32-year old switch-hitting 2B Brian Roberts is looking to put up another good season for the Orioles in 2010. He played in 159 games for the Orioles last season and he was 179 for 632 (.283 avg, .807 OPS) with 110 runs scored, 16 homers, 79 RBIs and 30 stolen bases. The RBIs were a huge spike for him as he had 22 more than he had in 2008 so the Orioles are hoping that it wasn’t a mirage. But with the line-up the Orioles have put together for 2010, Roberts should get a lot of chances to drive in runs again in 2010 despite batting leadoff. In the field Roberts made 11 errors while showing below average range. As long as he keeps hitting well the Orioles will overlook his defensive shortcomings.

25-year old Robert Andino can fill in at 2B as he is a solid defender but not much of a hitter. He played 8 error-free games at 2B for the Orioles in 2009. But, if something were to happen to Roberts where he would miss some time the O’s would probably insert Ty Wigginton there. He played 8 error-free games at 2B last season while showing pretty poor range. The thinking is that the 32-year old righty swinging Wigginton’s bat would make up for his mitt.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2B IN 2010: B+