By Marc Carig
Washington Post Staff Writer
Monday, July 14, 2008

BOSTON, July 13 -- Baltimore Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts missed his final chance last week at earning a third all-star honor, finishing a distant fourth in online fan voting for the final spot on the American League roster. The snub hasn't dampened what's been a standout first half for Roberts.

"It's just part of the game. All-star games are great," he said. "It's something I'll cherish forever, but there's a lot of people that are left out that are having pretty good years. It's not the end of the world. It's a fun thing, and you shouldn't take it too seriously."

The Orioles' leadoff hitter enters the all-star break with first-half career highs in doubles (33), triples (eight) and stolen bases (27). He leads the AL in triples and ranks second in doubles.

Roberts has been a catalyst for the Orioles this season. In Baltimore's 45 victories, he is hitting .324 with 24 steals and 25 extra-base hits compared with just .263 in Orioles losses.

"He's not going to New York as an all-star, but he's all-star player for us and he's an all-star player for me," Manager Dave Trembley said. "What he does for the club and what he does to make the team go speaks for itself."

Right-hander Radhamés Liz isn't scheduled to make his next start until a week from Monday. But after his last appearance -- a 2 1/3- inning, eight-run debacle on Saturday night -- Liz said he wants to use the extra time to iron out problems.

"He'll have some time and when we get back on Thursday, he'll have at least two times to work with [pitching coach Rick] Kranitz in the bullpen," Trembley said.

Liz said most of his problems have stemmed from his mind-set on the mound, which he said was the main culprit during his brutal start against the Red Sox.

"When I came out in the third inning, I was trying to do a little bit too much, using more of my body than my mind," Liz said. "I've got the stuff to pitch here and I know I've got it. I've got to use my mind so I don't try to be too perfect."

Liz's performances have grown steadily worse since his arrival from Class AAA Norfolk on June 3. He showed signs of progress in his first two starts, posting a 3.48 ERA. As his command waned over his next four starts, his ERA rose to 6.27 though the Orioles won all four games. But there's been no masking Liz's ineffectiveness in his last two outings, in which he's posted an unsightly 18.00 ERA.

"I know it's going to get better, and everybody knows I'm going to get better," Liz said.