power potential.
Finally , you talk chemistry, this ain't a science project & if we were to know the real truth, I doubt the chemistry has been all that great with the O's clubhouse the last 10-13 yrs. Who says Dunn is a bad guy anyway? I recall the word on Huff was that he was a bad "clubhouse guy" but that has not been the case as far as anyone knows so I take all that with a grain of salt.
The guy was had cheaper than expected. I was not for giving him a huge deal & megabucks, but if he could have been had as reasonably as the Nats got him, I think that should have been explored, that was my pt.
Is it actually legal to put performance-based incentives in a contract? I thought only "usage" ones were allowed (innings pitched, at bats), to avoid cheating incentives ("I groove you this fastball, you hit HR number 30, we split your $100,000 bonus"). Although I'm not so sure, as I think the Phoney One has career HR bonuses all over his insane contract.
Morning, Roch
Not giving Roberts 4yrs guaranteed?? Rock, you need to explain this to me like I am a 4yr old...
Brian Roberts has been a great player for Baltimore and the birds have stuck by him with his roid issues because of his character on and off the field. Let's face it he admitted he took steroids and people in Baltimore still love him unlike another bird who was once as popular...see Jay Gibbons... But...
I think Mr. MacPhail is doing the right thing. As Roch put it he does not want to start the talks with a 4 year offer, although not speaking for him. I think you offer 3 years take it or leave it....
Brian Roberts is a great player in his prime. He is prob going to maintain that prime for 2 more seasons, beyond that he will be average to below average player. Injuries and age start to set in on middle infielders more than many other positions. I think he is worth a 3 year deal... he is just like Mark Grudzielanek with better SB ability in his prime just more expensive.. Sign him to a 3 year deal, draft a high upside 2B and develop him for 3 years in the minors...
Roberts 4 yrs? I know this won't sit well here, but 3 for sure. I would have to say that 4th one is iffy too. A speed guy at 35-36 is a tough call. Make that 4th an option, a mutual option too, then see if that flies. All this is up in the air until it's stated just how much he wants per yr too. If it's the $8-11M per yr range, OK, but if he is asking more, that changes a lot too.
Brian,
I get your point. You are enamored with the long ball. And yes, Dunn can jack em no doubt. But one dimensional players shouldn't be on Andy's radar right now. You are salivating over power potential for this guy at OPACY. Well we've been to that show several times, with Glen Davis & Albert Belle. How did that work out for us? Did either of those 2 ever hit 30 HR's for us in a season (much less than 40). And your point citing Gibbons at 1st only strengthens mine that defense is important there. Don't think so? Why did so many posters when clamouring for Tex mention his defensive skills in addition to his offensive production.
As for team chemistry, I didn't say that's been a strong suit of this team in the past. And the chemistry on the team last season was better than it's been in a while. Might have something to do with unloading Tejada. Bigger question on Dunn, why wasn't anybody else after this guy? You really think if he had more options, he'd have settled on playing in DC? Why does the current GM in Toronto go on record as saying he wants nothing to do with the guy. Me personally, I'm not saying the guy is a cancer, but I want someone who can bring more to the table than just hitting HR's. And with our pitching being what it is, trust me, you will want more than a guy at 1st with a frying pan as a mitt.
Pitching & defense wins in baseball time and time again.
Roch,
The O's will be fine with or without Roberts. He is an Oriole and will help the team. But, I think MacPhail is planning for him to "should I stay or should I go".
I really like what MacPhail is doing. From a talent stand point, I think he is quietly building a young talented team that may quite possibly surprise some people. The problem with most fans is they want instant gratification and not willing to take the time for a long term fix. It just goes to show all the success the O's have had in the 60's, 70's, and 80's came from their well established farm system and not via free agency.
TX O's fane....
Slowly you are getting it, but no I am not just enamored with HRs. That is a weakness with the lineup though, or was last year. We had no bonafide power hitter outside of Huff's numbers. There were guys hitting in the 12-24 HR range range I think, but there was no true bopper. That does serve it's purpose, particularly in a small , HR hitters park. If the O's played 81 games in the Dodgers park, I'd think differently.
I get it that they need D & pitching, but a tru e power threat in the heart of the order would do nicely too.
Roch,
Everyone keeps saying give Brian the 4th year. However, I am assuming if we give him a 4th year we have to give him $10 million more. Is this correct? If it is 4 years at $30 mil. Then heck yeah, Give him the 4th. But if he wants 4 years (AND I am pretty sure) $40 mil. Then thanks but no thanks. I love Brian as a player and a person and want him to stay. But not at that price. Please let me know if I am right and the only one thinking this is correct.
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Yes, a fourth year means more money. - Roch
News of a Roberts inking would warm the heart---kinda like seeing
Spring Training get here!
Roch---you mentioned funny Markakis T-shirts. What's the deal?
Examples? Thanks.
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Sorry, but they're a little too "in-house," if you know what I mean. - Roch