Orioles Rumors: Adam Jones and Johnny Damon
By Editorial Staff
Baltimore Orioles center fielder Adam Jones has found himself in the middle of several trade rumors this offseason. Though at times it’s looked as if his future is likely to be anywhere but Baltimore, Jones told WBAL 1090 that he would consider signing an extension with the O’s. In other Orioles-related news, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reported that the Birds have interest in free agent Johnny Damon.
Though it’s been reported that the Orioles have been willing to listen to offers for Jones this offseason, general manager Dan Duquette has also said that he sees the center fielder as a player he’d like to build around.
Jones has spent the past four seasons with the Orioles since he was shipped to Baltimore in the trade that sent Erik Bedard to the Mariners. During his time with the Orioles, Jones has managed a line of .278/.322/.442 while roaming center field at Camden Yards. The 26-year-old has averaged 24 doubles and 21 home runs over the past three seasons and Jones was an All-Star and Gold Glove winner back in 2009.
While Duquette has said he’d like to keep Jones around for the long haul, it doesn’t appear that the Orioles have made a move to lock up their center fielder. Jones told WBAL 1090 that an extension hasn’t been presented to him and that he and the Orioles are not discussing a long-term deal.
For now, Jones remains in the Orioles projected 2012 lineup, something they are still adding to as the season approaches. Baltimore has been in the market for a designated hitter and has been tied to free agents such as David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez.
Now, Jon Heyman is reporting that the Orioles are expressing interest in Mr. American League East himself, Johnny Damon. Damon spent last year with the Rays, but is unlikely to return now that Tampa Bay has signed Luke Scott.
Last year in Tampa, Damon hit .261/.326/.418 with 16 home runs, 29 doubles, 73 RBI’s and even 19 stolen bases as a 37-year-old. Though he’s not the same defender he used to be, Damon did log 16 games in the outfield for the Rays last season.
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You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.