In my own little world, I think Brian Roberts had a solid season in 2009. He hit a ton of doubles (56 to be exact). He was one of the consistent contributors within the O’s lineup. He was one of the players who signed a big contract and was the cornerstone for this team. So what shocked me is when I compared his numbers to other 2nd basemen, they were mediocre. When I compared his numbers to the other 2nd basemen in the division, they were arguably the worst.
How much of the blame should be attributed to Roberts? How much should be attributed to the lack of a dynamic office? It’s hard to tell sometimes. That doesn’t mean we can’t and shouldn’t expect more production out of him.
He has the ability to be a dynamic player, and an improved lineup should help his output. Roberts numbers took a real beating in the latter part of the summer when Adam Jones went out with injuries. He hovered around .300 before that happened.
The biggest question with Roberts this season is…. Will he give up during the season? Roberts is an emotional player and losing gets to him. This was a concern last season and it seemed like he worked things out with Trembley.
The O’s have many things that need to go right for them in order to have a successful season in 2010. One of those is definitely having Brian Roberts playing at the top of his game. As such, I fully expect to see Roberts numbers hover amongst the elite second basemen in the game.
I'm hoping that having his old infield mate, Tejada back will reinvigorate Roberts and push him onto bigger things.
I'm hoping he acts like he cares and hustles.
The play of Roberts is big for the Orioles. When his bat does well the Orioles do well offensively.
So where would you guys rank him among AL East 2B's? I guess you have to put Pedroia #1. Aaron Hill had a monster year last year and looks to have real upside. He would be my #2. I will put Roberts ahead of Cano, because I think his power #'s were inflated by the new stadium and Roberts steals more bases. And ahead of Ben Zobrist because he has to prove to me he is more than a flash in th pan and Roberts is abetter glove man.
I think you're right on Pilson.
JP,
I think Roberts is a really solid 2B, falling just behind Pedroia. Pedroia's advantage is the age factor – 6 years younger, and the fact that he plays on a winning ballclub. Numbers wise they shake out pretty even.
One could argue he was the 4th best 2B in the division last year.
Mark,
I agree that by looking at last years #'s you could say that. Maybe even rank him 5th. But that is just a 1 year glimpse It is hard to size Roberts up against the rest of the 2B in the AL East. A few years ago I would have said he was the best, but the rest of the division has caught up at the position. Add to that that B-Rob is older than all the others and his case is weakened.
Jeff
To be honest, I knocked him down because he dogged it big time last year. Not that he was the only one but to me he was one of the more egregious ones. He even admitted it.
Some plays in the field where he flat out gave up on balls. When he ran from 2nd to home because he thought there were 2 outs and he was doubled up.
Age certainly isn't on his side. That's for sure.
BRob is right up there among the AL elite…Pedroia, Cano, Kinsler, BRob in no particular order. IF BRob had some additional weapons in his line up, I think he'd put up some better numbers-Caesar Salad, Andino, Wiggenton and Banana Cream Pie in the back side of the line up do not threaten anyone.