Guess who these players are: Player A and Player B

[Bosy Billups]

Hint: They play for the same team. One is cheap. One is expensive.

Player A:
Avg .285
HR 6
RBI 43
Runs 43
SB 8

Player B:
Avg .295
HR 15
RBI 54
Runs 66
SB 9



------- answer below--------











































































Adam Jones
Nick Markakis

Take away the first month struggles of AJ, move him from the 9 hole to the 2 hole, and give him a little bit more seasoning - we are looking at similar production from here on out, no?

[Yoda]

No

[Another Blown Save]

I like Adam Jones as a 2nd half sleeper, but he's not close to being Markakis-like

[Nemyar]

Jones has been great lately, but it's early to expect him to be able to keep up with Markakis, especially with Nick's history of strong second halves. I'm definitely liking what I've seen out of Jones this year, though... I think he can be every bit as good as Nick eventually.

[Bosy Billups]

Both are highly touted prospects. But remove all biases you have, and just look at the stats. Granted, Markakis has 9 more HR's and 20 more runs. However, he has a couple years over Jones, and has hit in the bottom of the lineup all season.

How can you say they are not even close???

Jones:
Avg .285
HR 6
RBI 43
Runs 43
SB 8

Markakis:
Avg .295
HR 15
RBI 54
Runs 66
SB 9

If I were a Markakis owner, I would trade him for Jones and another top tier OF / SP. That would provide more return than holding Markakis alone. Just IMO

[Yoda]

lol go ahead and trade Markakis for Jones.

[jake_twothousandfive]

Both are highly touted prospects. But remove all biases you have, and just look at the stats. Granted, Markakis has 9 more HR's and 20 more runs. However, he has a couple years over Jones, and has hit in the bottom of the lineup all season.

How can you say they are not even close???

The only way this is close at all is if you were extremely biased...in favor of Adam Jones. It may be close one day, but right now it just isn't.

[sandman042]

i dont think its even a close comparison right now. Markakis is a notorious second half beast. Maybe in a couple of yrs jones will be very good but right now ithere nowhere in the same league. When its all said and done markakis could be a top 25 guy this yr easily if not better. He is ranked in the 30's in alot of rankings 35 for yahoo i think for roto but at the end of yr top 25 wouldnt be a stretch with his second half history.

[Bosy Billups]

We'll revisit in a couple months. I'll bring a rag so you can wipe your faces

[bigh0rt]

I do think Adam Jones is a nice player to have on your team in the 2nd half, and think he could put up very productive numbers for any league format. That said, I just can't see trading Nick Markakis for Adam Jones + at this point. Markakis is simply the much safer, proven bet, though I am higher on Jones for the 2nd half than most, it seems.