Jones wants to be a Marlin?

May 13, 2008 · Paul Raymond · Jump to comments

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Yea, I know who wants to play for them? Well, apparently Jacque Jones REALLY wants to play for the Florida Marlins. The Detroit Tigers designated the outfielder for assignment last week, and have till this Friday to make a decision on whether or not to trade or outright release him. The Tigers will obviously hold out until Friday to see if they can squeeze ANYTHING out of an interested team. Because of this the Marlins could consider a trade.

At the moment, Jacque Jones has no say whatsoever in where he goes. If the Tigers trade him somewhere, he’s got to go as he’s still Tiger property. It’s in the Tigers best interest to trade the guy thou, as they’re on the hook for the $4.05 million left on his contract whether traded or released. If a deal was to be worked out with any team, they’d most likely demand the Tigers pay almost all of his contract. If he was released well they have to buy him out.

When talking about Florida, “It would probably be his top destination,” an associate of Jacque Jones said. “Last year he was really excited about the opportunity to go down there. It was something that almost came to fruition.” Last year?? Yep, last year the Chicago Cubs considered dealing Jones but that deal fell through at the last minute. Jones was pretty excited about playing with all those young hungry guys down there in Miami. In addition to that, he’d be able to get considerable playing time. He could spell all three starting outfielders, and be a solid candidate to start any time the team faces a right handed pitcher.

What would Jones cost the Marlins via trade? Not much actually. Because of the Tigers situation the Marlins could probably just send an insignificant minor league player from A or AA ball, or even just send a little bit of cash. If it were a straight cash deal it would have to be for at least $290,000. That amount is the major league minimum that has to be transferred at this point in the season.

It’s safe to say Jones will be a Marlin. I can’t see any other team really taking a stab at him during the week. And if the Tigers do happen to release him, he’ll easily sign a contract over the weekend with the team.

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