As Kurt has already pointed out, the trade talks for Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts has died today. In the wake of this news, I feel compelled to say a few words about the trade talks that we all got to know so well.

Trade talks…what to say about dear ole trade talks. You were only a part of our lives for four months, but it has seemed like an eternity since we lived in a time without you. You came to us as an interesting little rumor but you quickly grew into a serious topic of conversation and object of desire for the Cubs and their fans.

I’ll never forget that smile that I saw across the front pages of the Tribune and Sun-Times’ websites as I read the latest information on your development. It always made me dream of the future we could have had together if you weren’t so cruelly taken away from us.

We’ve had good times speculating which Cubs players would have been involved with you (the likes of Cedeno, Murton, and Gallagher come to mind) and how you might bring stability to our amoeba-like batting order.

Sure, you were tainted by accusations and admittance of steroid usage, but who among us is not without sin?

You taunted us, teased us, and (for most Cubs fans) tortured us with your existence. Your departure from our world may be depressing for the dreamers, but for most, we are now presented with an opportunity to move on with our lives…

…until July when we will start this all over again.