Francoeur Gives In, Roberts Nears Deal

Once-stud outfielder Jeff Francoeur has agreed to a $3.375 million, one-year contract with the Atlanta Braves.

The two sides avoided an arbitration hearing which was scheduled for Friday by reaching an agreement just before midnight Wednesday on the midway point between both offers.

If the 25-year-old reaches 685 plate appearances this season, he'll also receive a $25,000 bonus. What he does with those at bats will absolutely have a hand in deciding where he plays in 2010.

Francoeur is hoping to spring back from a less-than-desirable 2008 season where he was sent to the minors amidst hitting .239 with just 11 homers and 71 RBIs.

[Sports Network] | [MLB Trade Rumors] | [Baseball Musings]

Brian Roberts Gets Extension From O's

The Baltimore Orioles have finally locked down their leadoff hitter through the 2009 season, signing second baseman Brian Roberts to a two-year contract extension Wednesday, reportedly worth $14.3 million including a no-trade clause.

A month and a half ago, Roberts avoided arbitration by signing a one-year contract worth $4.2 million - a $1.1 million increase from last season.

The 29-year-old switch-hitter batted .286 with 10 home runs, 55 RBI and a career-high 36 stolen bags last season, rebounding gracefully from offseason elbow surgery as he played in 138 games.

A fan favorite, especially among the ladies, Roberts has spent his entire career in Baltimore, batting .280 with 40 homers, 250 RBI and 136 steals.

He enjoyed a career season in 2005 when he hit .314 with 18 longballs, driving in 73 runs and earning his only All-Star appearance.

[Baltimore Sun]

Orioles, Roberts Nearing Extension

Brian Roberts and the Baltimore Orioles are getting closer to an agreement on a two-year extension that would hold the second baseman through the 2009 season.

Roberts is already inked to a $4.2 million deal for this season, but the O's want an extension since he would become an eligible free agent after 2008.

The discussion over this deal has been going on for months now, and so far the two sides have only agreed that the extension will be for two years. They're still working out the kinks on financial terms and a no-trade clause.

The 29-year-old has a career batting average of .280 and set career highs in 2005 with a .314 average, 18 homers and 73 RBIs before his season was shortened by an elbow injury requiring offseason surgery.

[Baltimore Orioles News]

Roberts, Orioles Come To Terms

Brian Roberts agreed Thursday to a $4.2 milion, one-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles, meeting in the middle of his $4.6 million asking price and the O's offer $3.8 million offer.

Rebounding from an elbow injury last season, the second baseman  made $3.1 million and hit .286 with 10 home runs and 55 RBIs at the leadoff spot. In 138 games, he scored 85 runs and stole 36 bases.

His new contract includes incentives for making the All-Star team, earning a Gold Glove or Silver Slugger Award, and being named MVP for the season or in the playoffs.

This deal leaves center fielder Corey Patterson and pitcher Erik Bedard hanging in arbitration. Patterson is seeking $4.6 million, while the Orioles (surprise!) are offering $4 million. An even bigger gap existed between the club's $2.7 million offer to Bedard's $4 million he filed.

[Baltimore Sun]