Roberts vs. DeRosa (Orioles vs. Cubs)

In Chicago it's the "what if" series, otherwise known as known on Chicago's north side as Cubs vs. Orioles. The "what if" is Brian Roberts, as in what if the Cubs had been able to trade for the Orioles second baseman? We'll probably never know, but tonight began the heavy scrutiny of current Cubs second baseman Mark DeRosa as he goes head-to-head with the guy who Cubs fans hoped would be playing his position. The line score for Roberts and DeRosa in game one:

BR: 5 AB, 2 R, 3 H, 1 RBI, 1 K
MD: 3 AB, 0 R, 1 H, 0 RBI, 1 BB

Roberts clearly wins this battle, and his run-scoring sixth inning triple was followed by a two-out infield single hit to DeRosa. Roberts scored on that play. Baltimore goes on to win, 7-5, snapping the Cubs' 14-game home win streak.

Fantasy Impact: Roberts started slow, but is now hitting .296 after his 3-5 effort. DeRosa's average also climbed to .286. He's not the base-stealing threat Roberts is, and the Cubs wanted Roberts' ability at the top of the order. He's the better second baseman, but DeRosa is decent as a mid- to low-end fantasy option.