Mar 17, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners outfielder James Jones against the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
It is always nice to have a little bit of a cushion heading in the ninth inning. On Wednesday afternoon it was the young Mariners’ who extended the lead late. Ketel Marte was plugged in at first as a pinch runner for Brad Miller, and Marte showed off his wheels by advancing to third base on a single to right field. James Jones made a name for himself in Seattle last season, and he slapped a single into left field to give Seattle a two run lead. Patrick Kivlehan has been very impressive thus far in spring training, and his RBI single to right field in the eighth only supports the theory that he is close to being Major League ready.
James Jones is currently batting .267 with 6 RBI’s and 3 stolen bases across 30 at bats in Arizona. Jones can fly, and that sets him apart as a great option to pinch run for the Mariners late in games. Austin Jackson is set to hit free agency following this season, and Jones will be on a mission this summer to prove he is the right choice to supplant Jackson in 2016. The 26-year-old may have to wait for a mid-season promotion, but Jones is an exciting player to watch.
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