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.