Tigers trade for Cubs OF Jacque Jones
November 12, 2007 at 11:53 am 29 comments
The Detroit Tigers made yet another move to improve their ballclub. They traded utility player Omar Infante to the Cubs for outfielder Jacqu Jones. This happend shortly after they re-signed INF Ramon Santiago to a one-year deal and avoiding arbitration with him.
Adding Jacque Jones was a very good move by the Tigers. He is a very good outfield defender, improving the defense where Marcus Thames would’ve got the majority of playing time. He also has some pop left in his bat. Over the previous 5 seasons prior to last year (when he hit only 5 homers but added 33 doubles) he averaged over 23 homers a season. While Jones doesn’t walk much he has improved his strikout rate. Jones is also a good fit because he’s only on the books for one year for $5M (he isowed $6.33M but the Cubs are eating $1.33M) which is perfect for the plans for top prospect Cameron Maybin who needs some time in the high minors. Jones isn’t a star but he is at worst an average Major Leaguer with his defense making him a tick above average.
The move also allows the tigers to play Marcus Thames agianst left handed pitching only, which he kills, or they can trade him for bullpen help. The Tigers badly needed a left handed bat and Jones fulfills that. Jones will fit nicely into the bottom half of the lineup. Here is what it could look like (although I would change it a bit).
1. Curtis Granderson – CF
2. Placido Polanco – 2B
3. Gary Sheffiled – DH
4. Magglio Ordonez – RF
5. Carlos Guillen – 1B
6. Edgar Renteria – SS
7. Jacque Jones – LF
8. Ivan Rodriguez – C
9. Brandon Inge – 3B
Utilityman Omar Infante was expendable when the team re-signed Ramon Santiago and brought Ryan Rayburn up. This move allows the team to use both guys in the roles they belong, utility. Infante has a career .298 OBP and offers little power. He plays very good defense and is a good late game replacement or injury fill-in.
It was a good move for the Cubs as well. They get $5M off their books and the outfiled can now be in place with Soriano in LF, Felix in CF (if he wins the job), and Murton in RF (they need his plate discipline badly). Jones was expendable for the Cubs as well but they should’ve asked for a low minors arm that needs development, I think they could’ve got one included in this deal.
All-in-all I think it was a good move for both teams but the Tigers were the team that improved most for 2008 while the Cubs “added by subtraction” but didn’t get much in return.
Here is the report from ESPN.com:
The Detroit Tigers have acquired outfielder Jacque Jones from the Chicago Cubs for infielder Omar Infante, sources confirmed to ESPN.com.
The deal, which was first reported by the Detroit Free Press, could be announced sometime Monday, the sources said.
Jones, 32, is a .280 hitter with 164 home runs in nine seasons with Minnesota and the Cubs. He hit 27 home runs in 2006, but he never warmed to Chicago and was a target of boos from Wrigley Field fans and abuse on the local radio call-in shows.
The Cubs tried to trade Jones last winter with no success, and he was not in the team’s plans for next season under manager Lou Piniella.
The Cubs currently have Alfonso Soriano and Matt Murton on the corners and Felix Pie and Sam Fuld to play center field in 2008. After trading Jones and declining to exercise the mutual option on Cliff Floyd, Chicago is in the market for a left-handed bat. But at the general managers meetings in Florida last week, Chicago GM Jim Hendry said the team’s main goal is to get more “athletic” in the outfield.
Jones is likely to play left field in Detroit, where the Tigers were looking at a combination of Marcus Thames and Ryan Raburn. He helps keep the position warm for top prospect Cameron Maybin, who hit .143 in 24 games with the Tigers last season. Maybin is only 20 years old, and could benefit from more time in the minors.
Jones is scheduled to make $5 million next season in the final year of a three-year, $16 million deal. This is the second offseason trade for Detroit GM David Dombrowski, who acquired veteran shortstop Edgar Renteria from Atlanta for two prospects two weeks ago.
