Over the weekend, the Baltimore Sun and MASN Sports reported that Oriole centerfielder Adam Jones will play in the 2013 World Baseball Classic.
From the Baltimore Sun: Orioles center fielder Adam Jones has accepted an invitation to play for the United States in the upcoming World Baseball Classic in March.
Team USA manager Joe Torre called Jones before Christmas and extended the offer. And what was the Orioles’ favorite class clown’s response?
“’I’m an American,’ in my best Toby Keith voice,” Jones joked in reference to the country music star.
Jones is expected to be the only Oriole on Team USA, but club executive vice president Dan Duquette said starter Miguel Gonzalez (Mexico) and reliever Pedro Strop (Dominican Republic) are candidates to pitch for their countries.
Oriole fans all feel like that we know Jones – somewhat – through his persona that he projects in public. It would be an understatement to say that he is pumped and energized to play for team USA when the World Baseball Classic kicks-off in March.
Meanwhile, closer Jim Johnson declined to take part in the WBC.
That being said, I will probably head down to Florida and watch the WBC in Miami and sync that with the Orioles spring training.
As fans, do you all feel that Jones should suit up for the WBC, or focus exclusively with the Orioles?
I don’t have a problem with it at all; however, if I were in the front office of the Orioles, I’d a little concerned and would want him Jones the squad in preparation for the season.
As well, I would be concerned on the injury front, or Jones not getting his timing at the plate down – especially if he is working on it outside of the club.
Then again, Jones has been with the Orioles has enough tenure with the team that no one should think his inclusion in the World Baseball Classic is a big deal.
Buck Showalter doesn’t seem to have a big deal with it.
