Adam Jones

Aubrey Huff was smack in the middle of a potent Baltimore Line-up with Brian Roberts at the top, Adam Jones second, Nick Markakis batting third, followed by Huff in the clean-up slot, and Melvin Mora hitting fifth. Huff was batting over .300 at the time, and drove in his 72nd RBI in that game (in July!) -- I remember, because I just looked it up; July 30th, 2008. He went on to finish the season with 108 RBI's, 32 homers, 48 doubles, 182 hits, 96 runs, a .360 on-base percentage in 598 at-bats and 154 games played. Sounds pretty awesome, right? Well, last year was not so good. His average dipped to .241, with 15 home runs and 85 RBI's in time split between Baltimore and Detroit; following a mid-season trade. He had far fewer at-bats though (430), and only 109 hits, so I think it's a matter if consistency and playing everyday for Huff to be successful. I would say probably not a 30 home run guy at A.T.& T. Park, but I would be thrilled with 100 RBI's and 40 doubles and maybe twenty-something home runs, especially hitting behind guys like Freddy Sanchez and Pablo Sandoval. Let's re-visit that opening line-up scenario with the addition of Huff: 2B SanchezSS Renteria3B Sandoval1B HuffLF De RosaRF Schierholtz (Byrnes???)CF RowandC   PoseySP Lincecum  O.K., who hits lead-off? I was thinking Velez would get a look, but that was before they signed Huff, and now have to move De Rosa to left field from third base. My assumption is Sanchez would be at the top, but I would prefer to see him in the number two hole, and bat Renteria seventh where he belongs. Is Buster Posey going to be the opening day catcher? Who knows? Remember, Aaron Rowand was at his best last year in the lead-off slot.   And what's the deal with Adam LaRoche? He turned down a two-year deal for more money from the Giants to accept a one-year deal with Arizona? I thought it was location (East Coast versus West Coast), but apparently, it's all about the ball park. Let's be sure to boo La Roche heartily when the D-Backs come to town. It's kind of like Colorado's Todd Helton, who openly displays his disdain for hitting in the Giants' yard (although I saw him launch a home run in S.F. last season).  To make room on the 40-man roster, Arizona released Eric Byrnes, who has suffered through two miserable, injury-riddled seasons. To me, he would be an ideal fourth outfielder. He's a local guy who grew up here, and still has a home here. In 2007 in 160 games for Arizona, Byrnes had 626 at-bats, 179 hits (.286 average), .353 on-base percentage, 21 homers, 83 RBI's and 50 stolen bases. That was the year Arizona played Colorado in the NLCS. Anyway, I don't know if his body is breaking down as a result of age (33-34ish), or if there's another explanation, but he would be a great get. Hey, Eric Byrnes at 85% is better than Fred Lewis as a fourth outfielder (sorry Fred). If the lead-off slot becomes and issue, Byrnes could (I didn't say "should") be considered an option, and play right field.  Oh, and good bye Merkin Valdez -- you freaking gas can! Great fast ball, but no control. The Giants dumped Valdez to make room on their 40-man roster for Aubrey Huff, and look; we're right back at the beginning of this conversation.  Spring training is getting closer everyday. Let's go!   

Continue reading ""Is Aubrey Huff the Final Piece to ..."

oo, such as bringing up Charlton Jimerson for another look in center (too bad we lost our future CF Adam Jones in Bavasi's massive Bedard Buyout Bust). Or trade for a center fielder, even a minor leaguer, shedding some of the overpriced talent like Sexson, Vidro, Washburn, or any of Bavasi's other bloated signings.

Continue reading "Rebuild!"

Had they kept Adam Jones or even Shin-Soo Choo, they would have had other OF answers for the present, but that’s just another Bavasi wound that must heal.

In related look-to-the future news, the Everett Herald reported today that the Ms may drop Richie Sexson entirely, dropping yet another millstone from around Seattle’s neck. Let someone else feel the breeze from Sexson’s mighty strikeout swipes at the ball. Jeff Clement was called up again, after scorching AAA after his return, and he’s been taking throws at first. He’ll certainly do some DHing, and will spell Kenji Johjima behind the dish during the Ms upcoming NL swing, but even a converted catcher has more of a future than The Big Not-So-Sexy.

Continue reading "Two Brief Bits"

er." Not really a ringing endorsement of the durability of his alleged ace.

Baltimore got:

Adam Jones, the Ms top OF prospect and one of the top defensive OFs in the minors. Currently hitting .252/.291/.376 (compare once again to the highly paid guys above, then add to it that Jones is only 22) with a .995 fielding percentage and one error.

Continue reading "Buh-Bye Bavasi"

uo;ll look at the key questions for each team in the American League East.

Baltimore Orioles

Is Adam Jones ready to be a star?

The only difference the answer to this questions might make is whether the rebuilding Orioles lose 100 games or only 95. The 22 year old Jones, who was the centerpiece for the Erik Bedard trade, is still not quite ready for primetime. He is however, immensely talented and has shown flashes of brilliance so far in spring training. This is the same player, though, who struck out 21 times in only 65 at bats in his brief appearance with the Mariners last season and Baltimore should expects similar periods this summer where he struggles as he makes the adjustment to playing in the big leagues. Jones should succeed in teaming up with fellow outfielders Nick Markakis and Luke Scott to provide some punch to what will otherwise be a listless Orioles offense and give the fans some hope that this rebuilding project has a bright future ahead.

Continue reading "MLB 2008 Season Preview: American Leauge East"