So Adam Jones is going to participate in the Home Run Derby, huh?
In the past, I’ve been an anti-Derby guy — I advised against Chris Davis participating last season and after watching him develop a blister and go on to hit just 16 home runs in the second half after crushing 37 in his first 95 games of the season, I stand by that opinion. With Jones’ swing, I think he’s got a chance to do some damage in this year’s Derby. You can View Sportsbook MLB Odds hereto see for yourself.
There are some concerns though. The Derby can be tough on guys and I don’t buy the “ah it’s not a big deal, it’s just like long batting practice” argument. I wouldn’t go as far as to say it can mess up a player’s swing, but I certainly think it can be exhausting and that’s definitely my concern with Jones.
AJ has played in all 89 games this season and I don’t think it’s a stretch to say he’s the Orioles most important player offensively. He’s slashing a ridiculous .346/.371/.571 when the O’s find themselves in the win column and .253/.274/.401 when they don’t.
Last season, Jones played in 160 games, the most among all players at his position. It’s admirable that he’s that reliable, but the O’s have got to find a way to keep him fresh in August and September. After slashing .311/.339/.509 in August, Jones hit just .233/.292/.447 in 26 games in October.
