It’s been a positive week in Birdland, and today Brian Roberts spoke to some of the media briefly about his almost-done contract extenstion with the Baltimore Orioles…
Roberts clearly is relieved to be at the end of a multi-year process that nearly led to him being traded to the Chicago Cubs before spring training a year ago. He had made it clear that he wanted to get something done quickly this spring and team officials obviously felt the same way.
“It’ll be a relief at some point,” he said, “but if something hadn’t worked out, I’d still go out and play. If it works out the way we want it to, it’s great for me and my family. It’s something we put a lot of time and effort into on both sides.”
For fans who are interpreting this as an endorsement of the Orioles’ rebuilding plan, Roberts said that’s a fair interpretation.
“I don’t think I would have made the commitment to begin negotiations if I didn’t think in the course of the process over the next four or five years, we would have a chance to win. It’s not going to be easy. It’s never easy in this division, but we’ve seen Tampa Bay do it.”
Another thing that clearly had an impact on Roberts was the club’s ability to sign teammate Nick Markakis to a six-year, $66.1 million extension.
“To see that commitment to him for six years is great,” Roberts said. “He’s somebody who’s going to be here for a long time. If I get to play the rest of my career here, I hope he’s the next guy to do that.”
Most fans are giddy about the deal, as is the media. Like I have said, the Orioles may have overpaid and given him one year long; however, considering the organization has had little positive take place in years, the Roberts’ contract is a winner.
- Casey Willett says that Brian Roberts value extends off the field.
- Aubrey Huff held court with the media feels no pressure at all to have a repeat of his successful 2008.
- The Orioles are expecting a lot from Ryan Freel.
- Felix Pie is being held up in the Dominican Republic because of visa issues…
- Roch Kubatko informs us Hill looks better today than he has throughout camp.