The Tigers have also deepend the talks with free agent closer Todd Jones making it more likely that he will return for at least one more year.
Jerry Crasnick brke this report, he is a wiriter for ESPN.com.
-Jonathan C. Mitchell
Entry filed under: Uncategorized.
29 Comments Add your own
Leave a reply to Nick Cancel reply
Trackback this post | Subscribe to the comments via RSS Feed
Jonathan C. Mitchell
Figure Filbert 
1.
Charlie Nehl | November 12, 2007 at 12:39 pm
I’ll chime in here with my 2 cents as a Cubs fan looking in. It’s good to get rid of Jacque Jones, so Murton can get more playing time (he’s really underrated). Why in the world did the Cubs get Omar Infante? They already have a pretty much set INF with Lee, DeRosa, Theriot, and Ramirez from first to third, leaving Mike Fontenot as the backup INF to play 2nd and SS. DeRo can also play 3rd and RF.
The biggest buzz thus far this offseason for the Cubs is the possible aquisition of Japanese players. I was reading a report that the Cubs were prepared to offer a contract to Kaz Matsui (to play where? I have no idea). This was reportedly to ease in a transistion for Kosuke Fokudome (who is going to play center). It was also reported the Cubs were going to go after Hiroki Kuroda as their 3rd or 4th starter.
I’d love the Kaz Matusi move, but where in the world is he going to play?
I would have much rathered the Cubs pickup a couple of low level prospects for Jones, but as long as Murton get more playing time, I’m happy.
2.
Jonathan C. Mitchell | November 12, 2007 at 1:21 pm
Good two cents Charlie! I agree that the increased playing time for Murton is better than having Jones and his salary. I also don’t know why they wanted Infante. They also have Ronny Cedeno in addition to the guys you mentioned. If they sign Matsui they are stating that they don’t want guys who get on base and have relatively no power. That would be a bad move in my opinion.
3.
Nick | November 12, 2007 at 2:16 pm
i am loving these offensive moves for detroitso far. Their pitching is in need of improvement. I don’t know if Rogers or Robertson are very reliable. Not only that their bullpen is now thin with Zumaya going down. Are they making any advances at free agents or working on any trades to improve pitching?
4.
Erik | November 12, 2007 at 7:31 pm
Personally, I think that this trade is a wash. Cubs needed some middle infield depth and Detroit needed to platoon Thames cause he is dreadful against Righthanded Pitchers.
Getting rid of Jones enables Cub Phenom Felix Pie to win the starting job out of spring training. The loss of Jones and Cliff Floyd helps Matt Murton gain valuable playing time in Right. Infante is versatile and showed some promise two years ago but after he was awful it forced the tigers hands in acquiring Placido Polanco.
5.
Stormy Payne | November 13, 2007 at 12:58 am
O.K. Frist mistake was by Charlie. Omar Infante is a great anywhere but Catcher utility fielder. He is great defensively anywhere on the field… I’m happy to see Jacque Jones in Detroit but i’m dissapointed that Thames won’t get much playing time…. The only reason ERIK that Thames isn’t that great against righties is because he doesn’t get as much playing time as he should, he was a lot better in left than Monroe lol.
As for the pitching problems in Detroit Closer Todd Jones agreed to come back for 1 year to help out before possibly retiring. Also Dave Dombrowski said and i agree that the stongest position in the free agent market is pitching.. I’m not going to be to worried about my Detroit Tigers next year, and i will look for them to be in the playoffs..
6.
Stormy Payne | November 13, 2007 at 1:04 am
Also my idea for Leyland’s Lineup next year is
1. Curtis Granderson- CF
2. Placido Polanco- 2B
3. Gary Sheffield- DH/ backup RF
4. Magglio Ordonez- RF
5. Carlos Guillen- 1B/ Backup IF
6. Jacque Jones- LF
7. Ivan Rodriguez- C
8. Ryan Raburn- 3B/ Backup utility anywhere fielder..
9. Edgar Renteria- SS
now the reason i take Brandon Inge out at third and put Renteria in the 9 slot is 1. Inge can’t hit, Raburn can, and 2. if the number 8 guy ends innings while at bat you want a guy like Renteria to lead off the next inning and be able to get on base for Curtis Granderson which is what Inge failed to do.. If you can get on base as a leadoff such as Renteria can then you got a guy that can hit for extrabase power like no other, he wasn’t in the 20-20-20-20 club for nothing….
