2012 MLB Trade Rumors: Braves, Orioles Still Discussing Adam Jones?

The Baltimore Orioles made a minor move today, acquiring outfielder Jai Miller from the Oakland Athletics for cash.  Meanwhile, recent rumors have been swirling around an outfielder of their own, Adam Jones.  Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun posted an article describing the stalled trade talks between the Braves and Orioles involving Jones and what it would take to get them restarted.

According to reports, the Braves offered the Orioles starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens, utility man Martin Prado and a minor league pitching prospect for Jones.  Reports have the Orioles turning down this offer and Connolly says they countered with a trade proposal of their own; Jurrjens, Prado and two of Atlanta’s top young arms in exchange for Jones.  Connolly notes that the Braves “understandably balked” at this offer.

Prado would be a perfect fit for the Orioles, who have a serious need at second base with the unknown status of Brian Roberts.  Baltimore also figures to be interested in the Braves collection of young arms.

This likely means that Jurrjens is what has the Orioles reluctant to pull the trigger.  Though Jurrjens is still only 26-years-old and has impressive career numbers, people are concerned about the right-hander’s durability.

O’s general manager Dan Duquette has said that he’d be interested in building around Jones, but he also admitted that, at this point, the Orioles have to be willing to listen on all of their players.  Moving Jones, one of the Orioles top trade chips, would allow the O’s to jumpstart their rebuilding process.

Connolly said that the Orioles have made it clear; if they are going to trade Jones it will have to be for a “frontline starter”.

While the Birds apparently have their reservations regarding Jurrjens, Connolly says they are more than intrigued by his rotation-mate Tommy Hanson.  While the Braves may not be willing to trade Hanson, if he was on the table talks would certainly figure to pick up again.

For more on the Braves and Orioles, be sure to check out Tomahawk Take and Birds Watcher.