Ken Rosenthal has suggested a trade that I, quite frankly, hadn't ever considered: Brian Roberts for Rickie Weeks.

This wouldn't be straight up, of course, as Rosenthal suggests the Os would need to throw in a young pitcher or reliever to get Weeks.  Let that sink in.  Roberts is 30- and hitting .284, and Weeks is 25-years old and hitting .210 this season.  Roberts has a track record as a plus defender and an above average hitter, while Weeks, in two years, has been competent at second and hasn't hit all too well.

What also confuses me is Rosenthal's statement that "Roberts, a more accomplished leadoff hitter and better defender than Weeks" but is worth less then Weeks just because of age and that he only has one year left on his contract.  Also, that the Os could be more patient with Weeks then the Brewers were.  Even though Weeks was never projected to be as strong a defender as Roberts.

Rosenthal suggests that Weeks would become "another young, athletic building block to go with Adam Jones and Nick Markakis" despite Weeks not living up to the expectations that were thrust upon him when he was a prospect.  This isn't uncommon, however.

Here's what I'm suggesting, Roberts for prospects or guys who have some major league experience, just as was mentioned over the offseason.  SSs Alcides Escobar or Brent Brewer would be a start and adding one or two of RHPs Jeremy Jeffress, Luis Pena, Robert Bryson, or Mark Rogers.  That's a trade that will benefit the Orioles new construct of pitching and defense and trading for young guys, and filling a gaping hole, offensively and defensively, at second base and leadoff for the Brewers.  Heck, if Roberts for a group of three prospects doesn't work, throw in Bradford or Walker and request a low-A, power arm prospect as well.

That's a trade that makes sense.  Not Roberts, a two-time All-Star, and a pitcher for Rickie Weeks, a streaky hitter whose defense is good, not great, and hasn't fulfilled expectations in two and half years of playing time.