David Adams (baseball)

David Lee Adams (born May 15, 1987) is an American former professional baseball infielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Yankees in 2013.

David Adams
Adams with the New York Yankees
Second baseman / Third baseman
Born: (1987-05-15) May 15, 1987 (age 37)
Margate, Florida, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
May 15, 2013, for the New York Yankees
Last MLB appearance
September 29, 2013, for the New York Yankees
MLB statistics
Batting average.193
Home runs2
Runs batted in13
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams

Prior to playing professionally, Adams competed on travel teams and for Grandview Preparatory School in Boca Raton, Florida. He attended the University of Virginia, where he played college baseball for the Virginia Cavaliers.

Amateur career

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Adams played in amateur baseball tournaments from a young age, winning the championship in a 12-and-under travel competition for a team representing Broward and Palm Beach counties, against a team representing California's Central Valley, at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Chris Volstad was a teammate.[1]

Adams attended Grandview Preparatory School in Boca Raton, Florida.[2] A second baseman for the school's baseball team, Adams batted .464 with 25 runs batted in (RBI) and 17 stolen bases as a sophomore.[3] He was named captain and MVP of the team.[4] Major League Baseball scouts followed Grandview Prep to see Adams.[2]

Adams committed to attend the University of Virginia, to play college baseball for the Virginia Cavaliers baseball team.[5] Baseball America rated Adams as the second-best high school third baseman in the United States.[6] The Detroit Tigers chose Adams in the 21st round of the 2005 Major League Baseball Draft, but, disappointed with where he was selected,[7] he opted not to sign, instead enrolling at Virginia.[8]

In his freshman year, Adams became the Cavaliers' regular starting second baseman. He had a .318 batting average with five home runs and 49 runs batted in (RBI), and was named a Freshman All-American by Baseball America and Louisville Slugger. As a sophomore, in 2007, he had a .372 batting average and a .454 on-base percentage, earning Second-Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors.[9] In 2006, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Brewster Whitecaps of the Cape Cod Baseball League, and returned to the league in 2007 to play for the Falmouth Commodores.[10][11][12]

Adams played for the Cavaliers for three years, starting each season at second base. In his three years, Adams had a .325 batting average, and placed in the all-time top ten for the Cavaliers with 226 hits, 142 runs batted in, and 102 walks. The Cavaliers reached the NCAA Division I baseball tournament in all of Adams' three years at Virginia.[9]

Professional career

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New York Yankees

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Out of Virginia, the New York Yankees selected Adams in the third round (106th overall) of the 2008 Major League Baseball draft.[13] Adams signed and made his professional debut that year with the Low–A Staten Island Yankees.[14]

Adams played for the Single–A Charleston RiverDogs and High–A Tampa Yankees in 2009. He began the 2010 season with the Double–A Trenton Thunder, but suffered an ankle injury in May. The injury was originally thought to be a sprain and the organization had him try to rehab the injury for two months.[15][16]

At the 2010 MLB trade deadline, the Yankees and Seattle Mariners almost completed a deal that would have sent Adams, Jesús Montero, and Zach McAllister to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for All-Star pitcher Cliff Lee. When the teams shared medical reports, the Mariners determined that Adams' ankle was broken, not sprained.[15] As a result, they chose to trade Lee to the Texas Rangers in a package centered around Justin Smoak.[17] Adams was shut down for the season after the discovery and only appeared in 39 games that year.[18][16]

Still rehabilitating from his ankle injury, Adams played for Tampa and the Rookie-level Gulf Coast Yankees in 2011. He was put on the disabled list three times due to the ankle.[19] Adams was added to the Yankees' 40-man roster after the 2011 season to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.[20]

Adams spent the 2012 season with the Trenton Thunder of the Double–A Eastern League, where he hit .306/.385/.450 over 383 plate appearances.[21] He played in only 86 games, as he missed time due to back spasms.[22] After the regular season, the Yankees assigned Adams to play in the Arizona Fall League, where he played second and third base.[19]

 
Adams at Minute Maid Park in September 2013.

