NewsJones sees action right after callup
Outfielder/infielder to make the most of his opportunity
By Jenifer Langosch / MLB.com
07/01/09 8:34 PM ET
PITTSBURGH -- Pirates management loved what it saw in Garrett Jones during Spring Training, which explains why manager John Russell is wasting no time seeing what the 28-year-old outfielder/first baseman can do now that there is a roster spot to accommodate his talent.Having Jones waiting in Triple-A made it a fairly easy decision for the Pirates to part ways with Eric Hinske when the Yankees came asking about the veteran. Now, just one day after learning he had been summoned to Pittsburgh, Jones found himself hitting third and playing left field on Wednesday night.
"I think I have a good opportunity here to help the team win and get some at-bats," said Jones, who grounded out his first two times at the plate. "That's all that I could ask for. The rest I have to take care of by myself. I have to do some damage to show that I can be a Pirate for a long time."
A chance is something that has eluded Jones, through no fault of his, for the past few seasons. He spent nearly four full seasons stuck with the Twins' Triple-A affiliate despite putting up some pretty impressive power numbers. But Minnesota's Justin Morneau and Michael Cuddyer blocked any opportunity for Jones to show his abilities at the Major League level.
He did have one stint with the Twins, in 2007, but hit just .208 with two homers and five RBIs in 77 at-bats.
"The first time I was kind of up and down and really didn't feel like I performed the way I wanted to," Jones said. "I felt I do belong here. I really want to prove that I do belong here. It feels great."
Jones, who signed with the Pirates as a Minor League free agent this winter, opened eyes in Bradenton, Fla., this spring, only to find himself once again with nowhere to go.
"We wanted to keep him out of Spring Training," Russell said. "With the number of left-handed bats we had, it was next to impossible. What we saw in Spring Training and the makeup of this kid and the hard work that he did, we really believe this could be one of those guys who can show some people that he does belong."
The Pirates are intrigued by Jones' power potential, something the club has lacked all season, especially from its corner outfielders. Jones has 146 homers and 198 doubles in 966 career Minor League at-bats. In 72 games with Triple-A Indianapolis this season, he hit .307 with 18 doubles, 12 homers and 48 RBIs.
"I took what I did in Spring Training, just really smoothing my swing out," Jones said. "I stayed pretty consistent throughout the season and really didn't hit too many ruts. My inconsistency was the one thing I wanted to get past. I think I was able to do that."
Jones will have plenty of opportunity to show that he deserves to stay. The Pirates have some fluidity in left and right field, with Jones one of the numerous options to step in at either spot on any given night. He was out shagging fly balls on Wednesday afternoon in an attempt to help him acclimate himself with PNC Park's spacious left field.
"He'll be given an opportunity to see what he can bring for us," Russell said. "We'll be patient with him a little bit and let him get his feet on the ground. But with the dynamic of our club now, he should get the opportunity to play quite a bit."
Jenifer Langosch is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
