Free Agent Profile: Jacque Jones OF
Dexter-Sports
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Proper Name: Jacque Dewayne Jones
Born: April 25, 1975 in San Diego
High School: San Diego HS
College: Southern California
Ht.: 5-10 Wt.: 200
Bats: L Throws: L
Jacque Jones came into this season hoping that his continuous slow starts would be a thing of the past. Boy was he wrong. Now, after playing on two different teams in two different leagues in less than six months. He will wait for another chance to prove himself. And some team will be willing to take the chance.
After what seemed a promising second half, where Jones hit .325 with three home runs and 46 RBIs with the Cubs in 2007, the Tigers went after him to fill their left field woes. Manager Jim Leyland was hoping for the same player that hit 20+ homers and had 80 RBIs 3 times in his career. He was hoping for a leader and a sound defensive left fielder. Instead, He got an aging outfielder with a .244 OBP and a .156 AVG after 24 games. When push came to shove, and the Tigers were struggling mightily, it was Jones who lost his job. That was when the Florida Marlins came calling.
With injuries piling up and a lack of veteran leadership, the Marlins sought out Jones to fill in in the outfield. Yet again, he was getting a shot on a winning team. And again he blew it. After posting only four hits in 37 at bats and a .227 OBP, the Marlins cut ties with the veteran. Now, Jones continues to look for work. And though he has struggled this season, I believe there will be a lot of interest in him.
Jones has been known as a player that puts intense pressure on himself. Current Twins analyst Dan Gladden has seen it before. Jones struggles because he believes he should do a lot more than he should. As his struggles continue, His pressing has gotten worse. This time off should help clear his mind. It's also why he should be given a minor league deal to put things in perspective.
Many teams might be willing to do this. Knowing the potential that Jones has, especially from the power aspect, It would be worth while investment. Giving him a minor league deal takes the pressure off as well. He will not be rushed into a major league situation.
Teams that could have interest include his hometown Padres, the Cleveland Indians, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves.
