Cormier traded to Reds for young starter

The Phillies continued to unload veterans for prospects this morning by dealing situational left-hander Rheal Cormier to the Reds for 23-year-old starter Justin Germano. Cormier, 39, was in his sixth season with the Phils.

Cormier was having a comback season for the Phightins’, going 2-2 with a 1.59 ERA in 34 innings. Cormier becomes a free agent after the season and is the fourth reliever Cincinnati has added in the past few weeks .

Germano, originally a 13th-round draft pick of the San Diego Padres in the 2000 draft, made two appearances for the Reds this season, including a start on Saturday in which he gave up four runs in 5 2-3 innings against the Brewers, but also fanned 8 batters. He was 8-6 with a 3.69 ERA for Triple-A Louisville and has been used exclusively as a starter his entire career. Germano was acquired by the Reds as part of the Joe Randa deal from July of 2005.

Over his minor-league career, the 6-3, 200 lb. pitcher has some pretty solid strikeout-to-walk ratios and has been stingy with home runs, allowing only 76 of them in his previous 6 minor league seasons. At his highest, Germano was ranked by Baseball America as San Diego's seventh-best prospect prior to the 2005 season.

To replace Cormier, the Phillies have recalled 27-year-old reliever Brian Sanches, who was closing games for Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre.

Beerleaguer take
There’s nothing not to like about this deal, other than the Phillies will be forced to add Germano to the 40-man roster next season. He’s used up some options and has had a slow ascent to the majors, so the timetable will be short. Nevertheless, getting a starting prospect in a straight-up deal for Cormier is a plus, even if he projects, at the very best, as a No. 5. In addition, it clears a spot for Sanches to continue his development with the big club.

Comments

[Tim]

lieber and burrell will definately be put on waivers. maybe the sox will get desperate.

[davthom73]

Another hit for Coste, to go along with his home run this afternoon, and Coste's great throw to get Uggla at second base. Coste is now hitting .353. Certainly this guy should now get the bulk of the catching time, at least until he cools off at the plate, *if" he cools off, which I actually think may not happen. I think Coste is the kind of hitter who can hit anywhere with analogous numbers -- and there *are* such hitters -- and right now, "sample size", "scouting reports", "career minor leaguer" typecasting, "there's a reason why he was in the minors so long without a MLB look", and all that other conventional "thinking-in-the-box" wisdom, all looks increasingly pale at the moment. Right, Alby and Clout? I can't wait for your comebacks.

[Drama Queen]

i for one am glad castro is finally pitching. they went out and acquired this guy and didn't pitch him. he seems like he might be worth while next season.

[enrico]

No big DQ, just having some fun.

Interesting point Tim, I totally forgot about putting them on waivers. Let's hope the Yanks go on a tear.

[kdon]

I like Coste, but I can think I can state with more certainty than I ever have before that he will not continue to hit .350.

[Drama Queen]

once again from davthom, leader of the Chris "east -vs- west" coste fanclub. I'm still waiting for my boy Bobby Scales to get the call. I don't actually think he'll be any good, I'm just trying to have fun with this. I like to see guys given a chance. What does it hurt?

[MG]

I agree DramaQueen. No idea why the Phils acquired Castro and then buried him for weeks. Wasn't like he had a string of poor performances. Plus, the Phils have stiffs like White and Rhodes in the pen. You can't tell me that Castro isn't as good as what they two guys offer.

[joe]

isnt Coste on a 0.425+ tear right now?

of course, no one thinks that coste is going to hit ted williams numbers, but i think that he has a legitimate shot at .300.

[Lake Fred]

We had the "black hole." Maybe we can start referring to Lieber as the "Doughnut Hole". He's 36 and we owe him $8 million for next year! That's a big old doughnut!

[Jon]

I am glad he is pitching too. It's just that Manuel can't manage a pitching staff to save his life. It doesn't help that Gillick gave him somewhat of an endorsement yesterday. Hopefully that was just lip service....

[Drama Queen]

this is only my speculation, but Castro is indeed better than Rick White and Rhodes. I was really hoping Rhodes would be traded, but only about an hour and 20 minutes left for that to become reality unless through the whole waiver/trade route.

enrico, i know you were only messing around. i enjoy humor, i just don't enjoy pompous a-holes. you're not one of them.

[Jon]

32 for Chase!!

