Adam Jones: Orioles will be 'formidable' in 2015

Baltimore Orioles center fielder Adam Jones was decidedly optimistic when asked Saturday about his team's chances in 2015 without Nick Markakis and Nelson Cruz, both of whom found work elsewhere this winter as free agents.

Jones, in fact, said he relishes the fact that pundits have pegged the Orioles to finish last in the American League East this season.

"Cool. Weren't we supposed to finish last the last four to five years? Keep it that way," Jones told MASN's Roch Kubakto. "I think we like that. It's not bothering me. I know we've had a slow offseason due to (Nick) Markakis' departure, (Nelson) Cruz's departure, (Andrew) Miller's departure. I still think we're going to have a good team. 

"I know we're missing some people who were key pieces to last year's team, but I still think we're going to have a very, very strong and formidable team. Still put forth that effort and do a lot in this division. I know we're going to miss some guys, but I think we're going to be fine."

Much of the Orioles' success in 2014 was due to the club's prolific offense - only seven teams average more runs per game - but Jones suggested the return of both Manny Machado and Matt Wieters should help offset the loss of Markakis and Cruz.

"We're going to get them back healthy and we've still got a strong core of guys," said Jones. "We're going to miss some guys, but it's a business. We're going to show up and we're going to be good, so I'm not really concerned about all that. The effort level's going to be high and we're going to play the game right.

"I just think we need both those guys healthy. They're forces, they're All-Stars, so if we just get those two guys healthy, we'll be good."