Orioles' Adam Jones proving he's the real deal
It may be a little difficult but perhaps the best way to watch an Orioles game is to think in terms of a year or two from now and if you can do that, you were encouraged last night by center fielder Adam Jones during Baltimore's 8-3 home win over Toronto. The 22-year-old Jones was 4-2-2-2 with a two-run homer.
Since mid-May when he slipped to below .225, Jones has steadily raised his average to .282 with six homers, 43 RBIs and 41 runs. He has been putting together his hitting game mostly batting deep in the lineup, seventh and eighth, but last night he was in the No. 2 hole. With that move, the Orioles have three batters over .280 hitting 1-2-3-4 -- Brian Roberts, Jones, Nick Markakis and Aubrey Huff (who just happens to project to a 30 HR, 100 RBI season).
But back to Jones. He has a banged-up ankle and missed the series-ender against Detroit but wanted back in against Toronto. He almost put himself out again when he crashed into the wall at Camden Yards chasing an extra-base hit but after a scary moment, he got to his feet. As time goes on, the Orioles would like to see a little more pop in Jones' bat -- which should come as he matures -- and a few more walks, something that also will come with experience. But Jones is already one important thing that has to come from inside. He's a gamer.
Comments
i love this kid. ordered his jersey as soon as the trade was announced, hopefully he , markakis and reinold will anchor our outfield for a long time.
Posted by: bms | July 22, 2008 10:10 AM
It's important to note that the two-run HR was, in fact, to the opposite field. He crushed it.
Even when he struggled, he looked like the real deal out there. Consider Jones, Markakis and Wieters to be a formidable 3-4-5 for years to come. Although Jones would make a solid #2 if he can take more walks.
The Bedard deal has already paid off. In time, we'll compare it with the most lopsided in history.
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Alex,
I agree on Jones as a No. 2 and yes again on the walks. That should come.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: alex | July 22, 2008 10:13 AM
Sorry to change the subject from Adam to Nick. But, an article in the Sun today has me riled up.
Open Letter to Mr. Angelos. Please pay fair market value and keep Nick. You think the seats are empty now? Just wait and see what happens if he ends up in another uniform. Some of the fans have forgiven you for losing Mussina and not keeping your word. They wont be so forgiving this time around. Its time to man-up and show the fans that you are committed to this team and its fans.
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Capt.,
See tomorrow's rant in the paper.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Captain Jack | July 22, 2008 11:12 AM
Adam Jones is also a good person from what I have read. He doesn't have that prima donna attitude.
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Dean,
From everything we can tell, I agree.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Dean in Hawaii | July 22, 2008 12:31 PM
This view is the refreshing one to have. I get tired listening to people on the radio who beat up this team because they are not a contender now. That was never the idea coming into this season. The only part of this team, from a development standpoint, that concerns me is the starting pitching. Cabrera seems to be regressing again and the starting pitching(minus Guthrie) seems to be slipping as well. But, all things considered, I think that this team is a great fighting team and has shown true grit.
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Eric,
I think the intangibles are something for which we have to credit the manager. He is an even-handed, level-headed guy who provides just the right amount of push and encouragement without exhausting the troops. He understrands this is a long-haul enterprise.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Eric | July 22, 2008 1:57 PM