Russ Adams

2013

There was no outlook written for Russ Adams.

2009

Adams spent the entire season at Triple-A Syracuse, hitting .259 with 15 homers. He split time between the outfield and second base, a good idea for a guy who's likely destined for a utility role. The Jays struggled to get much production at second base last year, but it remains to be seen how much of a chance he'll get with the expected return of Aaron Hill.

2008

Adams once again spent the bulk of the year in the minors, and Toronto's acquistion of Marco Scutaro certaintly won't help Adams out either. A poor .262/.333/.401 line in 113 games at Triple-A Syracuse doesn't bode well, while the promise of his 2005 rookie campaign has long since passed.

2007

Adams hit a paltry .219/.282/.319 in 251 at-bats for Toronto around a few trips to the minors (.311/.374/.404). He's basically been told that he'll start the year at Triple-A Syracuse for 2007. When you're playing second fiddle to perennial third-fiddler John McDonald, your future's not particularly bright.

2006

The power should come for Adams given his strong batting eye, but it could be another year or two before he produces a 15-homer season. In his rookie year, he had limited exposure against lefties, hitting just .195/.307/.310 in 87 AB. Adams ended the year as the leadoff hitter against righties, drawing 33 BB in 290 AB, which should be good enough to keep that role in 2006.

2005

Adams flashed doubles power (37 in 483 AB in Triple-A) and a good eye at the plate before being called up in September, then swatted four HR in 72 AB and struck out just five times in his first exposure to big league pitching. Don't expect the power spike to continue in the bigs, but a season as Toronto's everyday shortstop seems likely.

2004

Adams' defense figures to keep him at shortstop, at least when compared with 2003 draft pick Aaron Hill. Adams has shown good patience but only moderate power for a middle infielder, advancing as high as Double-A in 2003. He won't fit the mold of the current AL shortstop for Toronto, but he should have some value down the line with 10 HR/20 SBs potential. Check back before 2005.

2003