Orioles Adam Jones is an All-Star
Baltimore Center Fielder Named to the 2009 American League Team
Jul 6, 2009
When the Baltimore Orioles initiated pre-2008 season trade talks with the Seattle Mariners, they had their eyes on one particular player: centerfielder Adam Jones. The Orioles viewed Jones as a prime-time player with tremendous upside, and at 23 years old, a player for the long-term future of the franchise. In short, they viewed Jones as an annual down-the-road all-star caliber player, and the solid centerfielder they lacked since Brady Anderson left town.
Adam Jones' All-Star Selection
Give credit where credit is due: Oriole brain trust, led by President, Baseball Operations Andy MacPhail, know potential when they see it: Jones is now an All-Star, having been named to the 2009 American League team. Jones will make his All-Star debut when the game is played at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, on July 14, 2009. Ironically, the date marks the three-year anniversary of Jones’ major league debut for the Mariners.
Adam Jones All-Star Credentials
Jones’ case for making the game as the Oriole’s lone representative is a strong one on every level. He leads the Orioles in batting average at .308, and in on-base plus slugging (OPS) with .866. With one week left before the All-Star break, Jones has 12 home runs, exceeding his career high of 9, and 46 runs batted in, both solid numbers for a number-two hitter in the line-up.
Defensively, Jones is as smooth a fielder as any in the league, covering big chunks of ground with his long, graceful strides, and a fearlessness that will occasionally get him into difficult spots: Jones has already missed several games after crashing into the wall chasing a Kevin Youklis home run ball at Camden Yards in Baltimore’s recent 11-10 comeback game against the Red Sox.
Jones combines great fielding with a tremendous throwing arm. His five outfield assists places him second on the team to Nick Markakis, the co-league leader.
Adam Jones Career
Drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the first round (37th pick overall) in 2003, Jones played for the Mariners in 2006-2007 prior to his trade to the Orioles. His .216 and .246 averages in 2006 and 2007, respectively, were stepping-stones on the way to last year’s .270 average for the Orioles. Coming into spring training for the 2009 season after a winter in Arizona at the Athletes Performance Institute, Jones was noticeably more muscular and confident in his abilities.
After a strong April and May (.359 and .333 batting averages, respectively), Jones cooled off in June (.229 average), but made enough of an impression on American League All-Star manager Joe Maddon to earn a well-deserved spot on the team. Oriole management and fans are hoping the spot will be an annual event for a long time to come.