On March 26, 2013, the Yankees released Adams to make space on the 40-man roster for new acquisition Vernon Wells.[23] The Yankees re-signed him to a minor league contract three days later.[24] After playing in 27 games for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders of the Triple–A International League, in which he batted .316,[9] the Yankees purchased his contract on May 15, the first day he was eligible to be promoted to the majors.[25] Adams made his major league debut on May 15, and recorded his first career hit.[26]

On May 16, 2013, Adams got his first career double and RBI. On May 20, Adams hit his first major league home run off Freddy García in a game against the Baltimore Orioles.[27][28] He played in 35 games and posted a .190 average, two home runs, and nine RBI until being demoted to Triple–A on July 8.[29] Adams got promoted again from Triple–A on July 24, after Luis Cruz was placed on the disabled list. He was sent down on July 28, to make room when Jayson Nix was activated off the disabled list.[30] On August 5, with Derek Jeter going on the DL, Adams was recalled again from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.[31] He was then optioned back to Triple-A on August 11, in exchange for pitcher Dellin Betances.[32] On September 1, Adams was called up for a fourth time.[33] In 43 games for the Yankees, he slashed .193/.252/.286 with two home runs and 13 RBI. On December 2, Adams was non–tendered by the Yankees, making him a free agent.[34][35]

Baltimore Orioles

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On December 13, 2013, Adams signed a major league contract with the Cleveland Indians.[36] He was placed on outright waivers on March 22, 2014.[37]

Adams was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles on March 22, 2014.[38] On May 4, he was removed from the 40–man roster and sent outright to the Double–A Bowie Baysox.[39] In 105 games split between Bowie and the Triple–A Norfolk Tides, Adams slashed .255/.326/.399 with nine home runs and 48 RBI.

Miami Marlins

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On February 11, 2015, Adams signed a minor league contract with the Miami Marlins.[40] He played the entire year with the Double–A Jacksonville Suns.[41]

He played 57 games for the Aguilas del Zulia of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League during the offseason.[42]

Toronto Blue Jays

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On November 23, 2015, Adams signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays that includes an invitation to spring training.[43] In 68 games for the Triple–A Buffalo Bisons, he batted .243/.339/.350 with two home runs, 21 RBI, and three stolen bases. Adams elected free agency following the season on November 7, 2016.[44]

In the offseason, Adams played 16 games for the Tigres de Aragua of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League.[45]

Coaching career

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Adams became the defensive coach for Gulf Coast Yankees in 2017.[46] He served as the team's manager in 2018.[47] In 2019, Adams was named the manager for Staten Island.[48] In 2020, he was hired as the manager of the Tampa Tarpons.[49] He was a defensive coach for the rookie–level Florida Complex League Yankees in 2022.[50] Adams is currently the Director of International Baseball Operations for the New York Yankees.[51]

