Brian Roberts was 3 for 5 tonight, with a double in his second rehab start with the Bowie Baysox. Combined with his 2 for 5 last-night, and Roberts appears just about ready to return to the Majors.
In a year where the O’s are 30+ games under .500 it is easy to dismiss Roberts’ return as a something that does not matter. I would complete disagree with that point of view, and believe his return is extremely significant.
It is important for the organization, the fans, Roberts teammates, and Roberts himself to go into this off-season without his health hanging over the team as a question. While Roberts is older than the rest of the core of players you are moving forward with, he signed through the 2013 season. That contract makes him part of the core.
If Roberts can play nearly everyday these remaining two months without further setback, the organization can spend the Winter addressing other needs. If Roberts gets back to the Majors only to wind-up being rushed back to the Disabled List, the O’s will be forced to work on obtaining a potential everyday replacement for 2nd. You could also argue that if Roberts has to avoid running as much or requires additional rest, that the O’s will have to look for additional depth.
It is hard to imagine this team being dramatically improved in 2011, without a healthy and productive Roberts at the top of the lineup. I would imagine that Roberts and the organization do not have aspirations of Roberts again averaging the 157 games played that he did during the 2007-09 seasons. To me, the goal will have to be having him in the 2011 lineup for 135 games or so.
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.