The Orioles are doing alright for themselves. At this point in the season, 19-19 doesn't look too terribly bad, and it's mostly because of their surprisingly decent pitching staff outside of Steve Trashcel.
Not so decent...? The entire Baltimore lineup. Today we check in on the most recognizable player on the team, second baseman Brian Roberts
Brian Roberts was the subject of a lot of trade speculation with the Cubs at the beginning of the season. The trade didn't work out, and that's probably good news for the Cubs.
Roberts is a pretty mediocre player to begin with (career line: .280-.351-.409, not exactly awe-inspiring), and hasn't been much of an offensive threat early on this year.
He's striking out a lot and not getting on base enough to make him a legitimate threat at the top of the lineup. And though we all know how much Lou Piniella values speed at the lead-off spot and a left-handed hitter (Roberts is a switch-hitter), the fact is that Roberts is not worth his $6.3 million salary for 2008.
Roberts' biggest asset is his speed, and his 11 stolen bases this year have him performing right where we'd expect. But the rest of his offensive numbers make him a very average second baseman.
The Orioles would have done well to get rid of him last offseason, and probably will still unload him before the break, but it's questionable how valuable he truly is.
In the Cubs' case, Mark DeRosa appears a better bargain. He's more versatile, will end up hitting just as well (if not better) than Roberts, and is substantially cheaper.
If the O's are still looking to rid themselves of his contract and continue rebuilding, there are certainly teams that could use him. But unless he picks up his hitting, they may not get too much in return.
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