Personal life

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Adams' father, Dale, coached David on his 12-and-under travel team,[1] and at Grandview Prep.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Boca Has Dream Series - Sun Sentinel". December 13, 2013. Archived from the original on December 13, 2013. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c "NewsBank for PBP | www.palmbeachpost.com". December 5, 2013. Archived from the original on December 5, 2013. Retrieved November 30, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  3. ^ "NewsBank for PBP | www.palmbeachpost.com". December 5, 2013. Archived from the original on December 5, 2013. Retrieved November 30, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  4. ^ "David Adams". Virginia Cavaliers Official Athletic Site. April 28, 2020. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  5. ^ "Virginia Baseball Announces Stellar 11-Member 2005 Recruiting Class: O'Connor and his staff lands another top-notch recruiting class at UVa". CSTV.com. CBS Sports. November 17, 2004. Archived from the original on December 4, 2013. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
  6. ^ "David Adams". pro4mer. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  7. ^ "Garceau, Adams Top List Of Second-day Selections - Sun Sentinel". December 6, 2013. Archived from the original on December 6, 2013. Retrieved December 1, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  8. ^ "2005 Detroit Tigers Draft Class - The Baseball Cube". TheBaseballCube.com. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  9. ^ a b c "Former UVa. baseball player David Adams called up to New York Yankees". Augustafreepress.com. May 16, 2013. Retrieved May 16, 2013.
  10. ^ "Major League Baseball Players From the Cape Cod League" (PDF). capecodbaseball.org. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  11. ^ "2006 Brewster Whitecaps". TheBaseballCube.com. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  12. ^ "2007 Falmouth Commodores". thebaseballcube.com. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
  13. ^ "Three Cavs drafted for MLB". C-Ville. June 6, 2008. Archived from the original on May 8, 2010. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
  14. ^ Bontemps, Tim (June 12, 2008). "Yankees begin signing draft picks". Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  15. ^ a b "Behind-the-scenes of Rangers' biggest win - getting Cliff Lee | Dallas Morning News". February 26, 2015. Archived from the original on February 26, 2015. Retrieved December 1, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  16. ^ a b Times, John Nalbone/For The (July 30, 2010). "Thunder top Fisher Cats; David Adams has broken ankle". nj. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  17. ^ "The Hot Stone League | Brian Cashman: Jesus Montero would have been best player "by far" traded for Cliff Lee | Seattle Times Newspaper". September 24, 2011. Archived from the original on September 24, 2011. Retrieved December 1, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  18. ^ "2010 Trenton Thunder Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  19. ^ a b Madden, Bill (May 16, 2013). "Yankees' David Adams, whose injury killed Cliff Lee trade with Mariners years ago, gets first Major League hit". New York Daily News. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  20. ^ DiComo, Anthony (November 18, 2011). "Yankees add five players to 40-man roster". MLB.com. Major League Baseball Advanced Media. Archived from the original on April 19, 2013. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
  21. ^ "2012 Trenton Thunder Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  22. ^ Martin, Dan (May 16, 2013). "Yankees call up Adams, cut Nelson". Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  23. ^ "Yankees release infielder David Adams". March 29, 2013. Archived from the original on March 29, 2013. Retrieved December 1, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  24. ^ "Quick postgame notes: Adams, Teixiera, Jeter - The LoHud Yankees Blog". April 1, 2013. Archived from the original on April 1, 2013. Retrieved December 1, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  25. ^ "Yankees sign infielder David Adams to Major League deal, add him to 25-man roster". December 6, 2013. Archived from the original on December 6, 2013. Retrieved December 1, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  26. ^ "Raul Ibanez's two HR, six RBI lead Mariners' rout of Yankees". Usatoday.com. May 15, 2013. Retrieved May 16, 2013.
  27. ^ Cacciola, Scott (May 20, 2013). "YANKEES 6, ORIOLES 4 (10 INNINGS): Sabathia Has a So-So Outing, but New Players Come Through Again". The New York Times. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  28. ^ Cacciola, Scott (May 21, 2013). "A Rarity: a New Yankee the Yankees Developed". The New York Times. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  29. ^ "Yankees Demote Adams in Favor of Ishikawa". Wall Street Journal. July 9, 2013. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  30. ^ Rubin, Roger (July 29, 2013). "Yankees honor Hideki Matsui with pregame ceremony". New York Daily News. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  31. ^ "Yankees Place Derek Jeter On DL; Recall Infielder David Adams". CBS News. August 5, 2013. Retrieved August 6, 2013.
  32. ^ "Betances returns to bigs; Youkilis hopeful". ESPN.com. August 11, 2013. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  33. ^ "Yankees Expand Roster; Call-Up David Adams, Three Pitchers". CBS News New York. September 2013. Retrieved September 1, 2013.
  34. ^ McCullough, Andy (December 2, 2013). "MLB hot stove: Yankees non-tender Jayson Nix, David Adams, Matt Daley". Newark, New Jersey: The Star-Ledger. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
  35. ^ McCullough, Andy (December 3, 2013). "MLB hot stove: Yankees non-tender Jayson Nix, David Adams, Matt Daley". The Star-Ledger. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  36. ^ "Indians sign INF David Adams, invite 3 to Spring Training". FOX Sports. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  37. ^ "Orioles claim David Adams on outright waivers; Elliot Johnson makes Indians' 40-man roster". NBC Sports. March 22, 2014. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  38. ^ "Orioles add Adams for infield depth". ESPN.com. Associated Press. March 22, 2014. Retrieved March 23, 2014.
  39. ^ "Orioles Outright David Adams To Double-A". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  40. ^ "Marlins sign David Adams to minor-league deal". CBSSports.com. February 11, 2015. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  41. ^ "David Adams Minor, Fall & Winter Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  42. ^ "2015-16 Aguilas del Zulia Statistics". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  43. ^ Nicholson-Smith, Ben (November 23, 2015). "Blue Jays sign Kotchman, Mier, Adams to minor league deals". Sportsnet. Retrieved November 23, 2015.
  44. ^ "Minor League Free Agents 2016". baseballamerica.com. Retrieved August 3, 2024.
  45. ^ "How Yankees are giving prospect who stopped Cliff Lee trade new start". NJ.com. March 2, 2017. Retrieved February 12, 2019.
  46. ^ D'Amodio, Joe (January 26, 2019). "Homecoming of sorts for new Staten Island Yankees manager David Adams". silive. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
  47. ^ Fischer, Mark (June 18, 2019). "David Adams is the rising S.I. Yankees manager you've heard of". New York Post. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
  48. ^ "Homecoming of sorts for new Staten Island Yankees manager David Adams". January 26, 2019.
  49. ^ "Tampa Tarpons Announce Coaching Staff for 2020 Season". MiLB.com. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
  50. ^ "FCL Yankees Top Prospects, Rankings & Roster". College Baseball, MLB Draft, Prospects - Baseball America. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
  51. ^ "Coaching Staff". MLB.com. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
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