masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgThe big development at Camden Yards yesterday really took place before the game, when Brian Roberts spoke for more than seven minutes with reporters about his impending return to the diamond.

Roberts has not played for the Orioles since May 16, 2011, but said yesterday that he should be able to begin a minor league rehab assignment very soon. The exact date has not been set, but it now could be days or weeks away – and not months down the road.

Here are some audio clips from that interview…The big development at Camden Yards yesterday really took place before the game, when Brian Roberts spoke for more than seven minutes with reporters about his impending return to the diamond.

Roberts has not played for the Orioles since May 16, 2011, but said yesterday that he should be able to begin a minor league rehab assignment very soon. The exact date has not been set, but it now could be days or weeks away – and not months down the road.

Here are some audio clips from that interview where Roberts said the start of a rehab assignment is close. He also explained why it is best right now for him to play for a full-season affiliate rather than go to work out at extended spring training in Sarasota.

He was also asked if he thinks he has to try and win his old job back from Robert Andino and talked about how he feels now that his long road back is about to get him back on the field.

Roberts said he could begin a minor lg rehab within weeks by smelewski

Roberts on why play for a full season affiliate than going to Sarasota by smelewski

Roberts was asked if he has to win his job back from Robert Andino by smelewski

Roberts was asked is this a triumph just to make it back to the field by smelewski

What is your take?: What do you think about Roberts’ possible return to the Orioles? How well can he play after missing so much time? How could this impact the Orioles?