Orioles and Roberts on verge of deal

February 18, 2009 · Paul Raymond · Jump to comments

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In a surprising twist the Baltimore Orioles and All-Star second baseman Brian Roberts are close to a contract extension. Why is it surprising? Quite a few reasons actually. One, the trade rumors that Roberts name has been involved with, mainly the Chicago Cubs. Two, just a few weeks ago the rumor was that the two sides were FAR apart. So what happened, what changed?

I think this extension happened cause the Orioles finally gave Roberts the respect that he felt he deserved. About a month ago, I wrote that Roberts was seeking a four year deal, instead of the three he was being offered. I even said he must of wanted a long term deal to see that the team wants and respects him, especially after all the trade rumors. Looking at all the details it seems I may have actually been right for once, go figure.

So what is the contract? Details aren’t finalized yet but it appears to be a four year, $40 million deal. How does this make me believe it was about respect? He initially turned down a three year, $30 million deal. Same salary, additional year, yea that sounds like someone just wants his team to want him. The Baltimore Sun reports that the deal materialized pretty quickly once both sides backed off demands. The Orioles wanted three years at ten, Roberts wanted four years at twelve per. The two sides found the middle ground, can’t every contract negotiation be so simple?

“We’ve definitely made progress,” Roberts said told MASN. “I hope we get something worked out and I can be with the O’s the rest of my career. This past weekend my agent and Mr. MacPhail had some serious discussions to try and get something that both sides could agree on. They made huge strides.

After that comment, you definitely got to thing it was all about respect and loving where he plays. Novel idea since many players aren’t like that anymore.

The strangest part of the whole scenario? Roberts thinks the Orioles have a chance to be successful.

“I would have never engaged in talks if I did not think we could be competitive during the length of this contract. It’s beginning to turn for us.”

I don’t have much against the Orioles, they haven’t been a threat to my New York Yankees in years. BUT, I don’t like seeing them do anything that could help them succeed. I did say in that earlier article that the Orioles need to bring back Roberts even if its not a good deal for the future of the franchise. The reasoning? The fans. He’s one of the only guys on that team that the fans have enjoyed watching play. So on that note I applaud the Orioles for keeping the fans happy.

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