Roberts trade appears unlikely

Mar 26, 2008 - 10:21 PM JUPITER, Florida (Ticker) -- Second baseman Brian Roberts may be staying in Baltimore after all.

Andy MacPhail, the Orioles' director of baseball operations, said Wednesday that he does not expect to complete a trade involving Roberts by Opening Day.

There has been speculation for months that Roberts, a two-time All-Star, would be headed to the Chicago Cubs before the start of the season.

MacPhail admitted he has had lengthy discussions with the Cubs, but the teams have been unable to find common ground. They each open their seasons on Monday.

According to published reports, Chicago is willing to give up prospects Sean Gallagher, Eric Patterson and Ronny Cedeno.

"We continue to talk," MacPhail said. "I think with each passing hour at this point, it's (a trade) less and less likely."

Roberts is considered one of the best trade chips for the Orioles, whom many observers believe could lose in excess of 100 games this season in the competitive AL East.

MacPhail already has traded shortstop Miguel Tejada and pitcher Erik Bedard. Tejada was dealt to the Houston Astros and Bedard was sent to the Seattle Mariners.

Roberts, a switch hitter who bats leadoff in the Orioles' lineup, batted .290 last season with a .370 on-base percentage. He drew 88 walks and stole 50 bases.

If the Orioles and Cubs do not work out a deal, Mark DeRosa likely will start the season as Chicago's starting second baseman.