Baltimore Orioles 3-Year Analysis: Position by Position

Oct 11, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles center fielder Adam Jones (10) hits a two-run home run in the third inning against the Kansas City Royals in game two of the 2014 ALCS playoff at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: H. Darr Beiser-USA TODAY Sports

Center Field

The most consistent position on the Baltimore Orioles in terms of year-to-year numbers has been center field. Beyond any other position, the numbers here are almost completely those of one person – Adam Jones.

From one year to the next there has been some marginal decline in Jones’ statistics. Looking simply at 2014, some of this may well be credited to the impact upon Adam of the decline of others around him, particularly Chris Davis. While Cruz provided some coverage, there was the loss also of Machado and Wieters in the nearby lineup.

Looking back rating – “0” – relatively the same.

Looking ahead rating – “0” – relatively the same.

It may not be that Jones’ home run total will grow again above 30, but it is reasonable to hope that he can hit closer to .290 with an OBP of, say, .325 which would be more than good enough for the Orioles. He continues to get a good percentage of clutch hits that make the most of opportunities that come along. If only he could lay off ………… well, you know that story.

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