Baltimore Orioles – CF Adam Jones
Adam Jones was the workhorse for the Orioles this season, playing in all 162 games, plus the wild card playoff against the Rangers (in which he had the game-winning RBI). Jones hit .287 with 32 home runs, leading the team in slugging (.505) and runs scored (103). As a team, the O’s have defied all logic to reach the Division Series against the Yankees, going 29-9 in 1-run games and finishing the season on an incredible 16-game winning streak in extra-inning contests. Baltimore has thrived in the clutch, and Jones has been a much-needed contributor, hitting three game-winning home runs in the 12th inning or later. That’s a flair for the dramatic that could come in handy this postseason, so watch closely when he comes up late in close games.
DH Chris Davis will flank Jones in the middle of Baltimore’s lineup. No other Baltimore hitters have put up impressive numbers (aside from the injured Nick Markakis), but they’ve found ways to get the job done all year. If it’s close late in the game, that’s where they thrive – the Orioles have a slew of amazing, shutdown relievers to give hitters like Jones the chance to be the hero.
