- Thread starter
- #1
cruzg24
It is what it is
- Joined
- May 18, 2008
- Messages
- 21,184
- Reaction score
- 209
Man are the Mariners killing themselves right about now for that trade.The Orioles and the representative for center fielder Adam Jones are in serious negotiations for a long-term contract.
According to a source, Jones’ agent, Nez Balelo of CAA, has been in Baltimore for a couple of days and has met with Orioles executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette.
Quick rise, fast start for O's rookie Xavier Avery
The two sides are attempting to agree to a deal that would keep Jones in an Orioles uniform well beyond 2013, when he can become a free agent. Nothing is set yet, but it appears the sides are close.
O's fans: Download the Baltimore Baseball app for iPhone, Android.
Balelo, Duquette and Jones could not be reached for comment.
The deal is expected to shatter the largest contract handed out in Orioles history, a six-year, $72 million deal for shortstop and former MVP Miguel Tejada before the 2004 season.
The largest contract extension tendered by the club was awarded to current right fielder Nick Markakis, a six-year, $66.1 million deal in 2009.
Duquette has said in the past that he would like to keep Jones long term, but previously did not like to conduct contract negotiations in-season.
Jones, 26, is in the midst of the best season of his seven-year career. He’s second in the AL in home runs (14) and total bases (110), trailing only Josh Hamilton of the Rangers. He’s also third in slugging percentage (.601) and extra-base hits (24) and fourth in hits (57) and OPS (.958).
Jones enters tonight’s game against the Royals with a career-high 15-game hitting streak, the longest active streak in the AL.
Fox Sports first reported the sides were close. It also reported Jones had a physical on Thursday’s off day. Physicals are protocol for the Orioles before agreeing to long-term deals.
Source: Baltimore Sun