MacPhail talks about Roberts
President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said he isn't sure whether the latest news on Brian Roberts is a setback until the club hears from Dr. Lee Riley, a back specialist at Johns Hopkins, "but clearly our preference would be to have him out on the field."
MacPhail repeated that he's alerted his scouts to be on the lookout for a potential replacement at second base, something he first told reporters on Tuesday when he admitted to having concerns about Roberts' availability for the opener.
"We've already started the process of trying to line up whatever options we may need, depending upon what kind of timeframe we might be dealing with," he said.
"Every day that goes by, I think you have to be less confident because it's one less day you have to get him the necessary at-bats and repetitions to be ready. We still have time, but he's going to have to get out there and get 40-or-so at-bats, I would think."
MacPhail isn't leaning in a particular direction when it comes to replacing Roberts in-house or acquiring a player from another organization, should it become necessary, but he gave Ty Wigginton a nice endorsement.
"I would say four or five days ago, a week ago, we alerted our guys (scouts) and we've been doing our due dilegence outside the organization," MacPhail said. "Right now, it's going to be up to Dave (Trembley) to look at his internal options. From my standpoint, Wiggy had about as good a day as you can have over there (in Tampa) yesterday. He's got some pedigree in terms of his major league experience, and to me, I'd like to see him get the lion's share, or at least some innings again over at second, to expand our options."
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This might be a blessing in disguise.hopefully, Justin Turner can show Rbob how to be a TEAM PLAYER.
Dan uggla seems like a good choice now
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4994845
Amazing what happens when two dynamic GMs get together and consider making a mega-deal. Both of these teams have a winning history and want to continue winning and refuse to accept the status quo.
Let's hope Andy sat near the Phillies GM today. Maybe some of that dynamicism rubbed off on him.
Nahhhhhhhhhh
Roch, Brian's health is the major concern, but I'm beginning to wonder if Nolan Reimold isn't another. Peter Schmuck writes that he "looked gimpy," while Brittany Ghiroli thought he "appeared to be limping." I hope it's nothing serious.
Should it turn out that there's a problem, at least the Orioles know they can replace him in left with Felix Pie and Lou Montanez; finding an suitable replacement for Roberts might not be so easy. While Robert Andino has been making a little noise with his bat of late, I expect the O's are going to look outside of the organization should B-Rob be down for more than a few games.
Still, from what Brian's saying, he could play right now if it was regular season, so it may be that there's a lot of needless anguish. (I've got to admit that was a pretty double play started by Ty Wigginton yesterday, so maybe he'd be considered as an option, as well.)
One area where there's no anguish is Matusz. Just one outing, but a strong one against the Phillies is something to take to the bank. Lots of solid relief, too, so the O's may be coming together in that department, as well.
On offense, Markakis is also looking pretty impressive. Maybe the team is finally starting to find itself a bit.
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I watched him walk back to the dugout, and that's the way he always walks. I didn't see anything unusual after that particular at-bat. - Roch
As an O's fanatic, I could live with Wigginton at 2nd for the time being. However, a more versitile and sppedy player would be preferable, in my humble opinion.
Watched a little of the Pirate game today. Saw Delwyn Young playing the position. Looks pretty good and someone that the O' may be interested in now, and maybe ( bite my tongue )in the furture. He has O's personality writen all over him.
Any feedback?
Follow up question...
So Andy, if Roberts does have a serious injury and the line-up is missing his 40-50 double, his stolen bases, his RBIs, are we still judging the team on wins and losses?
I'm starting to worry about this whole Roberts thing.
As Brummie said in an earlier thread, back injuries don't just go away on their own. Mom had surgery with Dr. Riley two years ago and was physcially unable to do anything for six months.
I have complete confidence in AM, though I can't say the same for DT.
I just get the sense that there is not much outside the organization and the O's will have to settle for someone on the inside.
**Just a quick note that Kevin Millar, who is playing for his career with the Cubs hit a double and a home run today for 3 rbi against Joel Pinero. **
Also, if Wiggy is opening day 2nd baseman, I'd like to see Abreu on the roster as his backup.
Like I said earlier, Wiggy was great at 2nd yesterday, making fantastic plays going to his left and going to his right, showing range and accurate throws. It should be his job until Brian gets well.
I'm torn between Wiggy and Justin Turner to replace Roberts. I'd like Wiggy to play well enough somewhere to get a decent prospect for him on or before the trade deadline. On the other hand, this could be a great opportunity to see if Turner is someone who is part of our future.