This lineup WILL provide more offense for this team..
7.
Erik | November 13, 2007 at 3:09 am
My response to Stormy Payne is this… Marcus Thames was given numerous opportunities to win the job outright but he has always had difficulties facing righthanded pitching even back in his minor league days in the Yankee farm system. Certain players are just destined to be part of a platoon. Nothing wrong with it… just it is the best for the team. I disagree with your line up batting Rentaria 9th that is insane… The guy will hit higher and I believe the thirdbaseman in detroit is a guy named Brandon Inge who is damn fine defensively. He will probably hit in that lineup.
I believe the line up will look like this…
1. Granderson
2. Rentaria
3. Sheffield
4. Ordonez
5. Guillen
6. Rodriguez
7. Jones
8. Inge
9. Polanco
8.
Jonathan C. Mitchell | November 13, 2007 at 11:11 am
Nick – Detroit really needs pitching. Kenny Rogers is a free agent and is testing the market. Nate Robertson is a good #4/5. The bullpen needs the most help.
The Tigers are close to bringing Todd Jones back and they have discussed Dontrelle Willis with the Marlins but the Marlins said the name Cameron Maybin and the Tigers rightfully balked. They may try to win with what they have but I think they will add some bullpen help.
9.
Jonathan C. Mitchell | November 13, 2007 at 11:16 am
Erik – I think the deal was a wash in that they both got what they wanted (Det needed a left handed OF and the Cubs unloaded Jones) but I still think the Tigers got the best deal. They added an average-above average outfielder while giving up a spare part. The Cubs don’t really need the infield help but Infante can also play CF a little but his .298 OBP is too awful to give a significnt amount of playing time to. I still think the Cubs could’ve got a low-A arm included.
10.
Jonathan C. Mitchell | November 13, 2007 at 11:22 am
Stormy – I also think the Tigers are a favorite to make the playoffs next year. They are improved and it’s not like they had a bad team last year! I do have to disagree about Thames though. He is a .240 hitter if he plays a full season but he could hit 25-30 homers. He is also below-average as an OF.
11.
Charlie Nehl | November 13, 2007 at 12:00 pm
Stormy, I’m not denying that Infante isn’t a good player, which he is, I’d just rather have gotten prospects out of J. Jones. I would much rather have Ryan Theriot and Mark DeRosa as 2nd and Short with backups Ronnie Cedeno and Mike Fontenot. Infante was given a few years at being the full time 2nd baseman as well until they brought in Polanco. I’m guessing that there will be more to this deal than what meets the eye as the Cubs have a big influx of infielders now.
Jacque Jones maybe an above average fielder, which he is, but his arm is not. It’s not the greatest (at least he’s playing LF now), but it’s not that accurate at all. He spiked and airmailed so many throws over the past few seasons.
And in the end I think the Tigers got the better end of the deal, because the Cubs are paying some JJ’s salary this season.
12.
Erik | November 13, 2007 at 4:01 pm
response to Jonathon, I said before the trade is a wash…the only way my opinion of this trade changes is after the 2008 season.
13.
Jonathan C. Mitchell | November 13, 2007 at 4:35 pm
My lineup would look like this:
1. Renteria – SS
2. Granderson – CF
3. Sheffield – DH
4. Ordonez – RF
5. Guillen – 1B
6. Polanco – 2B
7. Jones – LF
8. Rodriguez – C
9. Inge – C
I like the idea of a left handed hitter hitting behind a guy who gets on base because the 1B has to cover the bag and it opens a hole on the right side of the infield.
