Russ Adams
| Russ Adams | |
|---|---|
| Toronto Blue Jays – No. 8 | |
| Shortstop / Second baseman | |
Bats: Left Throws: Right | |
| debut | |
| September 3, 2004, for the Toronto Blue Jays | |
| Career statistics (through 2008 season) | |
| Batting average | .248 |
| Home runs | 17 |
| Runs batted in | 113 |
| Teams | |
Russ Moore Adams (born August 30, 1980 in Laurinburg, North Carolina) is a utility player with the Toronto Blue Jays organization. Adams bats left-handed and throws with his right hand. He played shortstop before being optioned to the Jays' Triple-A affiliate, the Syracuse Chiefs on May 25, 2006 (along with Josh Towers).[citation needed] On June 12, 2006, he was recalled by the Blue Jays after playing 17 games for Syracuse.[citation needed] After having trouble with the bat since his call up,[citation needed] and due to teammate Aaron Hill's struggles at short,[citation needed] he was removed as the second baseman[citation needed], with Hill switching over to second and utility man John McDonald taking the shortstop role previously occupied by Hill. He was optioned back to Syracuse on July 30 so that he could receive more playing time.
Adams played college ball at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Adams was named to the New York - Penn League all-star team in 2002 while playing for the Auburn Doubledays. His strong season in 2002, when he batted .370 with 45 steals, led to the Toronto Blue Jays drafting him in the 1st round (14th overall) in the 2002 amateur entry draft. In hindsight, many Jays fans are angered that Adams was selected ahead of Scott Kazmir, Nick Swisher, Cole Hamels, Jeff Francouer, Matt Cain, and Canadian Joey Votto.
Adams was brought up to the major league club late in the 2004 season and had his official rookie season in 2005. He was used primarily in the lead-off position in the lineup. Adams finished the 2005 season with a .256 batting average, .325 OBP, 27 doubles, 5 triples, 8 home runs, and 11 stolen bases. Adams finished seventh in the AL in sacrifice flies and tenth in the American League in at bats per strikeout. Adams was named to the Topps Major League Rookie All-Star Team along with teammate Gustavo Chacín [1]. However, he made 26 errors in the field for the Blue Jays and was often criticized for his throwing arm.[citation needed]
Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi stated at the beginning of the 2007 season that Adams would begin 2007 in Triple-A, and would have to earn his way back onto the team.[citation needed] On August 17, 2007, Russ was recalled from Triple-A and has played with the Jays as a utility infielder.[citation needed] On September 19, 2007, he recorded his first-ever major league grand slam, against Jonathan Papelbon of the Boston Red Sox.[2]
On February 5, 2009, Adams was designated for assignment by the Blue Jays to make room for T. J. Beam on the 40 man roster.
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References
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Template:2005 Topps All-Star Rookie Roster Template:Toronto Blue Jays shortstops
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