Brian Roberts to the White Sox? (From MASN Sports)

MASN's Roch Kubatko had this tidbit on Brian Roberts on his blog, and it could be of great importance assuming there's any truth to the posting.

From MASN Sports: Brian Roberts always seems to be linked to the Chicago Cubs in trade rumors, but White Sox general manager Kenny Williams loves the guy and is trying to acquire him.

The two sides have discussed former Mount St. Joe pitcher Gavin Floyd as a starting point in trade talks. The Orioles might need more, though the White Sox would want it to be straight-up, since they'd be surrendering a 17-game winner.

At least Orioles president Andy MacPhail could say he brought a local kid home. It's just not Mark Teixeira.

Anyway, that's the buzz.

As much as I hate advocating this, I say if we could get another prospect or two to sweeten the deal -- do it. Roberts may or may not sign an extension with Baltimore, and this point, he'll more than likely be well into his mid-30's before the team reaches contention.

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Youre Kidding Me. The Orioles Want Richie Sexson?

Been out all night, but I nearly fell out of the chair when I read this from the Sun's Peter Schmuck.

Ok. This guy, I will admit has had a solid major league career; however, his best years might be behind him. He was horrible in 2008, and at this point -- he's simply a low salary, high reward guy who you hope has something left in the tank.

From the Sun: The Orioles still are trying to figure out what they'll do at first base this coming season, and they've given some consideration to attempting a salvage operation with former 45-homer guy Richie Sexson. Club officials apparently have had at least one conversation with Sexson's agent, Casey Close, though the depth of their interest is uncertain.

Sexson's offensive numbers have been in steep decline for the past couple of years, but he might be a worthwhile gamble if he's willing to take an incentive-laden contract. He turned 34 yesterday, so he would definitely be a temporary fix, but he has hit 30 or more homers six times in his career and hit 45 homers in 2001 and 2003. He split a very disappointing 2008 season between the Seattle Mariners and the Yankees.

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Millar

Kevin Millar has been a mainstay of the Baltimore Orioles for the past several years, and every once in a while, he posts a blog on the MLB Orioles site chronicling his life in the majors.

In perhaps his final entry on the site (a very long one), he talks about his time in Baltimore and how he still wants to be part of the organization despite the rebuilding.

Here’s an excerpt:

From the orioles.com: It’s just one of those things, but this team is not as far away as some people think. We just have to find a way to get some more starting pitching, and that’s not easy. It’s the organization’s plan to add some arms, and they’ll move from there. But aside from finishing last in the standings, you have to see some bright spots. You look at George Sherrill and Adam Jones and what they meant to us, and you look at Dennis Sarfate and Luke Scott, the guys they got back in some of the trades from last winter. Aside from the record, there were a lot of bright spots for whomever is willing to look for them.

Personally, my situation is the same. I’ve made it known that I’d like to come back here. I’ve made it known that I enjoy bringing energy to this clubhouse and I’ve enjoyed the three years that I’ve played here. It’s been phenomenal. Hopefully, they know who I am, but I’m angry at myself and I’m almost embarrassed at the way I finished. I did not swing the bat well the last six weeks, and the reality is that you’ve got to hit in this league. I scuffled, but they know I fight tooth and nail every day. I know it’s general manager Andy MacPhail’s job to go out and test the market, but if things work out, I’d love to be the first baseman here. I have a lot of work to do this offseason to prove something and to personally swing the bat the way I’m capable of.

For anyone who had watched the team for the last couple of seasons, it’s obvious that Kevin brought some fun, mentoring, and well-needed leadership at times to the Baltimore Orioles.

At this point, though — does he even deserve to be on the 2008 roster?

Well, he was a good soldier; however, at this point, it’s time for the Orioles to move on and perhaps find a younger, power bat — can we say, Mark Teixiera — or have Huff at first. But as a fan, I enjoyed having him around and maybe if there’s a fit, he should come back. Sadly, at this point, we have to look at the road ahead and get some new blood in.

The organization has enough men already on the wrong side of thirty, and the team may not need another one.

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The Santana Fallback: The Baltimore Orioles' Erik Bedard

As I have opined time and time on this blog and on Oriole Magic, I didn't think that Erik Bedard was all that hip to signing an extension and staying in Baltimore.

Now according to the Washington Post's Dave Shenin and Barry Svrluga, Bedard does not want to stay in Baltimore

For those teams that lose out on Santana, there still is no shortage of attractive pitchers available on the trade market.

Perhaps the best of those is left-hander Erik Bedard of the Baltimore Orioles, who is definitely available now that, according to league sources, he has informed the team he has no interest in signing an extension to stay in Baltimore beyond 2009, when he hits free agency.

And Bedard, who is perhaps one more solid year away from establishing himself as a true No. 1 starter, could be a poor man's Santana, costing a team half the talent and less than half the money (if they are interested in extending him) in a trade.

I have said before, he may not stay with the Orioles and considering his success in 2007, now is the time to deal him. He needs to put up good numbers for one more year before he can really, really reap the benefits of free agency and prove he can stay healthy.

Baltimore will not likely contend for at least 2 seasons, and I'd see resources put in place to secure young players who could be a core part of the organization's future.

I know some people may give me grief, but the move should be done if Erik has no interest in being an Oriole. I would hate to trade with the Red Sox or Yankees; however, if they can give us prospects or major league talent, I say move on it.