Seattle Mariners player profile: James Jones

Mar 11, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder James Jones (99) follows through on a swing against the Los Angeles Angels in the seventh inning at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Seattle Mariners player profile:  James Jones OF #90.

James Jones is a 25 year old, left handed outfielder the Mariners drafted in the 4th round of the 2009 draft.  He is 6’4″ 190 lbs.  In 5 years he has played all levels of the farm system from single A Everett to triple A Tacoma, though he only played in 4 games in Tacoma, last year.  He is slated to start the year there, and most likely will remain there all year.  I saw him play last year, and he is raw.  He has great speed, an awesome arm (he was a pitcher in college), and has been compared to Adam Jones.  Baseball America listed Jones as the Mariners organization’s Best Outfield Arm in 2010.

His numbers by year:

2009:  Class A Everett-  .311/3 HR/24 RBI/.856 OPS

2010:  Class A Clinton-  .269/12 HR/65 RBI/.788 OPS

2011:  Class A High Desert-  .247/5/29/.725

2012:  High Desert-  .306/14/76/.875

2013:  AA Jackson-  .275/6/45/.766

Adam Jones got a much earlier start to professional baseball, but their numbers are very similar.  In 2005 AJ hit .297/15/66/.849 between high A and double A.  I am not saying James Jones will blossom into the caliber player that Adam Jones did, however they are very similar.  James will need to spend the year in Tacoma, and with a productive season could see a September call up, or a legitimate chance at spring training next year.

FYI:

-In college he was a pitcher, and his fastball velocity improved from 83-85 in high school to 95 mph in 2005.

-His freshman year at Long Island University he weighed 140 pounds.

-Jones played center field as a sophomore, hitting .309 with 5 homers and was 19/23 on stolen bases.

-LIU recruiting coordinator, Craig Noto, said that in 2008 Jones stood flat footed on home plate and threw a ball over the center field wall.

-He has a high baseball IQ, keeps the bat in the zone, and a great combo of speed and power that could propel him to the lead off role next year.   I will keep an eye on him this year in Tacoma, and keep you posted.