So, the holidays are over, a new year is upon us, and the Phillies have made their first move of 2008, trading spare outfielder Chris Roberson to the Orioles in a cash deal.No real surprise here. Roberson's future with the Phils already was tenuous when last season ended, and any slim chance he had of earning a roster spot was wiped away once Geoff Jenkins, So Taguchi and Chris Snelling were acquired. Roberson was out of minor-league options, and the Phillies weren't going to carry seven outfielders. They probably won't carry six.
Roberson's athleticism is undeniable, but his baseball acumen remains raw. In parts of two seasons with the Phils, he batted .232 (16-for-69) with two RBIs, five stolen bases, 13 strikeouts and one walk. Last spring, he made so many mental mistakes that he was part of the first batch of players shipped to minor-league camp.
Now, harnessing Roberson's potential is the Orioles' problem.
Also, catcher Pete LaForest was removed from the 40-man roster and outrighted to triple-A Lehigh Valley. He'll still attend major-league spring training, just as a non-roster player.
Quick programming note: Check back later today or tomorrow for The Blog's suggested New Year's resolutions for various Phillies players, coaches and front-office personnel. Meanwhile, feel free to suggest a few of your own.
3 comments:
Ownership must be happy ... CASH is their favorite player!!!
I heard Lauber say he was lobbying for Roberson to be traded back in Septmeber.
Doesn't this still leave us with one more roster spot to cut, or is my math off?
My resolution is to lay off Burrell. He did step it up last year, (albiet not to the tune of a Soriano) but his efforts are needed and a happy pat is a good Pat.
hopefully............
Post a Comment