Or, if you're scoring at home: The Jacque Jones Era barely started in Miami. After what was seemingly a long courtship, the Fish picked up Jones as a free agent after the Tigers discarded him. But Jones only got four hits in 37 at-bats for the Marlins in 18 games. So the Marlins designated him for assignment on June 11th with the intention of sending him to Albuquerque.But Jones doesn't like Albuquerque this time of year, and probably doesn't like Albuquerque at any time of any year, because Albuquerque doesn't have a major league baseball franchise. So Jones used his right to decline the minor leagues and become a free agent.
I can't blame him for not wanting to return to the minor leagues, especially if he thinks that another team will be clamoring for his services. But with his .147 average this season, I don't know who that team might be. Maybe J.P. Ricciardi can sign him up to play for the Jays to help an offense that scored a total of zero runs in 12 innings tonight. But Jones would have to like baseball. And since he refused to play baseball in Albuquerque, maybe Ricciardi will see that as a sign that Jones doesn't like baseball enough for his tastes.
