Adam Jones' slightly improved plate discipline from last year has disappeared.

[anrynike]

Well if he can't control it then it must be out of control.

It is kinda one or the other.

When you ask do I think his ego is out of control, that sounds like you're saying he's an ego maniac. I think there is a place somewhere in-between having a hard time keeping it in-check and being an ego maniac.

I've always thought he was a slightly immature player in that way. Which to me is what keeps him from being elite.

[Can_of_corn]

When you ask do I think his ego is out of control, that sounds like you're saying he's an ego maniac. I think there is a place somewhere in-between having a hard time keeping it in-check and being an ego maniac.

I've always thought he was a slightly immature player in that way. Which to me is what keeps him from being elite.

So now he is also immature and easily frustrated.

Gotcha.

[LookinUp]

So now he is also immature and easily frustrated.

Gotcha.

You're not being very helpful, CoC.

[anrynike]

So now he is also immature and easily frustrated.

Gotcha.

What are you one of those internet trolls I hear so much about?

[NickM21]

I think Jones just doesn't have the ability to ever be a guy that will have a great OBP. His minor league OBP is only .352. He reminds me of Raul Mondesi actually. A guy with great athletism but could never translate it into true stardom, ableit some pretty good seasons early on.

[Can_of_corn]

You're not being very helpful, CoC.

I am just amazed how some players get such interesting descriptive terms used and others don't. Wieters is struggling more then Jones and I don't see folks questioning his work ethic or maturity.

I think it should be possible to discuss the flaws in Jones' game without assigning him character flaws.

[anrynike]

A large part of being successful in sports is your mental approach. I thought that was pretty well known?

Also this thread is about Jones, there is a thread about Wieters struggles.

[DrungoHazewood]

I am just amazed how some players get such interesting descriptive terms used and others don't. Wieters is struggling more then Jones and I don't see folks questioning his work ethic or maturity.

I think it should be possible to discuss the flaws in Jones' game without assigning him character flaws.

You haven't read the Wieters thread in the last... say... three months, have you?

[LookinUp]

I am just amazed how some players get such interesting descriptive terms used and others don't. Wieters is struggling more then Jones and I don't see folks questioning his work ethic or maturity.

I think it should be possible to discuss the flaws in Jones' game without assigning him character flaws.

I totally agree with the last line, but check out the Wieters thread. He gets the same treatment.

Both guys look to me like they're hitting off their front foot too much and trying to pull everything. It's ironic, especially for Wieters because he has enough power to hit it out to the opposite field.

Balance and timing are very hard things to perfect. But I think 99% on this board understand that. We just don't understand the persistence of both players' struggles because both seem to have the potential to be so much better. Conversely, Markakis (to me) is exactly what he should be. He's a good average, good OBP guy who makes pitchers work. He's not a HR hitter with massive offensive upside. I can't hate on him for his limitations because he's playing up to them, IMO. Wieters and Jones are falling victim to their's.

[Lol...I see Drungo beat me to it.]

[anrynike]

I totally agree with the last line, but check out the Wieters thread. He gets the same treatment.

It's not a character flaw to suggest Jones is pressing or trying to hard which ends up having an adverse affect at the plate. Are you saying it's 100% mechanics?

[isestrex]

Take a look at these stills from the Toronto broadcast. The first picture shows Adam's three hits on friday, and the second shot shows his home run on Saturday.

<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h367/isestrex/jones.png" border="0" alt=" photo jones.png"/></a>

<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h367/isestrex/jones2.png" border="0" alt=" photo jones2.png"/></a>

They raved about how good Jones is at putting a very good swing on pitches low and outside of the zone. Harking back to the OP, this exactly what one would expect. Jones is still swinging OUTSIDE the strike zone as pitchers continue to give him very little over the plate, but he's a talented enough hitter that he can go on hot streaks and still make good contact on difficult pitches.

Of course, he's also been walking a lot more this past week which is also huge. It's a sign that he's seeing the ball well right now but will it continue for the rest of the season or is this just a blip?