According to Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, the Chicago Cubs will no longer trade for Baltimore Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts before Opening Day. This trade has seemed imminent for at least 2 months now, but nothing ever got finalized. In fact, we had reported here at Fleece Factor several days ago that the Orioles had never even told the Cubs what players it would take in return to get a deal done.

Rosenthal states that “while a revival of the discussions is always possible, the two sides are at an impasse.” It is also noted that the O’s continue to scout the Cubbies minor-league games.  

It looks as if the Cubs will go with shortstop Ryan Theriot in the leadoff spot now, with veteran Mark DeRosa starting at second base. 

Filed under: Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs