I don't think a hat toss is unprofessional, as it doesn't insult the fans. Now, if you make an offensive gesture towards, or otherwise mock the fans, that would be unprofessional, IMO.

These players need much more emoion and intensity. They are expectiing to lose or something to go wrong. They need to heighten the awareness and get involved.

Even a few fights would be good for them.

Some like Wiggington and Miguel need to vent to the team and let it fly. Be a leader and be demanding. Hold Court!

I am all for the emotion - My question to Jones is - Why does he care now? It seems that he has been going through the entire season.

Does he have any options left? He is the one who needs sent to Norfolk to get his head on straight. 34 K's in 38 games isn't getting it done.

I would have thought the the "King of Swing" Terry Crowley - the sage of hitting - would have him hitting about .400. What a joke!

Earl Weaver had it right when he said "Terry Crowley is lucky he is in f'ing baseball right now. He got released by Cincinnati Reds, got released by the Altanta Braves. Terry Crowley is a guy who can watch a good game and sit on his butt for 8 innings and come in and break one open in the f'ing 9th"

I don't think the toss is bush league. I think the kettle on Jones just blew. It really showed that HE knew he's part of the problem right now. The offense is really killing the birds right now. Moreso the lack of hitting w/runners in scoring position. That's the bottom line. Besides maybe 3 or 4 blown saves, if the Birds could of just hit in maybe 1/2 their scenarios they could conceivably have 6 or 7 more wins and be maybe 18-21??? Wow...would that be so bad????
Maybe we wouldn't be having all the conversations.

The starters have done the job..."for the most part". Time to put the blame where it is...a crappy underacheiving offense.

Ugh...where do we go from here?????

I welcome it. Shows me that at least they care about the fact that this team is an utter failure so far this year.

It's unprofessional and it wreaks of self-centered, "why aren't things going the way they should be going".

But honestly, I don't care. They shouldn't be frustrated because they're losing. They should be embarrassed because of the stupid crap they do to lose.

They don't practice base running. They don't practice fielding. They don't practice moving the runners. They don't always run out a ground ball. They don't do anything extra to improve.

All they do is swing the bat in the cage with no plan or sense of urgency to warm up for the next game. They don't work extra on anything that they desperately need to work extra on.

It is unwelcome - kids are watching - it's intimidating for them to watch athletes slam their bats, throw their helmets, and generally put their foul moods on display.

Emotion belongs in sports. These are young guys in great shape who should expect to win. When they screw up, it's a good sign when they show they care. Leave poker faces to the card players.

As for some kind of court, as Ed referred to, a guy who sits in front of me in my Sunday seats said the same thing regarding F. Robby's kangaroo court when the O's used to win. That has to start before the season, before a team gets to where we are now. Its good to see some kind of emotion from a team that over the last few years has showed little of it. The O's lack a leader and management doesn't seem to show much in that way either. I said to my son during the game last night when Patterson didn't score from third that those are the kind of mistakes the really good teams don't make and we seem to be making them all the time and there is no accountability from above. I know managers don't usually out players to the press but maybe in desperation that should be done. I'm feeling that if we don't make a "move" against these so called weaker teams that Trembly might be gone after the Nats series. Then we'll hear from all the players that he shoudn't have been the fall guy...crocodile tears....so is that "emotion"? Jones is a major reason we are where we are. Its nice to see him recognize that but he has to discipline himself on the field and just plain do better. Discipline seems to be in short supply. That seems to be collective on this team so far this year, I find myself asking what exactly was done in spring training? Whatever did happen to that fabled Oriole way? My son and I are just plain frustrated at the lack of emotion and baseball sense, so if throwing a helmet can start something maybe tonight I'll look for a bunch of them tonight.

Good for Jones.

We need more life on this team.

He's a big part of our future and I don't want pulseless players who don't appear to care (ala Atkins and that goofy grin he wears all game).

Good for Jones. Maybe it jumpstarts him. If you aren't angry and frustrated then you have no business being on the O's right now.

I have no problem with the helmet throw....as long as it was accurate and didn't miss the cutoff man.

Seriously....it's good to see some emotion from this otherwise lifeless bunch!

I certainly can empathize with Jones on that one. He threw his helmet at the exact very moment I tossed my Oriole hat at the TV.

I don't know if Adam was taken out of the game or not because my wife made me pick up my hat, stand in the corner and then go to bed without ice cream.

We are so used to the Orioles losing that we now have blogs about loser etiquette. How about if we get some good players and become winners?

I would actually love to see more of this to a certain degree. Take last night for example. Farnsworth came back to the dugout after his inning and kicked the water cooler and he only gave up one run and did not surrender the lead. I wish there was at least one player on this team that cared enough or didn't accept poor performance. Nick Markakis is a great player but he is never clutch and every time he gets out he just strolls back to the dugout with a blank stare like it is no big deal. There is nothing more infuriating than that, you just want to go shake him. Does anyone have any fire on this team? It just seems too much like losing this badly is just fine. Atkins recently said he isn't worried and his hitting will come around. Well of course he isn't worried because he gets his $4.5 Mil plus a $500K buyout next year weather he hits or not.

I honestly don't care whether they show frustration or not. I just want the team to perform at the major league level and be fun to watch and they're certainly not anywhere near that at this time.

Baseball's culture is very anti-expression, both positive and negative. There are too many ups and downs in the game to talk smack, grandstand, etc. It's such a mental game you don't want to show your opponent that you are frustrated or struggling (pitchers especially). That's the sin, I guess, but I have always thought it was too restrictive on ballplayers, and always cherish those moments when you do see their personalities emerge. As for Jones, unfortunately, I think such a moment shows that his frustration is building, that he is losing confidence. I think a trip to AAA might be in order; overall I am worried that he may not be that good a player. Let's hope he's not a Mike Young-type, who had a great half-season in like 1985, and then hung on in mediocrity for years as the O's waited for him to show that production again.

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Barkeep's Reply: O fan, excellent thoughts overall. Drink chip on me.

I'm tired of the grunts and groans and cussing. Stop throwing things, being babies and be the player that your paid to be.

It's nice to see him show some emotion and some self-realization that he's a big part of the problem right now. If anything, it shows that he does care about his on-field performance. It'd be nice if this incident jump starts the offense, but I doubt that's going to happen.

Emotion is one thing, but throwing a bat/helmet is not needed. It's not professional and reeks of immaturity, especially at this level.

I'm frustrated by his abysmal play this season, why shouldn't he be? Maybe he should try listening to his coaches for once. That is, after all, what they're there for.
Unprofessional, just like the other 24 on this team.

who cares..just freaking win a damn game or two...beat an ump w/a bat for all i care just win already...and everyone needs to stop being so damn politically correct...if a player throws a bat that doesnt mean a kid will...it called parenting...smarten up

This is a symptom of what is wrong with Adam Jones. He started last season patient and focused, resulting in a great first half. Then he received his gold glove and all-star invite. His ego will win the gold glove this year. He needs to stop reading last year's press clippings and get back to basics.
As for showing frustration in general, fine, but the way players show their frustration says a lot about them.

Emotionless players in any sport are boring. But there is a line. One helmet toss doesn't condemn a guy in my book. But Jones could look to Miguel Tejada for guidance. You always know what Miggy is thinking, but he isn't throwing things or punching water coolers. For those of you talking minor leagues for Jones: It ain't gonna happen. Moving him down in the order is the solution, just as it was when he first came up. He's our all-star from last year, and a Gold Glover. Sending him down won't help his state of mind and we don't have a better solution anyway. Reimold is a much less proven player and is where he needs to be.

Not being able to control his emotions is a big reason why Jones swings at so many bad balls. Its not eyesight, its excitability. yes, he's immature, no, he's not that good, and yes, he was overly hyped by his idiot manager, overhyped by the local media, and then, overhyped by all of baseball by inexplicably making the all star team.

Throwing a handful of bats or the water cooler on the field is unprofessional. Pulling a base out of the ground and heaving it is unprofessional. Slamming a bat down or chucking a helmet is a sign of frustration that boils over from a distaste of failure and lack of production. A byproduct of an intense desire to be successful. I'd argue that such display validates that he truly wants to win and he wants to contribute to the team's success. Attempting to paint his actions as immature would be like throwing stones is glass houses. Is Adam Jones in the same city that adored Earl Weaver?

When you see Adam Jones blowing a bubble during his attempted steal of second, your problems are much greater than throwing helmits. What do expect the out come to be with lack luster effort like that?

It is now painfully obvious to even the most naive fan that this rebuild as it is called
is of the bargain basement type
and players such as GA at first will be the norm not the exception. Since the owner is not fully committed to winning
why does he not sell the team?He would make a handsome profit.

Throwing a helmet shows no commitment to the tantrum. I prefer the old days when Bo Jackson would break bats over his knees or head.

Off topic comment - was Trembley brave or stupid for leaving Atkins in to lead off the ninth? It worked...but was it the right move?

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Jeff Z's reply: Who was he going to use to pinch hit for Atkins? Craig Tatum? Julio Lugo? Lou Montanez may have been a logical answer earlier this month, but the guy hasn't faced live big league pitching in nearly two weeks. You can't throw him up there against one of the best closers in the game under those circumstances.

Dan - I don't see why you're even asking this question (slow news day? lol). Jonesy acknowledged he was out of line as would even a properly coached Little Leaguer.

Yes, it's great that he cares, but if I'm the opposing pitcher I'd love to see such a display as it shows Adam's out of control. Lots easier to pitch to someone who's letting the frustration get to them.

Ummmm, how about asking Adam.... what the heck are you swinging at a 3-1 pitch that at best you could muscle it to the 3rd baseman?

His baseball IQ and pitch recogntion is what we should concern ourselves w/ here and not his helmet going 50 feet down the line. Plus, what were there, like 750 fans their last night?

Totally unprofessional. As a fan, do I think he meant to hit into a double play? No. So why throw a tantrum? If he really cared, he could try getting on base.

I don't think it was very professional. Luke Scott shows class. Jones just looks like a spoiled brat throwing his helment. He guess what if your mad then get better don't through temper tantrums just work to be better. These outburst aren't going anywhere and are a sign of immaturity.

Don't worry Adam, only a few more years and you can leave and go to a team that cares about winning

You need a cool head and a calculating brain to play good baseball. Not a ton of brain pwerer, but some.

My sons little league coach has a rule about throwing equipment out of frustration. You run laps after the game for the first offense. The second offense you are benched. Seems to work good for the kids. The helmet throwing doesn't bother me as much as him not running out ground balls. The other night he hit a grounder and just jogged up the baseline. I think he should run as hard as he can all the time.

I was at the game.....cold ...wet...and frustrated...Jones is just trying to bust out of this funk and help this team win. Im glad he showed some emotion! I know he wants to win and not just collect a pay check

He's a loser!!! Get rid of him before it's to late!!!

I don't particularly care about the helmet toss in principle. Men playing professional sports are typically aggressive, competitive, adrenaline-laden guys who sometimes get angry. Should you do it every time? Of course not. But I've never met anyone who handles frustration perfectly 100% of the time.

But here's my problem: Am I the only one who doesn't necessarily buy into the helmet throw as a sign of frustration? Personally, I'm not that convinced that he really is all that frustrated. I'm more concerned that he threw the helmet to show EVERYONE ELSE that he's frustrated. We all know these types. It happens all the time. The basketball player who pretends to be mad at missing a shot. The QB who smacks himself in the head after an INT even though he doesn't actually have any idea what he did wrong. These guys aren't actually upset with themselves....they just recognize that they screwed up, and they want everyone to know that they realize that. They want people to think that they care a lot and are trying really hard.

I see no actual evidence that Adam Jones is actually trying as hard as that helmet-toss would suggest. I don't see him showing any patience at the plate or altering his approach. I don't see him playing deeper in the field as the coaches told him to do in Spring training (and the lack of which has hurt us). And his reaction is telling...“I've got to handle it better. Point blank.” is not what someone who is frustrated says. It's what someone who knows what the right thing to say is says. It's what someone who wants to show everyone that he's really annoyed with his performance says. Someone who's actually frustrated says, "I'm just in a really bad funk right now and my emotions got the better of me. I've got to work harder and not keep making the same mistakes."

So that's my problem with this episode. I wish Jones was frustrated with is play. I know I sure am. I'm frustrated that he walks less (2.3% of his PA) than he did in either of the last two years when he should be walking more. I'm frustrated that he strikes out more (20% of his PA) than he did the last two seasons. I'm frustrated that he has the worst OBP of any leadoff hitter in the majors (and I'm irate that Trembley continues to hit him at the top of the lineup...). And I'm frustrated that I see absolutely no signs that he's doing anything about these obvious issues. In fact, I'm so frustrated that I feel like throwing something across the room every time I watch him hit.

I think its both unprofessional and welcomed (how about that for fence sitting?)
Its defintely unacceptable behavior both because baseball etiquette forbids it and because its a bad example for children.
But in this situation, its excusable. This team is horrible with runners aboard and Adam is the worst of the worst. I appreciate that he cares enough about his performance to blow his top. Just don't make it a regular thing.

yes, I think it's good for this team to show emotion. In fact, why even write this column? Damned if they do show emotion and damned if they don't.

Good lord, it's about time somebody lost his temper. I wish they would start throwing coolers and bats out onto the field and stomp and scream and show some passion. This profession is about playing a game. It's unprofessional to stink it up like they have been. So let 'er rip, Adam. Stir it up. Damn, we need this. I wish his teammates would follow suit.

The only thing that keeps me going to the games is that at least a few of the Birds still care enough to get mad. Or play. (Looking at you, B-Rob. Just saying, get a contract extension then have some unidentifiable back injury next season?)

Let's go get Hanley Ramirez, he hustles like our guys.

PLAY LIKE AN ORIOLE

I don't know whether Jones' reaction was over the top, but was Dave T. not responding to you last not during the brief post-game press conference? He got tight-lipped and pouty while responding to someone named "Dan." After a long pause, the post-game press session was over!

It's the most interesting thing that an Oriole has done in weeks.

Emotion but throwing a helmet is childish... ummmmmmmm, wonder what earl weaver would do? Probably throw more than a helmet.. You get the same emotion out of your players as your manager gives. If the manager has no life, your team has no life.. Guess what??? The O's will have no life as long as Trembley has no life.

It's nice to know he cares. Maybe he'll toss his glove next time he blows a bubble and mis-plays a fly ball.

Seriously, this team has NOT had a leader, one with star power (not the Kevin Millar type), since the 80's. And don't feed me that crap that Cal Ripken was a leader by example. What did that get him in regards to team related accomplishments?

We need a rabble rouser. Jones could be the guy but he needs to back it up with his play.

No sir, I don't mind me an outburst from time-to-time.

folks
the lack of entusiasm,is the result of guaranteed contracts and unionism on management.
you think weaver would put up with silly,mistakes. ask palmer or drabowsk-better yet-let "the earl" sit on the bench

I would suggest to Adam Jones that if he wants to end his frustration either learn how to be a major league hitter or give up baseball.

Adam Jones, is a youngster, being coached by a losing, old coaching staff. He doesn't listen, he doesn't relate. Hire a young manager and hitting coach, I like Kraniz. Go for the future

Look the Royal's make a change with a new manager and the team has already won 4. What are the Orioles waiting for. Make the change and put Dave in a different position with the club if they love him that much. Bring in someone that the players will respect and get this turned around now. We need someone like Earl, that won't be afraid of yelling at anybody.

That helmet toss was the slider 6 inches of the plate he thinks is a fastball and pulling ball 4 for the double play instead of taking the walk and leaving it to the next man. He has 4 walks this year. 4!!!! Zero plate discipline. The toss doesn't offend me, the play does. He talked the talk and now he is crawling the walk.

This is a very interesting subject. There has been the perception that the O's play without passion, and for the most part the perception is justified. Baseball is a different animal however, than say football, where effort and intensity is obvious. No doubt there have been games where lack of focus or hustle has been apparent. There are no excuses for not running out ground balls. Be careful though to assume you know how a player feels. Take Nick Markakis for example. Nick is a very even keeled, profesional player. Not much difference in his outward demeanor whether he strikes out, or hits a home run. How would anyone know how much he cared about his performance? Good numbers are not an automatic indicator to how much a player cares. The O's just don't have enough pieces to compete consistently in this division. The sad thing is that no matter what the team does, that fact may not change. The best they could hope for would be to do what the Rays have done. But, the Rays likely will have to dismantle part of their team for financial reasons. The days of drawing 35,000 a night to OPACY are over, regardless of wins and losses. Yes, the attendance would improve, but the novelty is gone. The revenue stream just will never be close to where the Yankees or Red Sox income is. Critics would say that the Twins have always contended with a lower payroll team, and they are right. However, their division is light years from the AL East, and they would never have been able to re-sign their two cornerstones if not for a new stadium and its revenue impact. Even if they played up to their capabilities, they would likely finish no better than 4th in this division this season.

Jones showed more emotion & concern on one helmet flip than Markakis & Roberts have EVER shown

Jones couldn't hold the jock of Markakis and Roberts at the plate. Passion is over rated when you can't carry the mail. It is important, but when you are hitting 230 who gives a crap.

I think he should not get angry because it is just a game and it's important to show good behavior. Also kids are watching and they look up to you.

Jone's helmet throwing isn't even a blip compared to regular F-bombs from Tiger. Loosed in front of the 9 year olds he just gave autographs.

Emotion of any kind is an excellent sign for this team. It shows disapointment and Jones can only be guilty of such if he cares.

It doesn't matter - no one is/was watching.

A player throws a tantrum for the exact same reasons a child throws a tantrum: To call attention to himself.

That's why it's not only unprofessional, but also immature and sophomoric.

It only shows that a player's perception of the issue at hand revolves around himself.... is about HIM rather than the team..... and that he is seeking sympathy for his personal failure.

If I was the manager or the general manager, behavior such as that would earn Jones a day or two on the bench and serious consideration for a trip to Norfolk.

Every couple years this town finds a white player as hero and a black player as villan. Think about it. Leave Adam alone. The crazy talk show hosts that drive the division further in the city makes it even worst

The Orioles are life-less...they show no emotion whatsoever. They've had a few walk-off wins so far this year, and unlike every other team with a walk-off win, they hardly look excited to win. I think I was jumping up and down more than they were, and I live 700 miles away. Damn guys, come on...show some life!

I'd be willing to bet if the O's went out and had some fun they could turn this season around. Maybe not compete in the AL east, but at least have a .500 season. How about a smile and maybe a fist-pump every now and then fellas??!!!

"The crazy talk show hosts that drive the division further in the city makes it even worst"

Babies come in all colors.

Unfortunately, the ones who grow up using grammar and spelling such as yours are the actual ones who make it worse.

Jones was probably angry over having to run out a ground ball.

People have to remember. Just because they are MLB players doesn't mean they care. People keep saying teammates need to stand up and be a leader. What if they don't want to. What if they don't care.

They play well they get a salary. They get fired they get a salary. They get demoted they get a salary. They get benched they get a salary.

See a pattern here. It doesn't matter what a MLB player does because he is guaranteed his paycheck.

Players don't have to be responsible for their play like NFL players. You slack you are fired.

Simply....it was welcomed. We need to see passion. I'd like to see more passion turn into wins however.

The bottom line is this team has no discipline. He thinks he's a star and he's not yet. He only has one allstar and one gold glove. Adam Jones is cocky he plays to shallow and when Trembley tells him to play deeper he said he would think about it. He should of been benched. Bottom line he needs to be benched and if that doesnt work send him to the minors. Doing this would send a message to this team.

[quote]It is unwelcome - kids are watching - it's intimidating for them to watch athletes slam their bats, throw their helmets, and generally put their foul moods on display.[/quote] You sound like a person who probably wonder why Baltimore built a Professional Football stadium and not soccer stadium. Of all the responses this one really got to me. It's intimidating for a kid to see a batter throw his helmet but come September so many kids will have no problem seeing Ray Lewis stomp some guys guts out... one stadium over.

Truthfully I think it is a good thing to see and if it was staged then just chalk it up to knowing that at least one Oriole player is aware of fan frustration. In that way if he felt that he could not give us the hit he could give us something.

Just please do not try to use a "for the kids" lame excuse to say the action was unprofessional. In some ways it was probably good to have kids seeing it. Sometimes a out pouring of emotions is preferable to having it all bottled up inside and sports and on the field is a good place to let those feelings out. This would be better than taking it home.

I'll take Jones' outbursts of emotion over Markakis' half-assed efforts any day.

Its great, It shows some fire that this team really needs. It cool to apologize after for the kids as well

Now I am not saying he does read everything but dont you think AJ might be a bit dissapointed in himself also along with the things from the media and fans. Him of all people know he should have been better so far but it is still early. I am glad to see the emotion as long as he doesnt pull a Milton Bradley have at it. They are loosing and no one goes to OPACY

I wish everybody would get PO'ed and fired up. Maybe we could win some games.

Throwing helmets is the least of Adam Jones' problems. As long as it's only once in a while and he's not throwing it at people, it's not a problem at all. Now how he throws baseballs in from the outfield...