- Full name Mark A. Roberts
- Born Charlotte, NC
- Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 175 / Bats: L / Throws: L
- School Georgia Perimeter College
- Drafted in the 1st round (26th overall) by the Cleveland Guardians in 1980 (signed for $20,000).
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When the Marlins tired of Amaury Garcia and decided he wasn't suited for a big league utility role, they traded him for Roberts. After going 23-34 in his first four pro seasons, Roberts finally showed why Chicago took him in the fourth round of the 1996 draft. He started the 2000 season as a reliever with Double-A Birmingham but wound up as a big winner in the Triple-A rotation. Though he forced his way into consideration for the Sox' 40-man roster, Roberts still was stuck behind several prospects in baseball's most pitching-rich organization. He had a tendency to nibble in previous years but went right after hitters last season, when his fastball jumped from the high 80s to 92-94 mph. He also threw his slider harder than in recent years. With the added velocity, both pitches had more bite. Roberts might have a future as a big league starter, though his shortest road would be as a swingman. He could force his way into the Florida picture this year.
