Spring Training, Roberts, Contracts & Today's Game on TV

The Orioles have had six straight losses in Spring Training, including an awful error-filled game in a loss to the Rays on Tuesday. Does it mean much, no. Players are simply trying to get their work in and get ready for the season; however, if you're a pitcher on the fringes, a backup guy trying to stay in the big leagues, or a minor leaguer trying to get a look from the organization - this time of year is important.

Still it doesn't look good when the team has lost six straight in exhibition season. Then again, let's hope things get figured out with the Orioles before the season begins.

The Orioles have had six straight losses in Spring Training, including an awful error-filled game in a loss to the Rays on Tuesday. Does it mean much, no. Players are simply trying to get their work in and get ready for the season; however, if you're a pitcher on the fringes, a backup guy trying to stay in the big leagues, or a minor leaguer trying to get a look from the organization - this time of year is important. Still it doesn't look good when the team has lost six straight in exhibition season. Then again, let's hope things get figured out with the Orioles before the season begins. Now, it also seems that Brian Roberts may not be ready for Opening Day according to reports. If that's true, it's a major blow to the Orioles. Most of us know that the second baseman has been out due to a back issue, but it seems like the medicine Roberts has been taking made him ill. Roberts, who has a herniated disk in his back and then got sick as a result of the medication he was taking to ease the inflammation, hasn't played in a game all spring, and now he has been shut down until at least Thursday. "I talked to Richie Bancells, our head athletic trainer, about it again today, and at this time he still thinks Brian is going to be ready for Opening Day, but you have to be concerned now," MacPhail said. "To me, you get 10 days into spring training before you start really paying attention, but the clock is starting to be an issue. ... By now, we have to start thinking about, 'What if he isn't ready?' " MacPhail said he might start having his scouts look at who is available on the trade market along with exploring internal options. Roberts started taking an oral medication Sunday and became ill. He reported to Ed Smith Stadium on Tuesday but spent much of the day in the training room. The two-time All-Star will be re-evaluated Thursday, but he's at least a week away from getting into a game. Not good. I'd say give Brian all the time he needs to get healthy at this point. He's one of the cornerstones with the franchise, and it's better if he were 100 percent later, than playing at 80 percent in the near future.

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