The definition of “unlikely” according to Merriam-Webster is: not likely, improbable, likely to fail….and that was the word Andy MacPhail used on Wednesday to update the media on the possibility of Brian Roberts being traded to the Cubs. Fitting, isn’t it?
While Brian Roberts appears to be staying in Baltimore, the Cubs made more roster moves and is Lou Piniella really thinking of inserting Kosuke Fukudome in the leadoff spot? Here is the latest from the desert and the “final” rumors on the Roberts deal…. Brian Roberts
Jeff Zrebiec from the Baltimore Sun joined Dave Kaplan during Sports Central Live on Wednesday night and the two discussed, well….Brian Roberts. Zrebiec told Kaplan that barring anything unforeseen, Roberts will remain with the Baltimore Orioles. He then added he is “not saying something still could not happen.”
Kaplan brought up Roberts’ back problems and Zrebiec said he received a cortisone shot on Tuesday. Roberts will be fine by Opening Day. Kaplan told Zrebiec about a conversation he had with a scout while he was in Arizona. The scout told Kaplan he does not understand why Roberts is still with the Orioles.
Zrebiec mentioned Roberts is tired of losing and wonders how he (Roberts) will handle staying with the Orioles, at least for now.
The topic of the players involved in the possible trade was then discussed and Zrebiec said he was told Jose Ceda was in the deal. He believes the Orioles are not as high on Ceda as the Cubs. According to Zrebiec, the Cubs were using him as a big part of the deal since Ceda is the Cubs’ number one pitching prospect.
The Orioles want more Major League ready talent for Orioles. Zrebiec used the words “sure thing” and the Orioles wanted the Cubs to upgrade the talent they were offering.
After Kaplan was finished talking to Zrebiec before he went to break, Kaplan said he was told the Cubs offer was “obscene” and the Cubs went way over the top with their offer.
Zrebiec reported in the Baltimore Sun on Wednesday, “the Orioles will revisit trade talks for Roberts closer to the July trade deadline.” He reiterated the last package the Cubs offered was Ronny Cedeno, Sean Gallagher, Donald Veal and Jose Ceda.
Paul Sullivan said good-bye to the Roberts rumors….or did he?
Alex Cintron
The Cubs apparently told Alex Cintron he was not going to make the team before Tuesday’s game. The Cubs officially released Cintron on Wednesday and, as speculated, he was signed in anticipation of the Cubs making another trade….Cintron would have served as the Cubs utility infielder. Cintron decided to accept free agency instead of a minor league assignment.
Kosuke Fukudome
The Cubs new right fielder might be used in the leadoff role against lefties this season. The Chicago Tribune stated Reed Johnson would likely be used early in the season as Lou Piniella’s leadoff hitter against southpaws.
According to a report on Cubs.com, Fukudome could hit in the leadoff spot as early as this weekend against Jarrod Washburn and the Mariners in Vegas.
Matt Murton
Several reports from Arizona on Wednesday indicated Matt Murton will not make the Cubs Opening Day lineup “and the team will try to help the outfielder land a big-league job through a trade in the final days of camp.”
Mark DeRosa
The Cubs second baseman is ready to leave Arizona according to a report on Cubs.com. Mark DeRosa was scratched from Wednesday’s game with the Angels because of sinusitis. At least, for now, Mr. DeRosa will not have to answer anymore questions about Brian Roberts.
Tim Lahey
The Cubs are “expected” to place Tim Lahey on waivers according to a report on Cubs.com. In a prearranged deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, the Cubs had the Rays draft Lahey in last winter’s Rule 5 draft. By rule Lahey must remain with the Cubs for the full season on the 25-man roster. If the Cubs do place Lahey on waivers and another team picks him up, the same rule applies. So if Lahey is not picked up, he would be returned to the Minnesota Twins….remember the PTBNL for Craig Monroe?
Preston Gomez
Fomer Cubs’ manager, Preston Gomez, “was in critical condition at a Palm Springs hospital late Wednesday after being hit by a pick-up truck at a gas station in Blythe, California” according to several reports.