Brian Roberts

Brian Roberts was expected to provide infield play in the O's minor-league system in 2001. Albeit appearing have some talent, Roberts had missed almost all of his first minor-league season. The former first round pick impressed Oriole brass in the spring, however, and was considered a candidate to come north with the club before being reassigned at the tail end of Spring Training..

The Oriole fans who were curious about this young player were to have their curiosity sated sooner than later, however, as Roberts became a fixture at shortstop following the season-ending injury to Mike Bordick in mid-June.

What did Oriole fans see from Brian Roberts?

Well, initially, he got off to a strong start, as rookies sometimes do, and, as is usually the case, fans immediately take to the player, and begin expecting that initial level of play on an ongoing basis. Roberts was not up to such expectations, but he certainly gave every indication for his first 40 games (..292 Batting average through July.)

Then the roof caved in.

Roberts, though steady in the field and a sparkplug on the basepaths, exhibited something very unusual for someone with his pedegree (his father, for whom he played part of his college career, is a long-time coach)...he showed no real sense for a solid approach to hitting at the ML level. He absolutely refused to take a base on balls. He was even quoted in the paper as "needing to take an agressive approach at the plate." The problem is, of course, that a hitter who doesn't hit for a really high average and has no power, really can contribute offensively only with an outstanding OBP. Roberts', at the end of July when he was hitting .292, was .314.

Of course, the casual fan didn't pay much attention to this, nor did the media; but then, the batting average began to plummit, as Roberts flailed at pitches nowhere near the plate. His defense and game sense seemed to suffer, as well, as he began making mental errors both afield and on the basepaths. He hit less than .200 over his next 30 games.

Roberts will likely perform more efficiently in future visits to the majors. His minor league and college history would suggest that he knows how to take a base on balls, and how to hit when behind in the count. This past season, once he was down in the count, the at-bat was effectively over (.211/.234/.314).

Roberts' playing time dwindled in September, as Tony Batista was often moved over to short to allow Cal Ripken to play third every day as his career was winding down. It may have been a good thing, as Roberts appeared more and more lost with the passage of every game.

In 2002, it's likely that he will not be in an Oriole uniform barring injury or trade. His future looks as if he could project as a potential below-average shortstop or second baseman, or a utility player. He simply doesn't seem to have the bat required to be more than that.

To contribute to the Orioles in 2002, Roberts must:

(1.) Get a plan. Have a thought at the plate. Learn how to work counts and not fold when he gets behind.

(2.) push his OBP and BA way up from where they were in 2001.

(3.) cut down on the mental errors.

NOTES: hit .296 leading off an inning...conversely, hit .189 with runners in scoring position, with 10 K's in only 53 AB...hit .182 in 11 games as the leadoff man...pinch hit 9 times, tallying one single...went 5-for-17 against the Yankees (.294)...hit .158 against the A's.