Some discussion on Adam Jones, J.J. Hardy and Darren O'Day

Pondering some questions today. They are about three key members of the 2015 Orioles, only two of whom we can be fairly certain will be on the 2016 team.

Is there any reason to be concerned about Adam Jones?: He did hit .269, his lowest batting average since 2007, and produce his fewest doubles (25) and homers (27) since 2010 and 2011, respectively. But Jones played banged-up for several periods of time during the 2015 season and clearly played at less than 100 percent. He probably even played at times when he should not have played.

After appearing in 162, 160 and 159 games from 2012-14, he played in 137 last season. He ended the year playing just once after Sept. 20.

Jones got off to such a great start last season, it looked like he might be on his way to an MVP-type of year. He hit .400 in April with an OPS of 1.147. But he hit just .239 in May. He was, as usual, a lightning rod for criticism and got too much blame for Orioles losses. But, no, there is no reason to worry about Jones. He is a driven leader of this team, and his assorted bump, bruises and worse will heal and he'll be back to producing his usual stats in 2016.

Is J.J. Hardy showing signs of age?: It is clear, in reading some comments here this offseason, that some of you feel that answer is yes. Hardy turned 33 in August.

In Hardy's first three seasons in Baltimore, from 2011 to 2013, he led all major league shortstops in both homers (77) and RBIs (224). But over the last two seasons, Hardy has 17 homers combined to rank 15th among all major league shortstops and has driven in 89 runs to rank 16th.

Is this a player showing signs of age or one that showed signs of injuries that sapped some power at the plate? Hardy's defense remained excellent in 2015 and if age were catching up with him, wouldn't it show more there?

Perhaps, but Hardy was limited to 114 games last year, his fewest since the 2010 season. Hardy injured his left shoulder diving for a ball late during spring training in March and he began the year on the disabled list. Late in the year, it was learned that Hardy was playing with a labrum tear in his non-throwing shoulder.

One member of the organization said Hardy seemed extremely motivated to get his shoulder sound and strengthened this offseason, and to come back strong in 2016. It is clear some readers here are skeptical of that happening.

Does Darren O'Day have one foot out the door?: Is there a team out there not interested in O'Day? It seems the Dodgers and Nationals are the biggest suitors in the rumor mill this week.

While a four-year deal in the range of $30 million or more is pricey for a non-closer, this may be the one reliever worth it. O'Day has been so good for so long for the Orioles and his on-field performance is equaled by his leadership. He is big for this team.

He is one of the best late-inning guys in the game and provides a backup and insurance for closer Zach Britton. Do the O's have an in-house replacement for O'Day? Nope. While I see plenty of promise in a pitcher like Mychal Givens, we can't expect him to pitch as well as O'Day.