While the Orioles negotiate with center fielder Adam Jones on a long-term extension rumored to be worth six years and $85 million, he is saying a new day is dawning in Baltimore.

Jones said he saw a culture change in the team's clubhouse and losing was no longer tolerated. The Orioles are in the midst of 14 straight losing seasons. Jones was 12 when the team's last had a winning campaign.

"They're hungry," Jones said. "They want to win. It's been 14-15 years of getting your ass kicked here. I've been in four, of getting my ass kicked. It's not fun. We're not looking at the World Series right now, but playing in Baltimore sure as hell ain't no pushover.

"You come to town or we come to town, we're coming to thump. It's a different attitude in here than I've seen the last five years. The attitude is 'We've gotta win.' It's not a sense of urgency in winning. It's 'Win.' It's right now. It's pointless to go out there and give all you got just to get your ass kicked."

There was a perception that the Orioles might entertain trade offers for Jones if the team struggled once again heading into the All-Star break in July. Now, the team is in first place in the American League East, one of baseball’s most competitive divisions. Jones has 14 homers and 29 RBIs so far and should head to his second All-Star game. He first went to the contest back in 2009 and was a Gold Glove-winner in 2009.

Now, he appears poised to sign the largest contract in Baltimore Orioles history.

Posted May 25, 2012