Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Cedeno Seizing Spotlight

During the saga that was the Orioles-Cubs trade talks, Cubs infielder Ronny Cedeno was mentioned in pretty much every leaked, rumored, or daydreamed trade proposal. There was a time when he was considered a top prospect, but he had stagnated somewhat. He was a nice piece to the trade proposals, but far from a centerpiece. It was almost as though his inclusion was merely due to a lack of a better alternative (among middle infielders).

Cedeno made the Cubs' Opening Day roster as a utility player, but recently he has been starting at shortstop, due to an injury to starter Ryan Theriot. Cedeno's play has been well above expectations - hitting .345/.406/.552 with 10 runs scored, 3 doubles, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 1 SB, 3 BB & 5 SO in 13 games (29 AB). He's played the part of hero the last two games, coming up with a clutch 2-out 2 RBI single on Monday, and hitting a Grand Slam today. With this type of play, how much do the Orioles wish it was coming in an O's uniform?

Well, I'm sure the O's would like to see that kind of production from a shortstop in Baltimore, but it's still too early to say whether or not holding off on the Brian Roberts trade was a good idea (sorry for the cop out). However, it is worth keeping an eye on. If trade talks resurface mid-season, they will most likely involve many of the same names, including Ronny Cedeno.

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