Coming Soon to a Ballpark Near You: Adam Jones

Name: Adam Jones
Team: Baltimore Orioles
DOB: 08/01/1985
Drafted: Supplemental 1st Round (37th overall, Seattle Mariners), 2003
Acquired: Traded from the Mariners with George Sherrill, Kam Mickolio, Chris Tillman, and Tony Butler to the Orioles for Erik Bedard.
Awards:

Stats:

Background:
Jones was drafted out of high school by the Mariners as a shortstop and pitcher. Many scouts thought he was a better pitcher, but Jones wanted to play everyday. He was considered a raw player; he showed a lot of promise, but needed a lot of work. The Mariners sent him to their rookie level Arizona Mariners in the Arizona League. After spending most of 2003 their, he was promoted to Everett of the Northwest League.

Jones spent all of 2004 with Wisconsin of the Midwest League, Lo A affiliate of the Mariners. He had an average season, but was playing with player older than he was (he was 18 at the time).

Even with the ok season, Jones was promoted in 2005 to Inland Empire, the Mariners Hi A team in the California League. Jones started off very well and was promoted to San Antonio of the Double A Texas League. His skills continued to progress as he moved his way up through the season.

2006 saw Jones jump to Triple A Tacoma and the outfield. The Mariners had just gotten Yuniesky Betancourt established with the big league club, so they asked Jones to switch positions; he agreed and became a pretty good centerfielder. Just after the All Star Break, Mariner centerfielder Jeremy Reed got injured and Jones was called up to replace him. He struggle in the 32 to games he played but stayed with the team.

Jones broke camp with Triple A to start 2007 again, but he was called up again in August. This time he was up for good.

Jones’s name was popular during the off season – the Mariners had a full outfield and needed pitching help. After having his name floated in various deals, the Mariners sent him as the key player in the deal with the Orioles for Erik Bedard.

Jones came into Orioles camp as the starting centerfielder. They envision him in the Alfonso Soriano-mold, but I’m not sold that he’s going to be that good. He’s had 1 good power season at Triple A, and has struggled in the Majors during his 2 call ups. I project him as more of a player who can do a little bit of everything, but doesn’t have one aspect of his game that stands out.

Rookie Cards (base):
2003 Upper Deck Prospect Premieres 7

ETA:
Now.