[Tim]

32!!!

[Lake Fred]

Yay! Utley got a hit!

[Drama Queen]

Reasons to watch phillies:

1. Utley is a pure joy to watch. Nevermind the 32 game hit streak, he is flat-out awesome!

2. Howard can crush!

3. Hamels continues to grow.

4. New faces!!!!!!!!!!

[Will]

YEAH CHASE!

Oh and they still have pitched him in a non-blow out. Anyone else notice this? But next time it's the eighth inning and we're winning by less than 3 out will come Rhodes.

[Tim]

i'd like to include the myers curve ball on that list.

[Tim]

re castrr: gillick said before that he probably wouldn't even be on the roster if he wasn't a rule 5 guy. they are just trying to develop him for next year and beyond. it is odd to use him 3 days in a row though.

[clout]

davthom: Post it 3 more times and I'll answer.

[zach]

What happened to Chase? Why was he replaced with Sandoval?

[MG]

Uncle Charlie needs to be fired this offseason. His "folksy" demeanor and his ability to keep a clubhouse relaxed was supposedly his prime attribute. His ingame strategy is awful and there seems to be no reason to his strategy/lineups. He isn't an "old school" manager who plays hot hitters nor is he a "saber guy" that plays matchups. He just seems like an old codger who is lost out there.

The worst part about Manuel are his postgame comments. I certainly won't miss Maneul's nuggest of wisdom, "When you pitch well, you win ballgames" or "The Phils' fans will cheer you when you are doing somethin' right." Ugh.

[J. Weitzel]

I don't think it's odd at all considering the circumstances. They're getting blown out. Why not throw him in there? He's 21. His arm won't fall off. He's missing a lot of development time because of this Rule 5 business, so they're going to get him work whenever they can. And they're probably short a few arms in the pen anyway with all the nonsense that's gone on.

[Tim]

does anyone doubt that gillick is on the phone with houston about oswalt?

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5833342

[MG]

Unless Gillick has naked pictures of Hunsicker, the Phils don't have any chance of getting a pitcher of Oswalt's stature.

[zach]

Oswalt is a free agent after this season and he won't want to sign with this team. What would be the point of getting him for the last half of this debacle?

[clout]

Despite what the Kool Aid drinkers and Phillies excuse-makers say, this is going to be a losing team for the rest of this year and next. Gillick gets high marks for his honesty yesterday.

[Tim]

i thought oswalt is up after next year. if he's not, i agree, it would make zero sense.

[kdon]

Oswalt is signed through 2007...still, zero chance the Phils are involved. Who would we offer? Somehow I don't think all our exciting new prospects will get the job done.

[Lake Fred]

Fabio had a nice outing. Not Rhodes, but Sanches. Definitely, a new team today. New faces all the time.

[clout]

Red Sox are on the verge of getting Kip Wells. One less destination for Leiber. Looks like we're stuck.

[Tim]

what's the beerleaguer comment record for one story?

[zach]

You're all right, it's after 2007 he's a FA, oops.

We could theoretically give them Burrell and Rowand. They still need offense if I'm not mistaken. But again, there's no point in having a pitcher who's up after next year, as our stated goal for next year is not really to make the playoffs.

[clout]

Be nice if we could dump Rhodes too, another Gillick mistake.

[Lake Fred]

We could throw in Lieber, too. They'd probably want a starter in return.

[clout]

Wasn't dumping Endy Chavez also a Gillick move?

[Bob D]

In a stunning development that could affect the Mets' postseason chances, right-handed setup man Duaner Sanchez is out for the year with a separated pitching shoulder, FOXSports.com has learned.

That just in about the Mets.

Maybe Rhodes or Franklin to set up Wagner HA!

[clout]

I hope someone is keeping track of these decisions so we can post a tally when Gillick quits or gets fired.

[Lake Fred]

The Marlins Josh Johnson is a solid starter. He's only 22. We can only hope one of our young hurlers could turn into a Josh Johnson. It was probably wise to waste Lieber on him.

[Drama Queen]

Castro should get a regular turn in the bullpen for the remainder of the season, throwing about every 3 days. We need to cut ties with Rick White and Rhodes, because they aren't that helpful now and won't be around for next season, so time to move on!

[clout]

SI.com is reporting that the Mets have traded Xavier Nady to the Pirates from Oliver Perez and Roberto Hernandez. Man, those Mets move fast!

