I hope we find out soon. I don't think Kosuke is enough to put us over the top. Hope Hendry works some magic before they report for camp..

Well, this is very interesting. I imagine that if the previous rumors involving the Cubs and O's having a framework in place are true we could see a Brian Roberts deal materialize very quickly once this goes down.

Damn, I would have liked Erik. Just not at that price, especially Hill. I think Hill will have a good second full year at the bigs.

I do think getting Roberts will help. Maybe something will get done this week.

Kenny Lofton to back up Pie or Fuld anyone? (whichever makes the starting spot and the other staying in AAA)

i definately think that they should give lofton a one year deal, he was still very affective last year. They should of never let him go in the first place!!

Roberts will be next ... the big question is will it be to the Cubs, Indians or another team.

If Baltimore is getting Adam Jones (CF) I doubt that Pie will traded. I'm willing to bet that iy will be: Murton, Cedeno and a young pitcher.

I doubt Murton goes to the O's, because they have competent corner outfielders, Markakis and Scott. More likely ex Cubs would be Marshall or Gallagher, Ceda, Veal and Cedeno. Besides Roberts, we might also get the pitcher, Sarfate or the older (and over paid) CF whose name now escapes me. That's a lot to pay, but Roberts is a two time all star with three or four good years left.

The catcher Clement likely goes to the O's from Seattle with Jones--along with a couple more decent prospects. Rather quickly, the O's fans have an interesting young team--along with the same old ogre for an owner. Maybe he will decide it's time to sell.

We need a front line pitcher much, much more than we need Roberts. Trade everyone not bolted down for Santana (ha,ha).

No way JH should give up Pie, in that deal. Also, Gallagher, Cedeno, Veal Ceda, AND Murton for Robert's. You must be an Oriole fan!! Murton's going to San Diego in a Greene deal.

One thing though - I'm glad SOMETHING finally happened with Baltimore. I'd be willing to bet the trade for Roberts is in place by the end of the week now. I just hope it's to the Cubs.

If you'd like to see Roberts in Cubbie blue, now might be a good time to cross your fingers because it's likely to happen pretty quickly once Jones passes that physical.

On a side note:

Interesting tidbit in the latest VineLine concerning the prospects in the minors. There was a survey of Cubs brass, scouts, and minor league coaches.

Unfortunately I don't have it in front of me but I do remember that Sam Fuld was voted as the best plate discipline, best contact hitter, best defensive outfielder, most accurate arm, and (two things that caught my eye) best baseball IQ and best work ethic. There were a couple of other spots where he led a particular category as well, but I'm on the road and don't have it with me.

...which to me says there may be a good reason that management is open to trading Pie. He has value outside the organization AND they may actually be just as high on Fuld.

So if it's Pie instead of Murton, it might not be such a bad thing. Fuld might actually deserve a shot. I'd love to see him making catches in center field like he did the end of last year. If we manage to add Roberts, then the offense is likely to score runs without needing him to be a big producer at the plate, so let the kid play.

Actually... I'd just be happy to let ANY kid play CF. Pie, Roberts, Patterson, Cedeno... whoever. If there was EVER a time to just trust a position to a rookie, this would be that time. With every other position except SS and arguably C filled with a proven hitter - and Soto looks pretty good. And if the kid fails... let one of the others have a shot. No big loss.

Carmen... I'm thinkin you were a 3rd base man as Ronnie would say--who could really pick it. No, Murton was taken out of the trade I mentioned above. Also, I meant Patton the lefty and not Sarfate the rightie. I'm a bulb or two short of a chandelier here tonight. It's a little less painful a deal if we possibly solve our need for a promising lefty who could move to the pen.

The old outfielder is Payton, and I would rather move Murton for a younger guy who could play all the outfield positions.

Jim[Tinley], I hear you!

Brandon W.....I second you there!!

I say pick up roberts, and platoon Kenny Lofton with either w/pie or fuld, depending on who goes in a trade..

Seems as though this is "99% done (mlbtraderumors.com)"...and a Roberts trade to the Cubs is next, but for Gallagher and Pie...how is this possible with the acquisition of Adam Jones? I don't understand it...if we dont sign Roberts to long term, this seems to be a terrible trade:

Leaves DeRosa on the bench and we have no CF beyond Fuld...a dozen years of Pie (and Gallagher) or possible two years of Roberts...take your pick.