By almost every measure, Adam Jones isn't the first name that comes to mind when thinking of a prototypical major league leadoff hitter.
The Orioles' center fielder has never been known to work counts, get on a base at a high clip or swipe bases to set up the middle of the batting order. That's just not his strength, as the slugger averaged about 26 home runs and 112 strikeouts during the previous seven seasons and never exceeded a .335 OBP.
But that hasn't prevented manager Buck Showalter from penciling in the 30-year-old Jones' name in the top slot in the lineup the last month. And the way things are shaping up, Jones might remain there for the foreseeable future.
"Yeah, I don't know if it's an experiment anymore," MASN color analyst Mike Bordick said June 23 on Glenn Clark Radio. "He's been very productive. I think he's an intimidating presence at the top of the lineup. … They're not going to pitch around him to get to the middle of the order, so he's going to see more strikes. Adam Jones kills breaking balls on the plate and kills fastballs on the plate. … He's great at the top [and] has good speed. He's a bunt threat [and] puts pressure on the defense. I think it's a great move."
