It's been a while since we've heard anything on the Brian Roberts extension front, but we finally might have gotten some news.
Well, the news perhaps is probably not what most fans what to hear.
The Baltimore Sun: As spring training approaches, the Orioles and Brian Roberts have moved no closer to a contract extension, but the second baseman's agent believes there is still a chance.From what I have read, the two sides are talking -- thus, there's always a chance of something being done. I assumed that he didn't want to stick around, but he may -- at the right price.
"We certainly haven't made any progress recently, but neither side has closed the door," said Roberts' agent, Mark Pieper.
Although neither Pieper nor the club will comment on specifics, an industry source said the Orioles have offered a multi-year deal worth about $10 million per season, but the sides are still significantly apart in terms of both years and money.
Roberts, 31, has been with the Orioles his entire career, but he can become a free agent at the end of 2009. He has said repeatedly he does not want negotiations to be an in-season distraction, meaning the next few weeks could be monumental for Roberts, who also is getting married later this month.
If a deal isn't done by spring training, I expect him to be traded. Right now, I guess it comes down to whether Baltimore wants to pay the second baseman and have him continue to be one of the faces of the franchise. Moreover, does Brian want to fully commit to the rebuilding process, or would he demand more changes be made?
Roberts seems to want a lot of money, and be paid as a premier player, so will Baltimore open up the checkbook? There's always a risk with long term deals, so if the Orioles want to commit to him, it has to be all the way.