[Bob D]

joe, your right about Coste

Give him a shot. He may make a good C/3B or even a utility player.

Manuel may not be the best one to manage this team now. They need someone (unless he will) to give all of these young guys a look so Pat and Co. can see what they have.

[That Dude]

I am just padding this thread to get it over 150.

[zach]

It looks like we gave as many young guys as possible a look today after it became a blowout. Danny Sandoval was brought in to replace Chase for no discernable reason (but all I have to go by is this Gameday thing).

[J. Weitzel]

Chase needs a break. It's about 99 degrees outside.

[Tim]

we absolutely have the stuff to get oswalt (not saying it would happen). don't foget gillick traded jeff kent for david cone in 92 or 93.

[Ed]

My buddy in NY is telling me that SI is posting:

Mets trade Nady to Pittsburgh for Oliver Perez and Roberto Hernandez.

I think we have to face facts that Omar (who has learned since his trading Grady Sizemore away days in Montreal) is simply a better GM than Gillick. I'm not saying Ollie is great, b/c yes, I play fantasy baseball religiously and I realize how much he stunk this year. But man. We couldn't trade Victorino for some pitching?

[Drama Queen]

Chase was probably removed for the simple fact that he already extended his hit streak, game was out of reach, and it's hot as balls!

[clout]

Dude: With a half hour to go before trade deadline we'll make it.
Queen: Castro represents an interesting gamble for Gillick. He's just about major-league ready and a hard thrower, but strictly a reliever. Gillick dealt Haigwood for him, a finesse lefty and further away from being ready, but, if he pans out, probably a decent #3 or #4 starter. Since hard-throwers have a better success rate than finesse guys, it's not a bad gamble.

[Tim]

omar has no rings. gillick has two and an alltime reguar season win record. omar has a goal to win now and has almost limitless resources, gillick has a goal to reform an organization and win over a period of time. it's really apples and oranges.

[Lake Fred]

Do you think Gillick is using the big broom to clean house and stockpile salary money to make the team a clean slate to help entice Lou Pinella to be the Phillies Manager? I'm sure that Lou will have a selection of teams to look at. Then after Lou takes the job, Gillick will build a team to Lou's liking.

[Bob D]

The real question is: Will the owners allow Gillick a $90 - 95 mil payroll next year?

Then we will see if this team improves.

[Bob D]

Lou Pinella may come to Philly if they will spend to put quality players around Utley, Howard, Myers, Hamels and Co.

[Drama Queen]

I'm sure I'll be blasted for this, but does the payroll need to be $90-95 million for next season? I think it would be nice for Gillick to have that money, but he doesn't necessarily need it to win.

[Jon]

4:00 has come and gone. Hopefully some late word of Phillies trades will come our way!

[clout]

Looks like we're stuck with Leiber, Rhodes and Lieberthal.

[Drama Queen]

looks like we have to wait through august to see if anything will come of lieber, lieberthal, fultz, or burrell this season, as far as being traded or given to another team.

[Bob D]

Now since its the last thing on everyones mind - watch the Phils make the playoffs. Wouldn't that be awesome! 5.5 games out after todays loss.

It may not be likely but its possible

[Tim]

no way salary is that high next year and definately doesn't need to be. the worst thing to do would be bring on guys just for salary purposes. they will probably lock up chase and ryan and maybe myers.

[Bob D]

That 90-95 mil considers big raises that Utley and Howard will probably get thru arbitration.

[Drama Queen]

holy crap, Clout and I posted at the same time with mostly the same statement...scary that we agreed.

[Ed]

Tim, last I checked they were both GM's trying to get their teams in a position to win the NL East when this season started. While the Mets did have a larger budget, the Phillies' budget was nothing to sneeze at.

In furtherance of that goal, Omar picked up Lo Duca, Wagner, Delgado. During the season, he responded to a freak injury to Sanchez by trading Nady for a RP that many teams wanted plus a live 25 year old arm in Ollie. There was some creativity here, etc.

I understand Abreu's no trade hampered things, but ppl have listed all of Gillick's moves (FA signings, etc) and while I admire his ability to cut his mistakes immmediately, man, there sure have been a lot of them to cut! Fasano, Franklin, that other RP from before the season. Nunez to an extent.

