Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
There are more than a few things going right for the Baltimore Orioles right now. They aren’t in first place in the American League East but they are second and keeping pace with both the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees. Today they used the power of homeruns to overcome the Oakland Athletics and Adam Jones was right in the middle of it. It seems that no matter what they do to win, Jones is involved.
He leads the team in batting average, is tied for second in the league in runs scored and is fast catching teammate Chris Davis for the team lead in RBI. He is playing well with the bat in his hands and with the glove on his hand. Offense is great and defense is solid plus. As the all-star ballots were released this week, I didn’t even need to look at the ballot to know my number one pick for American League outfield. Jones deserves the spot now and is just continuing to get better as the season goes on.
The essence of being a team leader means leading not only in stats but being there when the team needs you. There is no question in my mind who the Orioles want up there in clutch situations. There are probably more than one but I would be shocked if the first name on that list wasn’t Jones. He has been good in the past but to me he is showing another level this season. It might be possible that Jones will be considered one of the top three outfielders in the game after this year if things keep going.
David Miller is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.