If we go outside the organization, Felipe Lopez gets my vote. He had a surprising good year last year and is only in St Louis as depth for 3B if Freese can't cut it.
I understand that Roberts is the heart of the lineup as well as many's favorite players. However, we can make do without him for a little. We still have one of the strongest lineups in the mlb... I dont think it will hurt that much if we have andino hold the 9th spot. We could still put Pie in leadoff- who did really well there last year.
Agreed Roch?
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No. The Orioles tend to struggle when Roberts does. The better he plays, the better the offense. - Roch
AM sounds like he is worried but still like the rest of us trying to believe that B Rob is OK and will be ready for April..if Wiggy can handle 2B then go for it...we have Andino too....and some of the other minor league guys to help too if we have to open the season like that. I would be surprised if we trade for anyone, but a wavier claim or release pick up could be an option. Who knows..guess it all depends on the medical report B Rob gets.
He is certainly no BROB, but with regular at-bats, I think Wiggi has a lot to prove and may be a nice backup. Hopefully it wont come to that.
What's the word on Gonzalez? I hear he also has a bad back.
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I wrote about it in the Trembley entry. - Roch
Wiggington? Seriously? I think I'm going to be sick.
I see you covered Gonzo in the post from Trembley. Missed that one. Thanks Roch!
Hey Roch
It would make sense to me to go in house on this one, unless we are talking weeks with Roberts. Since the wave of incoming prospects has begun, I would like to see Abreu or Turner there who has been flashing some leather. How many hits/at-bats do they have? If they were to go outside, all you are doing is paying a guy some money to sit on the bench for a while after Roberts comes back, a spot on the bench that could go to one of the prospects. I also wouldn't have a problem with Wiggy or Andino, as long as Wiggy doesn't lead off with his first pitch swing. (Someone needs to tell him about "woosa" seriously).
I am happy Trembley is smart enough not to rush Reimold. Don't we have like a billion back-ups there anyway?
Also if I am correct, the last 4 games we played against Philly, season & spring training, we have won all of them right, and we played their A-Team right? Looks like the plan is coming together.
Arjan
everyone is acting like BRob is on death's door or something
i think odds are still good he takes field opening day ...
herniated disk is a problem you really only can treat by going after inflammation
real worry is long term if it keeps coming back
Bummer said:
Amazing what happens when two dynamic GMs get together and consider making a mega-deal. Both of these teams have a winning history and want to continue winning and refuse to accept the status quo.
Let's hope Andy sat near the Phillies GM today. Maybe some of that dynamicism rubbed off on him.
Nahhhhhhhhhh
March 14, 2010 4:48 PM
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I don't think he has to sit next to anyone, since I am sure he sat next to his father! I don't know why I respond to this idiot?
The more we worry about Brian Roberts - the more likely it is that Miguel Abreu makes the team. Yes, he "swings at everthing" but he is the best replacement for Roberts.
AM is no dummy......He's got a 4 year contract with a man with a bad back..We need a stud second baseman....Roch do any of these Cubans that are out there play second? Not only that , we lost the catalyst to our offense!
Dorian G said:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4994845
"Amazing what happens when two dynamic GMs get together and consider making a mega-deal."
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"It's not fully clear whether the Phillies actually have approached the Cardinals with the idea........Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro flatly denied that the internal discussions have taken place."
Yes, amazing. That's what it is. Amazing.
Tool.
At this point, maybe it's better if BRob just has surgery to fix the problem if that's the best option. It's better than putting a Band Aid on it just so he can be in the opening day lineup, then really screwing up the back a week later and having him on the DL for the rest of the season.
It's a loooong season. Fix the problem the right way for the sake of BRob and the team's future. As scary as it may seem, Wiggy, Andino and Justin Turner can hold down the position for a few weeks until Roberts is fully and completely mended. If BRob's constant presence in the lineup would ensure the O's being in a pennant race in September, it might be a different story. But . . .
Karl of Delaware said:
The more we worry about Brian Roberts - the more likely it is that Miguel Abreu makes the team. Yes, he "swings at everthing" but he is the best replacement for Roberts.
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If he swings at everything, and he's never played above AA, then he is most definitely not the best replacement for Roberts.
Carolina,
Spine surgery is not like fixing a knee or an elbow, and it is generally not done for a simple herniation on an otherwise healthy person. It is relatively high-risk, and it doesn't make you as good as new. So, no, he should not jump into surgery unless that is the considered medical advice of a few competent orthopedists.
I wonder if lugo would help he has good dfence but the o kinda stinks