I think it's too glib to call it apples and oranges. It just seems like the Phillies are going around in circles while other teams get their chances in the post season.

And 1993 was 13 years ago. I don't really care that Gillick has two rings. Hell, Dallas Green has a ring, and I'd rather he stay away from the front office.

[Ed]

and now, omar has flipped ollie for linebrink. now THAT's brilliant.

[Drama Queen]

oliver perez for linebrink? if true that's a helluva move! damn mets!

[Ed]

I'll just sum up my frustrations this way: I'm so TIRED of us being handled like a small market team. If we had a great GM like Gardenhire or Beane, then that's one thing. But we don't have that type of creativity in our front office. (which is one reason I was so pleading for Hunsicker to be hired back then) We're in Philadelphia!!! *WE* should be the ones trading for Abreu, flipping Ollie for the best RP out there, etc. We're not KC, we're not Tampa Bay, we're not even Seattle. We're Philly.

[clout]

Looks like the Boston report was wrong. ESPN says the Rangers got Kip Wells from the Pirates for RHP Jesse Chavez. Also, Mets got a great reliever in Linebrink.

[J. Weitzel]

It's Linebrink for Heath Bell and Oliver Perez. A great move for Omar, but the loss of Sanchez is still a very big blow.

[Ed]

by "gardenhire", I meant terry ryan obviously.

wouldn't mind gardenhire as our manager either though.

[Ed]

it's really become a loss of nady at this point for them (I think Linebrink replaces Sanchez pretty well). And if they have endy "where the hell did that come from" chavez and Lastings Milledge platooning in RF, I think they come out on top with Roberto "I stunk in Philly" Hernandez and Linebrink.

Still need a starter though... Too bad Lidle wasn't around to trade to them.

[J. Weitzel]

According to CBS Sportsline, the Cubs have traded Greg Maddux to the Dodgers for Cesar Iszturis.

also, the Dodgers will also acquire SS Julio Lugo from the Devil Rays for 2B Joel Guzman, reports ESPN News.

[clout]

The Cubs apparently traded Greg Maddux for Cesar Izturis. Yipes!

[joe]

who the hell is cesar izturis?

[Tim]

ed - do you really think those minaya moves were brilliant? they were really no brainers. they were the best players at positions of need and he had a blank check. he also raided his farm system. i think omar is a great, great gm, but what he's done, even with pedro, is just yankee-like money spending to me.

[Ed]

Joel Guzman's more of a 3b/LF... BJ Upton can't be too happy about that one.

I say this all the time, but I kinda wish we had made a move for Joel Guzman. Perhaps we can make a move for BJ Upton now.

[clout]

Ed: I share your views. A lot of high quality prospects have changed teams the past couple days, none going to the Phillies.

[Ed]

yo tim - I don't think lo duca was a no brainer... he was considering guys like molina and hernandez, btu when lo duca became an option he jumped on it immediately. And look at that clubhouse, they love each other down there and lo duca is a big part of it. He gave up some prospects to get Delgado, but that alone was a good decision. Wagner was a no-brainer, I'll admit that one.

He'll regret not getting a starting pitcher I think, but what I like more about him is that there's a real sense of someone who's got the energy to look at EVERY possible option AND to come up with others that ppl haven't considered.

Case in point: EVERYone knew that the Phillies were trying to move Lieber, Lidle, Abreu, Burrell, etc. But why not try to move guys like Floyd, Victorino, hell Rollins (for all those teams trying to get Lugo, imagine what they'd give up for Rollins). We talk about needing to blow this team up, well, we still have Burrell, and we still have one of the worst lead off men in Rollins. I love his defense, but his philosophy on hitting is a killer sometimes. Why not pry away guys like Matt Kemp, Joel Guzman, Matt Garza.

Obviously, I don't know that they didn't try exactly that. But I just don't have faith that they did. There's no evidence of such thinking outside the usual lines. On the other hand, we see other GM's like Schuerholz (getting Farnsworth last year, or Baez and Aybar this year.. tho I like Betemit) or Minaya making deals where you're like "whoa, where did that come from". THAT'S what I want... it might not work every year, but hell, at least we'd know that the GM's are surely creative or something.

For that matter, why didn't we work our damnedest to get someone like Betemit or so on to fill our 3b slot? surely we could give someone better than Baez and Aybar.

