A wary camper

Roberts starts his spring still unsure of his future with Orioles

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Brian Roberts wasn't completely comfortable discussing his potential trade to the Chicago Cubs and a departure from the only organization he has played for. But it beat fielding questions about the alternative - his inclusion in the Mitchell Report and his subsequent admission that he tried steroids once in 2003.

Roberts arrived at Orioles spring training yesterday and met with reporters for 10 minutes, most of it spent fielding questions about his future with the club, which drafted him in 1999 and has watched him develop into a two-time All-Star and one of the franchise's most popular players.

"It's just a touchy situation just because I love the Orioles," Roberts said. "I've been here since Day One, and I do want to see this organization win. I've always said that. I made a commitment when I signed my deal. But certainly on the other hand, when you see two of your best players gone, a lot of unknown [players] come in - very talented I'm sure - but unknowns nonetheless. The organization essentially has conceded [that] we probably won't win for a couple of years. It's hard to swallow at first, but I'm here. Wherever I am Opening Day, I'll do my job."

Roberts chose his words carefully throughout the session with the media, which came before the team's first full-squad workout this spring. He was low-key, sarcastic and even defensive at times. With Miguel Tejada and Erik Bedard having been traded and rumors of a potential deal with the Cubs swirling, Roberts wouldn't say definitively that he wanted to be the latest Orioles veteran sent out of town. However, he also made it clear he doesn't want to be part of a rebuilding process.

"I would never call this organization and say, `I want to be traded. I need to be traded,' " Roberts said. "I signed a contract. I signed a deal. I understand when I make a commitment, that's what I'm here for. But as I said earlier, you want to win. ... For this organization, if it's better to send me to another place and get a couple of pieces for down the road, I understand that, too. The sooner the chance I get to win, the better off."

Roberts, who is under contractual control by the Orioles through the 2009 season, has discussed his future with president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail. MacPhail described the second baseman as "curious" and encouraged Roberts to call him if he had any questions.