14.
Stormy Payne | November 13, 2007 at 4:51 pm
You guys are insane…. Thames led the tigers in home runs during the 2006 season with almost half the at bats that Magglio or Monroe had, Infante only had 1 full year as a second baseman, and what in the heck are you thinking taking the best hitter on the tigers in Polanco and taking him out of the 2 slot. Look i have my reasons for the lineup i had created, it’s because the bottom of the Tigers lineup needs the help. I know inge is great defensively but the man just cannot hit worth a darn.
Last year Marcus Thames showed a little improvement in his swing and it can only get better from there, he could easily have a breakout season of 30+ HR, look at Carlos Pena an under average player and he came out this year with 40+ HR and his first 100+ RBI season.
There are a couple of people for the Tigers that i truly can say will not be there the whole season if not the beginning of the season. Brandon Inge, i mean i like the guy but he just can’t hit and Nate Robertson, he’s lost his agressiveness and is slowly turning into another Mike Maroth and the Cardinals know all about that lol.
15.
Charlie Nehl | November 13, 2007 at 8:26 pm
Honestly, with the way baseball is going, I think we’re going to see some better hitters at the bottom of the lineup to give the top of the line up some firepower. The Cardinals started batting Branden Ryan, who is a good contact hitter, in the ninth spot, and pitcher in the eighth spot. This was to give Pujols a few more RBI chances, so batting Renteria 9th isn’t totally crazy, I’d rather have Guillen or Jones bat night… maybe even Pudge so guys are on base for Granderson and Polanco (I’d personally keep him in the no. 2 spot with his high average).
16.
Erik | November 13, 2007 at 8:56 pm
Marcus Thames’ stats vs Righties
are these:
G AB R H 2b 3b HR RBI BB K SB
82 182 22 38 6 0 13 37 9 52 1
CS AVG OBP SLG OPS
1 .209 .249 .456 .705
17.
Jonathan C. Mitchell | November 13, 2007 at 9:07 pm
Good call on those stats Erik! You were right about Thames all along, those are AWFUL numbers other than the homers. .249 OBP is dreadful!
18.
Nick | November 13, 2007 at 10:48 pm
I don’t see how Granderson doesn’t lead off. He had an amazing season last year. If it aint broke don’t fix it.
19.
Erik | November 13, 2007 at 11:38 pm
Thanks Jonathon…
The Granderson not leading off is speculation… now reason someone might pick Rentaria to lead off instead is cause he had a better .OBP which means alot these days. Problem I’d have with him leading off is he doesn’t steal bases anymore… But since he is a a great spray hitter I can see him using comerica park to his advantage and be a better #2 hitter.
20.
Jonathan C. Mitchell | November 14, 2007 at 8:05 am
I like Renteria in the #1 spot and Granderson in the #2 spot because Renteria gets on base more. Renteria doesn’t strike out as much, and Renteria will make the firstbaseman hold him on the bag. Granderson strikes out too much, doesn’t hit lefties, and doesn’t take enough pitches. He is left handed so with Renteria on the hole on the right side of the infield will be huge and that will more than likely lead to more hits for Granderson. I personally love having an OBP guy hit leadoff and a lefty hit #2.
Also, batting the better hitters at the end is not a good idea in my opinion. You want your best hitters to get the most at-bats period. I do believe in the #9 hitter being better than the #8 hitter though so the top of the lineup can get more chances.
21.
Erik | November 14, 2007 at 9:54 am
As a former baseball player myself, I will say that a lineup is usually made to score as much as you can as fast as you can to get an advantage early on. Having a better hitter bat 9th is a dumb move. LaRussa has put the pitcher batting 8th more than just this past year… Has it worked…Not really his Cardinals failed to make the playoffs both years it has happened. I think What he did in batting McGwire and later Pujols third in the order is much more effective and meaningful.
