When Brian Roberts got his contract extension last year, I thought that the Orioles might pay down the road for giving him a deal – 4 years – that started in 2009.
I thought Brian’s deal might turn into one the team would later regret, sort like what happened this season with Melvin Mora that served as a case of buyer’s remorse.
When everything was said and done, I thought Roberts had been signed for one year too long with a contract that was a tad generous.
Obviously, there’s a good amount of time left on Roberts’ deal before it expires; however, right now, it looks like he’ll stay healthy, and he should post some very strong numbers in the years to come.
However, from what I saw in last season, Roberts put in one his best efforts at the plate, despite the Orioles’ record. Although there were some fans that questioned his hustle and wondered where his mind was at time, he no doubt delivered time and time again offensively. Even though he’ll be 32 when the 2010 season begins, the man shows no sign of slowing down, based on his doubles record, along with his .283 average, 16 homers, 79 RBIs, a .807 OPS, and 30 stolen bases.
Based on what I saw, extending Brian may have been money well spent. Now, the rebuilding project needs to speed up, and the second baseman needs a stronger supporting case.
He’s always said that his wish was to play ‘meaningful baseball in September’, and let’s hope it happens soon.
