Adam Said Naw

The Orioles have recently acknowledged the big “R" word and are in full rebuild mode. After trading a generational talent like Manny Machado and All-Star closer Zach Britton, The Orioles made last minute trades and sent Darren O’Day, Kevin Gausman, and Jonathan Schoop to other teams.

  Noticeably missing from that group was Adam Jones. He’s been reported he used his 10 years in the majors, 5 with the same team veto clause to block any potential trades. People have questioned was that the right move..not sure if it was but it’s complicated.

   Since being traded to the team in 2008 Adam has become the face of the team. He plays a very big role in the community and has embraced Baltimore as his home during the season and the off-season. When most people think of the Baltimore Orioles Adam Jones is the first name they think of.

   Adam Jones just turned 33, which by no means is old but in professional sports typically means a player is on the downside of their career. Maybe Adam felt at this point in his career and with his family rooted in Baltimore, there is no need to go anywhere else for a championship run.

   Maybe he felt no matter what else he does or if he joins another team, his legacy will be the Orioles and the city of Baltimore. Maybe he feels he can be a role model in a predominately black city and inspire black kids in the city to play baseball. He may feel that is more important than anything else at this time.

   Or maybe Adam recognizes even in this rebuild mode and “youth" movement, there is still a need for veteran leadership. Everyone knows Adam is the leader of that clubhouse, he may feel compelled to give back and mentor younger players coming on board the Oriole Way. There’s been reports he’s even willing to move to another outfield spot, one to play a less demanding outfield position and two make way for the new blood and mentor them.

   This rebuild will be painful for the next couple years. Maybe in Adam’s mind he can stay a Oriole, stick around for the rebuild and finally bring the World Series Championship to the city of Baltimore in the twilight of his career. He’ll be hailed as a hero and his legacy will forever be cemented as an Oriole.

   Maybe Adam Jones see’s the bigger picture past his personal accomplishments. He was here when things weren't so great, was a driving force in the resurgence from 2012-2016, is back in another downturn. He knows better times are coming and is prepared to dig deep, ride the roller coaster, and fight to get there.