Adam Jones on batting leadoff
By Roch Kubatko
CLEVELAND - Orioles center fielder Adam Jones is making his 22nd career start as the leadoff hitter tonight and his first since May 10, 2010.
Jones shrugged it off this afternoon after reporters sought his reaction. He dug through a bat bag, trying to find one that was "hot."
Was he surprised?
"Nope," he replied.
Did manager Buck Showalter warn him ahead of time?
"Nope."
Jones couldn't remember his last start atop the order, guessing that it occurred in 2009. He was off by one year.
Jones won't change his approach at the plate, where he's in a 3-for-39 slump and is batting .223/.282/.357 in 41 games.
"Are they going to pitch me differently?" he asked. "So no."
Showalter is trying to jump-start an offense that produced 52 strikeouts in the three-game series in Houston. That's what Jones reads into it.
"Have you seen the last few games?" he asked. "All right then. Let's see if we can get some guys hot.
"I've got nothing for you, dawg."
Hyun Soo Kim is starting his third consecutive game, a first for him in the majors.
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