The Sad Story of Former Diamond Heel Baltimore Oriole 2B Brian Roberts

The Baltimore Orioles second basemen on opening day 2012 is little known infielder by the name of Robert Andino.  Before the 2010 season one of the few bright spots on the team was for Diamond Heels 2b Brian Roberts.  Roberts had become an All-Star and one of the game’s best lead off hitters.  When he broke into the majors Roberts was known for his solid glove work at 2b and his skills on the base paths.  The switch hitter worked tirelessly and developed into a dynamic hitter at the plate.  The 5’9′ / 175 pound Roberts even found a way to add some power to his game hitting a career high 18 home runs in his career year of 2005.

Brian Roberts averaged 146 games played from 2003-2009 the club rewarded him with a four year, $40 million dollar contract following the 09 season.  Ever since then, it’s been all downhill for Roberts who has played in just 98 total games over the past two seasons.  Suffering from lingering concussion symptoms, Roberts was in uniform but was not introduced with his teammates and remains on the disabled list.  No timetable has been set and it’s impossible to tell when, or even if Roberts will return to Baltimore’s lineup.

The story of how all this came about is both sad and stupid.  It makes me feel for Roberts but at the same time I sort of want to punch him and say what were you thinking man!?!?  While it hasn’t been proven, the speculation during the 2010 season, which was also injur riddled for  Roberts who sustained a back injury, earlier that season, was that Roberts had caused the concussion when, out of sheer frustration from a bad plate appearance, he struck himself in the helmet with his bat on the return to the dugout.  The team hoped last season Roberts could put the injuries behind him after he his season was derailed by a number of injuries the previous season (back, strained abdominal muscle and of course the concussion).

But in May of the 2011 season, O’s manager Buck Showalter had to take Roberts out of the game after he complained of headaches.  After testing revealed he had suffered a concussion, sliding into first base trying to beat out a potential infield single.  And ever since that day we have yet to see #1 take his familiar position at 2b and at the top of the lineup.  Roberts has continued to rehab and work towards getting back with the team.  If you’ve haven’t followed the story, it’s been a bit like the stock market of late.  One day it’s up and people are optimistic, then a minor setback clouds things and further delays a potential return.  The O’s desperately need Brian Roberts in their lineup.  The team does not have a traditional lead off hitter without him nor do they have an adequate replacement at 2b.  As an O’s fan, Roberts has been one of my favorite players each and every year.

Aside from the Tar Heel connection, Roberts is great for the organization.  He’s the type of guy you see at the ball park and he’ll stop and talk with you, pose for a picture and sign anything you put in front of him and thank you for being a loyal fan before you part ways.  He plays hard, maybe too hard honestly.  I just hope that one day Roberts can get back on the field safely and contribute before it’s too late.  And if that happens, the team needs to have a long talk with him about protecting himself for the future.  Being the designated hitter part of the time would seem to help and taking some scheduled days off would also seem to assist in his transition back to being an everyday player.  Ultimately, if Roberts is able to make it back onto the field for more than a cameo.  He needs to stop doing things that put him in this type of position, sliding into first base should be illegal, it hardly ever works out and it’s a very dangerous play.  And for God’s sakes, please Brian, stop hitting yourself in the freaking head with baseball bats.

Brian Roberts Career Stats-Batting

Meanwhile his salary isn’t doing anything to help the Orioles case.  Stuck with a tight pocket owner Peter Angelos (in my view the worst owner in baseball).  Roberts is costing the O’s $10 million per year while he rehabs, unsure of when he will be able to take the field again, if ever.

Salaries

Salaries may not be complete, and may not include some earned bonuses