As spring training approaches, the Baltimore Orioles and Brian Roberts have moved no closer to a contract extension, but the second baseman's agent believes there is still a chance.

"We certainly haven't made any progress recently, but neither side has closed the door," said Roberts' agent, Mark Pieper.

Although neither Pieper nor the club will comment on specifics, an industry source said the Orioles have offered a multiyear deal worth about $10 million per season but that the sides are still significantly apart in terms of both years and money.

Roberts, 31, has been with the Orioles his entire career, but he can become a free agent at the end of 2009. He has said repeatedly he does not want negotiations to be an in-season distraction, meaning the next few weeks could be monumental for Roberts, who also is getting married this month.

Pieper suggested that negotiations would probably be terminated "somewhere in the middle" between the start of spring training in mid-February and Opening Day on April 6 if an agreement can't be reached.

Orioles president Andy MacPhail would not address the Roberts situation, except to say, "We don't find it advantageous to discuss our negotiations in the media."

If the Orioles cannot re-sign Roberts, there is an increasing likelihood they would deal the speedy leadoff hitter. Despite rumors to the contrary, MacPhail said he has not had any trade talks involving Roberts for at least a month

Source: Baltimore Sun