[Tim]

how many former first round picks have been traded over the last view days. i know we got one from the yankees, but can't think of any others.

[Ed]

ugh, lugo got them joel guzman and another minor leaguer? I'd have pushed rollins on them and bet we could have gotten even more.

[Tim]

ed - you convinced me on lo duca. it just seemed like a no brainer to me becuase i always like him. delgado, beltran, pedro and wagner are moves ed wade could have made though =P

[clout]

Don't get hung up on which round a player was taken in. Henry is a raw athlete with poor baseball skills that may or may not improve with time. He's hitting .235 in A ball. He could be Drew Henson.

[Lake Fred]

I'm sick about reading about the Mets on this site. I don't care what they do. I care about the Phillies.

[Tim]

clout - really leave my posts alone. i don't want to be responsible in any way for your phillies induced depression. grab an antidepressant and stay away from the walt whitman, and my posts.

[clout]

Tim: Your posts don't depress me. I find your self-delusion amusing.

[Tim]

Crisis Councilors are waiting for your call.
http://suicidehotlines.com/pennsylvania.html

[MG]

I will be udderly shocked if this payroll is north of $80 million. I would be willing to bet it starts the season at $71-$72 million with a possibility of it being as low as $67 million. Especially if the Phils don't decide to go after a frontline starting pitcher this year.

[clout]

Joel Sherman in today's NY Post describes the players the Phils got from the Yankees as "marginal prospects from a marginal system."

[Tim]

i'm thinking they may do some contracts similar to gordons, where it starts high and ends low. other than that, i doubt payroll would be 90 mil also.

[Phils Fan In DC]

Random question, but I figured people here would know: looks like I'll be in Tampa tomorrow night, so I'm going to head to Clearwater to see our Threshers play the Tampa Yankees. Who are the guys I should be watching for? Any tips on food or the best seats in the house? I mean, for 8 bucks I know I can't go wrong, but I'm still curious.

[clout]

Just looked at the free agent crop this winter. Very weak, especially in pitching. I think Gillick is right to avoid a FA pitcher this winter. The best on the list is Soriano. The rest are aging vets whose best years are behind them or mediocrities like Aubrey Huff.

[joe]

philsfan:

just try not to sit in the "scouts section", it tends to make them surly...

oh, and check out all the players wives and gf's... its got to be 80% of attendance :-)

i liked costanzo when i was there, but it sounds like he hasnt been hitting this year ...

[Ed]

When I went for spring training, my favorite seats were in the outfield grass... it's just a great time out there. all the other seats you can get at any major league stadium... not too many places you can watch pro ball sitting on grass waiting for homeruns to get to you. beer in hand, butt on blanket, hot dog in stomach.

[RickSchuBlues]

As little as the Phillies got for Abreu/Lidle, it makes you realize how totally undesirable Jon Lieber must have been to other teams. Any contender would have wanted him last year at this time. The Phils apparenly couldn't even get someone to trade a wet sock for him. Burrell I can understand, he's got the contract and the no-trade. But that Lieber is still here, getting pounded all over the park, is more than a little surprising.

[Dick Richards]

Looks like it came down to Leiber or Sosa for the Cards. Anyone here doubt they made the right deal? Especially since Leiber is almost a sure shot to clear if the Phils waive him.

Geez...if I'm Leiber I'm sure that no one wanted me!

[Alby]

Sorry I'm so late, DavThom, I was at that sorry excuse for a professional baseball game this afternoon and have been rehydrating ever since....

Sorry again, but I'll have to repeat the words "small sample size," unless you're ready to relegate your boy Coste to the bench as soon as he goes through an 0-fer or two. You know, it's possible to like the guy without falling overboard. It's also possible to watch, oh, three games in a row, two of them wins and one a dreadful blowout loss, without leaping to any larger conclusions than the obvious one: This remains a team with some potent offensive players, gaping holes in the pitching rotation and, consequently, a maddeningly habit of playing roughly .500 ball. Does it disqualify me as a fan if I keep an even keel, don't pretend I can match wits with professional GMs and just enjoy watching baseball? I'm with Clout and KDon -- it's amusing to read some of the overwrought nonsense spouted here. Tell you what, check back with me in about a year and we'll see where Chris Coste is. Maybe he'll be the starting catcher with the Phillies, in which case my hat's off to you. If not, I won't hold your optimism against you. Your insistence that you're smarter than the professionals, on the other hand, will require more than the equivalent of a blind squirrel stumbling over an acorn.

