Jacque Jones Rumors

Jacque Jones‘ Marlins career lasted just 44 plate appearances, about half the amount he received in Detroit.  He’s been designated for assignment to make room for Robert Andino.  According to MLB.com, Jones expects to clear waivers but isn’t sure about accepting the Marlins’ minor league assignment.

Things are looking up for the Marlins’ outfield – Josh Willingham is close to returning, Cameron Maybin is mashing at Double A, and Cody Ross has shown impressive power.  They just need Jeremy Hermida to pick it up.

According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports and Mike Phillips of the Miami Herald, Jacque Jones has reached a contract agreement with the Marlins.  It’s a no-risk move for the first place Fish, who will pay him the pro-rated league minimum.  Jones, 33, hit .165/.244/.253 in 90 plate appearances for the Tigers.

Rosenthal and Phillips seem to disagree on Jones’ role.  Rosenthal says Jones will be a fourth outfielder and bench bat and notes that he’ll begin at extended spring training.  Phillips sees Jones as the team’s starting center fielder.

The Florida Marlins are likely looking to upgrade in center field, where incumbent Alfredo Azemaga is hitting a svelte .226/.311/.292. They’re also likely looking for someone to help shoulder the load of injured OF Josh Willingham, who just experienced a setback in his rehab — though Luis Gonzalez has hit fairly well since replacing him, at .317/.369/.433 in 16 games. So they’re a likely destination for free agent Jacque Jones.

Juan C. Rodriguez of the South Florida Sun-Sentinal has something of a third-hand rumor that the Marlins could sign Jones by this evening. Damon Lapa, Jones’s agent, has, of course, denied the rumor. He says that he and his client hope to narrow down a list in the next few days before ultimately deciding on a destination. His new team will only be on the hook for a prorated amount of the league minimum $390,000.

"We’ve started some dialogue with a number of clubs," Lapa said. "Ever since he technically became free there’s been an uptick in intensity. He’s weighing all his options."

Rodriguez notes that Jones is from and continues to reside in San Diego, and might seek employment closer to home. The Padres could probably use him, though I’m not sure Jones would want to sign there, given the team’s play to this point. The two LA teams have plenty of outfielders.

The Marlins still do seem like the most likely destination. The only small problem I can see is that both Jones and Azemaga have clear career splits showing they hit righties better than lefties, though Jones bucked that trend last year in 87 plate appearances against southpaws. But that shouldn’t stop the Marlins from pursuing a potential upgrade in center.

Joe Pawlikowski writes for River Ave Blues, a Yankees blog, and can be reached here.

On the verge of signing (some say signed) shortstop Hanley Ramirez to a six year, $70MM deal, the Marlins are not standing pat.

Citing three team sources, MLB.com beat writer Joe Frisaro says the Marlins remain interested in Jacque Jones, who was released by the Tigers on Monday. And a "high-ranking team source" told Frisaro the Marlins will entertain moves to upgrade if the team continues its strong start.

If the Fish do sign Jones, the Marlins could shift Alfredo Amezaga to the infield (at least as a backup). Jones could also serve as a leadoff man now that Ramirez has been dropped to the third slot in the batting order.

Say what you will about their "fire sales," the Marlins have been active on the trade front in years past, acquiring via trade key players (Ugueth Urbina, Jeff Conine) that had instrumental roles during their last World Series championship.

When not taking final exams, Alejandro Leal writes for UmpBump.com