Brian Roberts, 2006 Upper Deck Future Stars #2

I was starting to worry that it wouldn't happen again in 2010, but last night Brian Roberts took the field for the Orioles. It was his first game in three and one-half months, as back and abdominal injuries kept him sidelined. There were multiple illnesses and setbacks during the recovery process, but he finally caught a few breaks and made it through a recent minor-league rehab stint without any complications. There's no question that the O's suffered in Brian's absence, as Julio Lugo, Corey Patterson, and Felix Pie failed to replicate his production and skills in the leadoff spot. There were also some defensive breakdowns at second base, especially when Scott Moore and Ty Wigginton were positioned there.

So what are the early returns? Well, he went hitless in four at-bats. But the Birds won 3-2, and even without getting on base, Roberts still showed his value by seeing as many pitches in his first at-bat as Pie had seen in his first three at-bats the previous night while batting leadoff. The hometown fans were appreciative of his skills, giving him a warm ovation after he grounded to second base. Welcome back, and try to stay in one piece this time.