Baltimore Orioles: 2014 Season Grades – Outfielders

Oct 15, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar (2) turns a double play over Baltimore Orioles center fielder Adam Jones (10) during the fourth inning in game four of the 2014 ALCS playoff baseball game at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Adam Jones has indeed become the face of the franchise more than anyone else. He is a very solid player in spite of his free-swinging tendencies and the madness of chasing the low and away sliders.

You pretty much know what you are going to get from Jones, as his numbers over three years are quite consistent. However, a slight downward trend is evident.

In the three months that Cruz only hit .213 (June, July, August), Jones helped the Orioles through those dog days with a .289 average and 18 home runs. I think this is what Jones means when he uses the word “grinding” in every interview.

Adam Jones has been recognized as an All-Star his last three seasons and Gold Glove recipient the past two years. He makes more than a few great plays in the field, even if he is not the Gold Glove winner again. He committed six errors this season, but only two in 2013. However, he won his first GG with eight miscues in 2012.

So for this consistency at his center field position, we’ll give him an “A-” for the season.