The news came Friday night that there is a possibility that Brian Roberts might require hip surgery. If that is the case, the question must be asked: is it worth it?

Roberts pondered that for more than a year as he worked his way back from concussions. When he debuted in early June, it was the feel-good story of the year … and then he batted less than .200 for the next couple of weeks. The former standout leadoff hitter batted similarly in 2011 before going out permanently with concussion symptoms.

Then, he was placed on the DL this week with a sore groin. It turns out he has a tear in his right hip labral. Some players are out for two months after surgery. Roberts and the Orioles are going to get a second opinion, but if Roberts works his way back to be with the team in mid-September, what are the Orioles getting? He didn't make the Orioles better during his most recent return.

It's great watching a comeback story that works, but a diminished player with injury issues isn't. Roberts was once a good player on a series of bad teams in Baltimore. The Orioles owe Roberts millions of dollars during the next few seasons, but that shouldn't be a reason to push him back to the club if it's not working out.

Roberts should leave the game in a dignified manner if his body seems as if it's ready to fail him.

Posted July 7, 2012