Garrett Jones

2013

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2012

Jones is one of the major's streakier hitters and the 2011 season was no exception. The left-handed hitter stroked 16 homers and 58 RBI in 423 at-bats, but hit just .147 against lefties. He also batted under .200 in both May and July. Pittsburgh figures to use him in a platoon at first base and as a occasional backup in the outfield. His fantasy value lies in spot matchups against right-handed pitching. There's little upside with the 30-year-old, but his hot streaks are worth keeping tabs on throughout the season.

2011

Talk about an early sell high, Jones probably peaked on Opening Day of 2010 when he hit two homers against the Dodgers. For the season, Jones delivered 21 dingers and 86 RBI but endured an excruciating second-half slump that saw him bat .144 (15-for-104) in the month of August. Pittsburgh acquired outfielder Matt Diaz during the winter meetings, potentially cutting back on the at-bats Jones will get during 2011. He hit only .220/.261/.360 versus left-handed pitching, making a platoon likely, if not necessary. Jones is not a lock to make it through the entire season with Pittsburgh. He'll need a strong spring training performance just to keep from losing more playing time.

2010

Jones' stunning 2009 performance gives unrealistic hope to hundreds of career minor leaguers hoping to duplicate the outfielder/first baseman's amazing breakthrough season. A strong spring training did little to sway the Pirates' brass into keeping him on the 25-man roster, with the likes of veteran Craig Monroe getting the nod. Pittsburgh recalled Jones after moving Eric Hinske in late June, however, and Jones never looked back. The 6-foot-4 outfielder smacked a franchise-record 10 dingers in July and finished with 21 homers and 10 steals in just 314 at-bats. The big question is whether he can maintain that level of production over the course of a full season. Repeating his line of .293/.372/.567 might be asking for too much -- Jones rarely put up those kinds of numbers in any of his seven minor league campaigns -- but he's in an ideal situation with the Pirates. His salary is just over the minimum and his left-handed bat plays perfectly at PNC Park. General manager Neal Huntington isn't afraid to trade anyone, but it's hard to see him passing up such a financial value.

2008

Jones has shown outstanding power in the minors, but doesn't have enough plate discipline to win regular at-bats in the majors. He'll figure into the mix for a reserve outfield job with the Twins, but at 27 his upside is limited.

2007

Jones took a step back in his second full season at Triple-A and his career seems to have stalled. While he has outstanding power, he has poor plate discipline and doesn't draw enough walks. He'll need a strong bounce-back season to figure in Minnesota's plans in the near future.

2006

Jones has outstanding power with 24 home runs at Triple-A last season, but has a poor eye at the plate. He struck out 109 times last year against just 36 walks. He may be moved to the outfield to give him a better shot to reach the majors with Justin Morneau entrenched at first base. If he can learn the outfield he could contend for a reserve job with the Twins next spring, but we're not high on his upside given he's one-dimensional at the plate.

2005

Jones was a big surprise for Double-A New Britain last season by hitting .311 with 30 home runs after posting just a career .223 minor league average before 2004. Was it a fluke? The Twins thought enough of the season and his upside to keep him on their 40-man roster. He's always had a wild swing with good power, so perhaps he's finally put it all together. We'll need to see another solid year at Triple-A before we're sold on his major league outlook.