Jones on verge of big deal: The Baltimore Orioles and outfielder Adam Jones are close to an extension that would give him the most lucrative contract in franchise history, CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman confirmed. FoxSports.com was the first to report the deal on Friday that would exceed Miguel Tejada's six-year, $72 million contract he signed in 2004. Nick Markakis is currently the highest paid with his six-year, $66.1 million pact from 2009. (Updated 05/25/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/25/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Jones has blossomed into one of the American League's top hitters and leads the Orioles in nearly every offensive category. The 26-year-old, who is eligible for free agency after the 2013 season, is boasting a .311 batting average with 14 home runs and six stolen bases. His is currently riding a 15-game hitting streak that includes six homers. Fantasy owners should keep him active in all formats as he threatens his first 20-20 campaign. (Updated 05/25/2012).
05/21/2012 22:33 Ortiz's HR sparks Red Sox comeback
David Ortiz homered in the sixth inning to start Boston's comeback from a three-run deficit, and the Red Sox got three hits from Will Middlebrooks in an 8-6 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Monday night.
05/20/2012 19:47 Hit Parade for Week 8
Some catchers have been bitten by the injury bug in recent days, leaving some owners scrambling. Our Scott White shares some recommendations and helps set your lineups for Week 8 in his Hit Parade.
05/19/2012 22:37 Jones, Markakis lead O's to fifth straight
Adam Jones and Nick Markakis hit two-run homers and the Baltimore Orioles matched a season high with their fifth straight win, 6-5 over the Washington Nationals on Saturday night.
The up-and-down career of Adam Jones took a turn upward in 2011, and he emerged as a viable outfielder in standard mixed leagues. The key to Jones' improvement was sizeable surge in his home run power, as he hit a career-high 25 long balls, which in turn helped him to drive in a career-high 83 runs. There is room for Jones to improve, not only because he has not quite reached his peak yet, but because he hit just .268 with runners in scoring position. As a .280 hitter overall, Jones could increase his run production just by improving his hitting with runners on second and third. He still doesn't walk much and may not provide more than a dozen steals, but Jones has established himself as a solid outfield option in all mixed league formats. (Updated 2/13/12)