[RickSchuBlues]

So now Lidle echoes Billy Wagner and questions the Phillies' desire to win.

How many more former players have to confirm that the team lacks a winning atmosphere before the Phillies get it through their heads that this is what needs to change above all?

The irony is that I felt Abreu was a prime culprit of the indifference Lidle is speaking of. Abreu insisted he "cared" in his parting comments yesterday. I have no doubt that Abreu cares about what he does. It's evident he has as much pride as anyone. But it's obvious that Lidle is accurate: just by watching them, an observer can tell they play as if they don't expect to win. And Abreu was the poster child for that attitude. Even his most ardent supporters must concede that he didn't exactly convey a sense of great determination out there. Who else could Lidle have been referring to? Burrell and Lieberthal are the most obvious candidates. But how much further has it spread? What will it take to change the culture of the clubhouse? This is Gillick's biggest challenge. We've already seen how building supposedly great teams on paper doesn't amount to anything when the team still plays like a bunch of losers.

The good news is, as far as I can tell, Gillick seems to get this. I think it's a big reason why the trade was made yesterday. I think this team, if nothing else, is going to be far more of an actual *team* starting next year. A team we can get behind and not be so down on or frustrated by, even if they don't win with much more frequency than they have this year. That represents a step in the right direction, and it's good enough for me.

[That Dude]

197

[Alby]

RSB: Like you, I will watch next year's team even if it wins at the same rate as this one. But I don't think enough Philadelphians feel the same way. Granted, today was a miserable day for a game, but attendance was 20,000 and change, a figure management will have to get used to if they intend to rebuild. I can't predict the future, but they must have some idea what throwing in the towel from the get-go will do to attendance, and it might be a reason for them to avoid the FA market this winter: They will lose money with the payroll at $90 million, so the payroll will be lower (that's how I read the Gillick quotes about "running the team like a business.") From a fan's standpoint, I hope they avoid the FA market because I would prefer they not part with the draft choices.

[clout]

Alby: I'm with you. The Phillies fans will vote with their feet. We'll find out if the Kool Aid drinkers outnumber the realists. I also find it amusing that someone thinks they can get inside Abreu's head and tell us what he was thinking. LOL.

[Davthom73]

Fair enough commentary, Alby, and I'll take you up on your proposal. I'll happily wear the "blind squirrel" moniker if Coste continues to hit and play defense as he has. I believe that you will acknowledge that so far, and we're 70 at bats into the "sample" now, "the bigger the sample", the progressively stronger Coste's player profile has become. And while this afternoon's game was a Phillies (Lieber) disaster, you saw Coste stand out as perhaps the Phillies' lone bright spot, with a home run, two-for-four, and the CS of Uggla. I was only able to catch the radio call on my desktop in my office. By the way, when Coste threw out Uggla, was it a throw from Coste's knees, or just a standard throw to second?

[RickSchuBlues]

Alby, it remains to be seen just what type of club this is going to be next year. You may be right that a lot of Philly fans are pissed enough about getting no return for Abreu, and that they aren't going to want to support anything remebling yet another rebuilding process. But there also seems to be an equally strong faction of people like myself who are happy the Phillies finally are unloading vestiges of an inglorious past, and interpret it as a necessary road to a better future. If the team shows a difference in personality - if it begins to take its lead from people like Utley, Howard, Victorino - I think a lot of people will come to like it and be willing to support it healthily even if it does not appear to be a playoff contender.

[Davthom73]

At first I wondered why Bourn was brought up yesterday afternoon, only to be sent back down to Scranton Wilkes-Barre today. The explanation on the Phillies web site is: "Roberson had to wait 10 days after being sent down the last time, giving the Phillies a reason to call up Bourn as a stopgap. Roberson, mostly used as a pinch-runner, is 1-for-16 this year for the Phillies." If the alternative was Roberson, I think Bourn should have been given more time on the Phillies bench before Roberson was recalled again. In his prior visits to the Phils, Roberson has consistently looked badly overmatched against major league pitching, particularly against hard throwers' ie., pitches upwards of 90-91 m.p.h. In fact, although Roberson has one base hit on his ledger sheet, I can't even recall Roberson ever hitting the ball out of the infield.