The Orioles are close to signing Adam Jones to a long-term contract:

The deal, according to one source, will be “well north” of the two largest deals in team history – Miguel Tejada’s six-year, $72 million free-agent deal and Nick Markakis’ six-year, $66.1 million extension.

Jones, 26, is eligible for free agency after next season. He has emerged as a leader, offensive centerpiece and defensive stalwart for the Orioles, who entered Friday with a 28-17 record, the best in the American League.

I have mixed feelings about this signing if it happens. The Orioles will be locking up Jones in his early prime, which is great. While Jones is playing very well this season, over his career he’s been a good, not great player. His career OBP is only .322. He’s posted a negative fielding WAR in most of his seasons. If the Orioles end up locking him up for about $15 million a season, it’s not a bad deal. He’s capable of three WAR seasons. If they go more than five years, however, my guess is they will be wasting some money. I can see him disappointing like Carl Crawford.