I understand your reasoning Jonathan in batting Renteria #1 but he isn’t the stolen base threat he once was. Although it is kind of like leading off with Wade Boggs to a degree. I think Detriot is better served with him as the #2. He can still get on base, steal a base if necessary. I also understand your lefty hitting #2 in that he sheilds the catcher’s view somewhat of the runner on first. But knowing Leyland he will bat renteria #2.
22.
Jonathan C. Mitchell | November 14, 2007 at 12:08 pm
The fact that Renteria doesn’t steal as much is irrelevant. The point of having a speedy leadoff hitter is so overblown. You want people on base in front of your best hitters. Juan Pierre is a perfect example. He steals a ton of bases but doesn’t get on enough to leadoff. He belongs as a #8-9 hitter.
23.
Erik | November 14, 2007 at 2:03 pm
I’m glad you brought that up about Pierre. Pierre should bat lower in the order especially with guys like Furcal, and even Russell Martin on that team. Martin is the #3 hitter he reminds me sort of John Stearns/Jason Kendell with more pop and better average.
Pierre used to have high OBP but his age is affecting his plat performance. He used to walk not anymore… kinda like Kenny Lofton… His skills have depleted. Which is why the dodgers should target Andruw Jones.
24.
Jonathan C. Mitchell | November 14, 2007 at 2:47 pm
The Dodgers should only target Andruw Jones if they intend on benching or trading Pierre or trading Ethier. Kemp deserves to play every day and Ethier is better than Pierre. Jones would fit in nicely as long as Torre doesn’t bench Kemp. Torre has a horrible track record of developing young players and it would be a crime if he plays some vets over the young players the Dodgers have.
25.
Erik | November 14, 2007 at 7:52 pm
“Torre has a horrible track record of developing young players and it would be a crime if he plays some vets over the young players the Dodgers have”
Jeter seemed to do nicely, Cano has been pretty good, Soriano was pretty good, Wang is pretty good. I think Torre is better with Young players than a lot of other managers with Young Players.
I think the Dodgers will move Pierre to Left, if they get Jones… Cause they are in desperate need of a clean up hitter if Jeff Kent retires. They will platoon kemp and ethier.
26.
Jonathan C. Mitchell | November 15, 2007 at 11:17 am
That’s really a ton of talent for the amount of years Torre was there. Plus, Brian Cashman refused to sign a 2B so that Cano would be the starter, Torre wanted a vet.
I also should’ve stated what I was thinking better. I really meant that Torre is awful at developing young pitching. Wang is really the only pitcher I can think of from his time with the Yanks and Cardianls. Maybe Ken Hill with the Cards but he ended up washed out really quickly.
The Dodgers have great young arms in Billingsley, Meleoan, Broxton, Clayton Kershaw, Scott Elbert, and a few others. I hope he uses them correctly.
27.
Erik | November 15, 2007 at 7:42 pm
Torre tends to put the hands of the pitching staff on his Pitching Coach. Torre/Stottlemyre developed Petite pretty damn well. Damn it Jonathan you have me defending Yankees. I need to take a shower. It is still to early to check on Chamberlin. Rivera also can be attributed to a pitcher that developed under Torre.
Combination of Petite, Wang and Rivera it seems like some good pitchers were developed during Torre’s watch. And if you want to go further back Torre developed Craig Swan in NY as the Mets manager. The rest just escape me.
28.
Jonathan C. Mitchell | November 15, 2007 at 8:31 pm
Haha, the comment made me laugh about defending the Yanks! Pettitte and Rivera already had a full year before Torre arrived. Let’s just agree that Dusty Baker is awful! LOL!
29.
Erik | November 15, 2007 at 8:47 pm
Just cause a pitcher had a full year prior to Torre being a manager, alot of those pitchers became better during Torre’s years as manager and you can’t deny that.
And I agree with you on Dusty Baker being awful!
And I really have trouble defending the Yankees you don’t realize how much it hurts my stomach that I actually did. I think I’m also breaking out into hives because I did. Good thing I work in a hospital.