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After a breakout 2005 season Roberts struggled early on at Triple-A this past season, but picked up the pace and even received a promotion up to the major leagues. What is the future for Roberts? Scouts have debated on this topic over the past two years, but it’s now becoming clearer.
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Vital Statistics:
Name: Ryan Roberts
Position: Second Base-Third Base
DOB: September 19, 1980
Height: 5’11
Weight: 193
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Roberts struggled at Triple-A Syracuse this past season batting just .215 (17-79) over his first 20 games of the season, but then picked up the pace a little more. Over his next 23 games he batted .274 (23-84), and .283 (11-92) over the month of June. During those three months of the season the infielder had a total of three home runs – one in each month. Once July rolled around, Roberts was making the adjustments to Triple-A pitching and was getting himself acclimated to the league. As a result he batted .341 (28-82) and hit six home runs.
It was the perfect time for Roberts to get hot because the Jays were looking to send Russ Adams down to Triple-A. Roberts got just 13 at-bats with the Jays before he was optioned down to the minor leagues on August 28. His lone hit was a home run against the New York Yankees.
“Repetition is a big key for me,” said Roberts when talking about when he feels most comfortable at the plate. “I work ok doing the same thing over and over again. I focus on keeping my balance at the plate and show consistency.”
"The swing I've had the most success with, the one that I've been trying to stick with, is a soft, quick swing,” Roberts went on to say. “When you're swinging wood, you just immediately think you've got to swing harder, and that gets you in trouble. This past season I worked a lot on my swing, and I got it to where I had that short quick swing, which is a lot more effective, but I'm trying to be more consistent with that."
Roberts is known as a walking billboard with over 30 tattoos on his body, each of them representing a portion of his life or a memorable event.
This amazing season could turn into a billboard for Roberts as he might decide to document it on his body. Roberts over thirty tattoos over his body and said they represent important points in his life, and it is a way for him to remember them.
“I started getting them around high school, and they document the important events in my life. It basically is a billboard of my past.”
Batting and Power Description: Roberts does have plus power, and has proven he can hit the long ball when he feels comfortable at the plate. Roberts exhibits good opposite-field power and has a good eye at the plate. He will always post a solid on-base percentage, when he stays within himself at the plate and doesn’t try to force the issue. Some talent evaluators question if he can maintain his power against polished pitchers, and as a result they don’t rank Roberts among the top tiered players. Regardless, the infielder possesses a solid bat, and has experience in two different positions, making him a valuable commodity.
Base Running and Speed: Roberts has above-average speed when he is running the base paths, but has yet to master the art of the steal in professional baseball. The Jays have spent time working with Roberts to help him study and recognize pitchers and their moves to first and home, as well as his footwork during his first and secondary leads. Roberts must first gain confidence in himself and become aggressive before the stolen base numbers will begin to show up in professional baseball.
Defense: Let’s keep in mind Roberts was drafted as a third baseman and was recently converted to second base – a position he rarely played before. Roberts is athletic enough to handle the position and has the toughness to turn the double plays. His range is questioned by some talent evaluators, as is his lack of an accurate arm.
2007 Outlook: Roberts will begin the 2007 season with the Syracuse Chiefs.
ETA: With Russ Adams, Aaron Hill, Royce Clayton, John McDonald, and Jason Smith in the mix it will be tough for Roberts to break into the major leagues.
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