MacPhail Speaks On The Roberts Trade Rumors; We're Told The Obvious...

Here we have the news that we all pretty much pretty much have surmised; thus, now it has come from Orioles' COO Andy MachPhail himself.

Our second baseman Brian Roberts, isn't likely to go anywhere before the season begins.

From the Sun's Jeff Zrebeics's piece, MacPhail: "Roberts Deal Unlikely Before Opener"

"Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail acknowledged today that it is unlikely that All-Star second baseman Brian Roberts will be traded before Opening Day.

"I've mentioned to Brian that I think it's unlikely that something happens," said MacPhail. "I think with each passing hour at this point, it's less and less likely. As we get this close [to Opening Day], the greater likelihood is that we're going to start [the season] with what we have."

MacPhail has been in trade talks with the Chicago Cubs about Roberts for several months, but the two sides were unable to agree on a package. The Cubs made a four-player offer of infielder Ronny Cedeno, pitching prospects Sean Gallagher and Donald Veal and a fourth prospect, believed to be pitcher Jose Ceda. However, the Orioles were looking for a fifth player.

Asked if the talks with the Cubs have reached an impasse, MacPhail said, "I don't really like to characterize our discussions with other clubs. I'll leave that to somebody else."

I really thought this deal was going to get done; however, as Spring Training went on, it looked like it was not going to happen just because the chatter between the two clubs had slowed.

Well, I figure that MacPhail did not like what he was offered, and the Cubs might have grown frustrated.

Right now, Brian Roberts is more valuable as a commodity than actually a player on the Orioles. It remains to see what happens during the season, and if Brian Roberts gets off to hot start, expect the chatter to continue.

Alas, he if gets injured -- it's a whole different story.

In my personal opinion, this deal had to get done to infuse new blood into the Baltimore franchise.

As great as Brian Roberts is as a player and community guy, I think the Orioles might have blown a golden opportunity to restock the minor leagues.