SARASOTA—Adam Jones is back in camp for another year in his dual role as outfield instructor and special advisor to president of baseball operations Mike Elias. During the season, Jones, who lives in Barcelona, doubles as a community ambassador.
”The team’s looking good,” he said. “The vibes are great. The attention to detail is great. The work on the back field is great … That’s what you want. That’s what you’re here for. It’s our jobs. Get to work.”
During his playing career, Jones was the ultimate gamer, missing just three games from 2012-2014. He was a five-time All-Star and a four-time Gold Glover as manager Craig Albernaz has frequently pointed out.
“He brings a lot of energy,” Jones said about Albernaz. “You can hear that [New England] accent, so I like that. You get him fired up. He brings energy. He brings confidence. He’s letting his coaches coach, let the experience of his coaching staff take over, and I think he’s running a good camp so far. It’s crisp, and it seems like guys are moving in the right direction.”
Albernaz is pleased to have the 40-year-old Jones in camp until February 28th.
“Oh, A.J. is awesome. It still looks like he can play center field, which is great,” Albernaz said. “He loves the game. He’s a great presence.”
Albernaz wants players to ask questions of Jones and Cal Ripken Jr., who’s also been a presence in camp.
“Have baseball conversations with them,” Albernaz said. “He’s had some huge moments in this game. He’s made an impact on this game. When he’s out there, I love to see guys talking to him.”
Jones is in camp to reinforce the manager and coaches’ philosophy.
“I want to be a resource,” he said. “I was fortunate enough to play this game at a high level, a couple of accolades they gave me. Teaching them and talking to them not just baseball. You guys are physically gifted You go out there, you can do this. There’s other parts of this, off the field relationships, how to handle your families, how to handle kids … helping them out in a full balance of a major league life. It’s not just playing a game.”
Jones said it’s too early to sense a difference in camp this year.
“The first few weeks of spring training, everybody’s feeling good, the body’s feeling good, you’re down in Florida, baseball’s back, the fans are happy,” Jones said. “Everybody’s happy. The question is better suited for the middle of spring training. You start to get some results. Some of the team might start shaping up. At the beginning of it, there’s always really good energy, no matter what. Every organization in spring training, the first week or two is really, really good energy.”
As a terrific centerfielder, Jones is paying extra attention to Colton Cowser and Enrique Bradfield Jr. He thinks Cowser can be a special player in center.
“It’s up to him. I think he does,” Jones said. “His athleticism is insane. You’ve got to go take it. Nothing is given to you in the major leagues. He’s hungry for it. I’m in his ear a lot because the talent is right there. I want to see him succeed. Anything I can do to help him, I’m on him.”
The Orioles have had a long line of outstanding centerfielders — Paul Blair, Al Bumbry, Mike Devereaux, Brady Anderson and Cedric Mullins as well as Jones.
“It’s a lockdown position that we’ve always had,” Jones said. “Up the middle, Baltimore’s always been strong. We’re going to maintain that. We’re going to keep that.”
Bradfield was the team’s No. 1 draft choice in 2023, and after he plays for Team Panama in the World Baseball Classic, he’ll begin the season at Triple-A Norfolk.
“He’s hungry, oh man, he’s hungry,” Jones said. “He’s out there working, bunting, fielding. He sees what’s in front of him, understands what’s in front of him. He’s asking all the right questions. He’s a real student of this game.
“Everything’s up to the players. It’s in their court, but I think his attitude, his energy, it’s his third full year in pro ball, understands the workload. His body looks good. I think he really, really understands that it’s a real opportunity to play major league baseball, live out his dream, and he’s going to beat that door. He’s not going to just knock on it, he’s going to beat it down.”
Jones is also the newly elected vice president of the Baseball Assistance Team, which helps former players in need.
“Once you leave this game, a lot of people lose themselves, don’t know what the next plan is,” Jones said. “We can help you find a new plan in life. Our mission is to help the baseball family whenever they’re in need.” .
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