Odds and Ends: Jacque, Lee Hak-ju, Tavarez

Here's today's collection of links. The Tigers weren't able to trade Jacque Jones; he'll become a free agent tomorrow. The Marlins are expected to make an offer. The Cubs signed a Korean high school shortstop named Lee Hak-ju. Aaron Shinsano, who works for the Cubs as a scout, says the team believes he'd have been a first round pick in the states. Giants owner Peter Magowan is expected to step down Friday. Troy Renck says the Rox still want Julian Tavarez but won't give up pitching prospect Brandon Hynick. Baseball America ranked Hynick eighth among Rockies prospects, they describe him...

Odds and Ends: Jacque, Vizquel, Greinke

Today's linkage... An MLBTR chat will take place in this space at 2pm CST - get your questions ready! I will also be hopping on ESPN-1580 (Columbia, MO) today at 4:20pm CST. Jacque Jones prefers to play for the Marlins...I imagine he will end up there. GM bloodlines courtesy of Batter's Box. Omar Vizquel wants to play in '09, if he has a good offensive year in '08. The White Sox do not intend to overpay their 8th overall pick this June. The Royals haven't had any extension talks yet with Zack Greinke, who would become a free agent after...

With Ramirez Inked, Marlins Looking At Jacque Jones

On the verge of signing (some say signed) shortstop Hanley Ramirez to a $70MM, 6-year 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...

Padres, Marlins Interested In Jacque Jones

According to Joe Frisaro of MLB.com, the Marlins and Padres have inquired on recently designated outfielder Jacque Jones. The Tigers, on the hook for $3MM of Jones' salary this year, would obviously prefer a trade. Many Padres are not hitting, including outfielders Jim Edmonds and Scott Hairston. Jones might not hit for much power anymore, but he can play a quality center field. The Fish nearly acquired Jones last summer. They haven't gotten much out of Alfredo Amezaga and Cody Ross in center, and left fielder Josh Willingham is on the DL with a sore lower back. The Marlins are...

Tigers Release Jacque Jones

According to Jon Paul Morosi of the Detroit Free Press, the Tigers released outfielder Jacque Jones today. Jones, 33, received only 90 plate appearances before the Tigers gave up on him. He makes $5MM this year, of which the Cubs are paying $2MM. Given Jones' ability to play all three outfield positions, he shouldn't have a problem finding a new team.