It looks as if the Orioles and center-fielder Adam Jones have agreed on a deal for the 2011 season…
From the Baltimore Sun: The Orioles came to terms with their final arbitration-eligible player on Tuesday night, agreeing to a one-year, $6.15 million deal with center fielder Adam Jones.
Jones, 26, would have had his hearing Friday in Florida. He was asking for $7.4 million, and the Orioles had countered with $5 million.
He basically agreed to the midpoint of $6.2 million, as there is $50,000 available to him in performance bonuses. He’ll get $25,000 if he reaches 620 plate appearances and $25,000 more if he gets to 635 plate appearances. Last year, he had 618.
“We are glad we agreed to terms with Adam and we look forward to another good year from him in center field and at the plate,” said Dan Duquette, the club’s executive vice president of baseball operations.
I guess coming to a deal for the two sides was just a formality; that is, unless Jones was going to be traded – which was not going to happen this off-season.
However, I guess fans will be wondering if the Orioles and Jones can work out a long term deal. He is a free agent after the 2013 season.
Jones said that he would be open to contract extension with Baltimore. We’ll see. He is certainly a piece to build around, but I do think some areas of his game need a little work.
If a deal cannot be worked out, I would think Jones would be traded for some prospects – or pitching.
