Jacque Jones

2013

There was no outlook written for Jacque Jones.

2008

Jones got off to a slow start last year which cost him at-bats, and he didn't see extended regular playing time until the season's second half. Even so, Jones finished with just five home runs in 453 at-bats and slugged just .400. We're inclined to chalk that up to his sporadic early playing time and bad luck -- after all, he was just 32 in 2007, and power's usually one of the last skills to go. Jones will ply his trade in Detroit this year after a trade and should platoon with Marcus Thames, which will spare Jones the indignity of trying to hit left-handed pitching. As a result, Jones should be a productive platoon player, netting two-thirds of the at-bats while hitting for a decent average and a bit of power.

2007

Jones had one of the best seasons of his career in 2006 and it made him barely adequate as a corner outfielder in real baseball terms, thanks to his inability to draw walks. From a fantasy perspective, Jones' poor plate discipline is always a threat to his batting average, if not his playing time. At press time, the Cubs were actively shopping him. If he stays in Chicago, there's a chance he'll play center field, with Alfonso Soriano moving to a corner spot. Jones will hit for some power and steal a few bags, so if he gets a full season of at-bats, he'll be useful.

2006

During the first half of last season, fantasy owners asked: "Has Jones finally learned to draw a walk?" Jones walked 37 times before the All-Star break, nearly matching his totals in each of his past three seasons. But Jones returned to his free-swinging ways in the second half as he drew just 14 walks and posted a .277 OBA. Jones offers 20-home run power and 10-plus steals, but his poor eye at the plate and his inability to hit left-handed pitching (just a .617 OPS vs. lefties last year) limits his upside. And there's always the danger he could move into a platoon role even though he's moved to the Cubs.

2005

Jones continues to be a good source of power but his poor eye at the plate resulted in a low batting average last season. His average will likely rebound a bit, but a return to hitting .300 may be a stretch since he's unlikely to learn to take more walks at age 29. As a result, even though he's a good bet to hit 20+ home runs he poses a risk to your batting average. He also has had trouble hitting left-handed pitching during his career, so there is always the risk he could lose at-bats or wind up in a platoon. Jones does have speed which makes him valuable in the outfield and makes up for some of these negatives for his fantasy value since he's a consistent threat to steal 10+ bases.

2004

Jones struggled with several groin injuries last season and saw both his power and place discipline drop as a result. His inability to draw a walk finally moved him out of the leadoff spot as the Twins traded for Shannon Stewart. Jones improved a bit against left-handed pitching, but still hits righties much better (.834 OPS vs. righties, .703 vs. lefties), which may ultimately limit his at-bats or force him into a platoon situation. His power should return this season with better health, but his inability to lay off a pitch may make his batting average a risk.

2003

Jones had a break-out season in 2002 as his power numbers improved dramatically. The big worry with Jones is his inability to hit left-handed pitching (just 213/259/331 against LH in 2002), which could cut into his playing time. He's been fairly vocal about not being benched against lefties, but eventually the Twins may decide to platoon him in LF. Still, his growing power should jump to the 30 home run level.