Maddon on B-Rob

Brian Roberts’
absence goes beyond the expected shuffling of Ty Wigginton
and Julio
Lugo at second base.  Monday’s decision to place
Roberts on the 15-day disabled list, with the possibility that he could be
shelved longer, also dramatically changes the complexion of the Orioles lineup. 

“He sets
it up for that team,” Rays manager Joe Maddon said of
Roberts prior to Monday’s Rays-Orioles series opener.  I’m sure it’s going
to make it more difficult for them, because he’s one of the legitimate leadoff
hitters. You have guys hitting leadoff hitters that maybe aren’t legitimate
leadoff hitters. He’s truly a solid No. 1 guy. So, that’s going to have an
impact on them.”

Orioles
manager Dave
Trembley admits there is no way of replacing Roberts’ productivity, but the
team will give it their best shot by likely using a mixture of Felix Pie, Adam
Jones and Cesar Izturis in the top spot.  Pie was Monday’s leadoff hitter
and Trembley said, “right now, he makes the most sense.”

The left
fielder got off to a great start in Monday’s game, hitting a solo shot in the
first inning for his first career leadoff home run.  The only problem with
Pie being the leadoff hitter is it usually means Nolan Reimold is out of the
lineup. (Or Luke Scott if they let Reimold DH.)

Trembley admitted Reimold’s isn’t a conventional leadoff man,
since he is more of an RBI guy. But the Orioles might have to use an
unconventional approach. Given their lack of timely hitting, (9-for-54 entering
Monday) it might be worth a shot.

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