Hendry signs Jones for 3/$16 million

[jmajew]

Don't know if anyone posted this yet but Rob Neyer was pretty critical of Hendry in his article today.

 

And then there's Jacque Jones. I know the words above will draw a healthy response for those who consider me a "Yankee-hater" ... but hold your fire, because I've got some truly nasty things to say about Jim Hendry and Jacque Jones.

 

Last night, I read a long story about the Cubs signing Jones to a three-year deal worth $16 million. Honestly, the money is not a big deal. The Cubs can afford it. The problem is that Jones will, for the next three seasons, be in the lineup nearly every day (notwithstanding trade or injury). In this particular story, I "learned" that:

 

• According to Cubs general manager Jim Hendry, Jones has "a lot of upside in him" (he's going to be 31 next season);

 

• Jones is "patient at the plate" (his career high in walks, set last season, is 51);

 

• Hendry's scouts told him that Jones' struggles in the last two seasons were perhaps because "Jones tried to carry the Twins," who had to deal with injuries to key players such as Torii Hunter and Shannon Stewart.

 

On the other hand, here's what I learned in three minutes of quality time on the Interweb: Jones batted .300 in 2002 and '03 not because he was relaxed. He batted .300 because he was 27 and 28. He's not at all patient and figures to draw something like 40 walks in 150 games. The Cubs finished second in the National League last season with 194 home runs, but ranked just ninth in scoring. Why? Because their .324 on-base percentage ranked 11th in the league.

 

Jones' OBP over the last two seasons?

 

 

.317

Jones is exactly the sort of player the Cubs don't need, and it's incredibly negligent of Hendry to ignore a fact so evident.

 

I'm happy atleast one reporter is saying it. I hope it starts to come out in the Chicago Media.

 

It has come out in the Chicago media _ if you're looking at the right paper. I don't think the letters OPS were printed in any paper but the Daily Herald today. The issue of OBP and OPS were prominent in my story and they have been ever since the Jones discussions began. Thanks for the opportunity for the shameless plug.

 

Glad I could help.

[Bruce Miles]

Don't know if anyone posted this yet but Rob Neyer was pretty critical of Hendry in his article today.

 

And then there's Jacque Jones. I know the words above will draw a healthy response for those who consider me a "Yankee-hater" ... but hold your fire, because I've got some truly nasty things to say about Jim Hendry and Jacque Jones.

 

Last night, I read a long story about the Cubs signing Jones to a three-year deal worth $16 million. Honestly, the money is not a big deal. The Cubs can afford it. The problem is that Jones will, for the next three seasons, be in the lineup nearly every day (notwithstanding trade or injury). In this particular story, I "learned" that:

 

• According to Cubs general manager Jim Hendry, Jones has "a lot of upside in him" (he's going to be 31 next season);

 

• Jones is "patient at the plate" (his career high in walks, set last season, is 51);

 

• Hendry's scouts told him that Jones' struggles in the last two seasons were perhaps because "Jones tried to carry the Twins," who had to deal with injuries to key players such as Torii Hunter and Shannon Stewart.

 

On the other hand, here's what I learned in three minutes of quality time on the Interweb: Jones batted .300 in 2002 and '03 not because he was relaxed. He batted .300 because he was 27 and 28. He's not at all patient and figures to draw something like 40 walks in 150 games. The Cubs finished second in the National League last season with 194 home runs, but ranked just ninth in scoring. Why? Because their .324 on-base percentage ranked 11th in the league.

 

Jones' OBP over the last two seasons?

 

 

.317

Jones is exactly the sort of player the Cubs don't need, and it's incredibly negligent of Hendry to ignore a fact so evident.

 

I'm happy atleast one reporter is saying it. I hope it starts to come out in the Chicago Media.

 

It has come out in the Chicago media _ if you're looking at the right paper. I don't think the letters OPS were printed in any paper but the Daily Herald today. The issue of OBP and OPS were prominent in my story and they have been ever since the Jones discussions began. Thanks for the opportunity for the shameless plug.

 

Bruce, can I look forward to a scathing critique of this regime if and when Walker is traded for trash?

 

If and when that happens, you got it. Seems to me Walker is one of the bigger bargains on the team right now.

[frostwyrm]

 

Bruce, can I look forward to a scathing critique of this regime if and when Walker is traded for trash?

 

If and when that happens, you got it. Seems to me Walker is one of the bigger bargains on the team right now.

 

My advice is go ahead and write it now and leave blanks where you can insert the names of the bums the Cubs get.

[CubsWin]

That said, here is my uninformed opinion on this signing.

 

I think Hendry made a horrible decision. Jones better catch every ball hit to RF in order to make his bat worth something. And there is no reason to sign him to 3 years. Overpay and do what it takes to get one of these trades done, but don't stick the Cubs with three years of medicrity in a key offensive position like RF.

 

Hendry better not be done.

[badger1679666666]

 

If and when that happens, you got it. Seems to me Walker is one of the bigger bargains on the team right now.

 

Could you also throw in a really scathing criticism of Dusty and Jim continuing to pitch Woody out of the Pen, when the Cubs were out of it, and they knew he needed surgery, espcially being that he won't be back for opening day?

 

Anything to ignite a lynch mob to get these two jokers out of town.

 

Much appreciated,

Badger

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

 

Bruce, can I look forward to a scathing critique of this regime if and when Walker is traded for trash?

 

If and when that happens, you got it. Seems to me Walker is one of the bigger bargains on the team right now.

 

:cheers: Bruce, you're not the best beat writer in Chicago for nothing.

[Careless]

Where does the other about $15 million go? You think the Tribsters will actually pocket it?

Of course. Nothing is unexpected with this organization. Nothing.

Winning

[NorthsideAvenger]

Where does the other about $15 million go? You think the Tribsters will actually pocket it?

Of course. Nothing is unexpected with this organization. Nothing.

Winning

 

Can we plz close this thread, now? 40+ pages of JACQUES JONES is more then enough.

[Fred Hornkohl]

Can we plz close this thread, now? 40+ pages of JACQUES JONES is more then enough.

 

If you spring for Premium, it'll only seem like 33 pages !! :wink:

[Lefty]

Bryan Smith at baseballanalysts.com has a positive take on the Jones signing. Smith has credibility, so it made me feel a little better. Check it out.

[UK1679666180]

I'd fell more comfortable if he was platooned with a RH'er as well, but that would be going like a salmon going upstream and that stream being Niagara Falls as far as Baker using a platoon for a proven, expensive, FA.

 

Plus, his improvements in BBs were minimal and still well below the norm, especially for a player towards the tail end of his prime.

 

I agree, he is a complimentary type player who in an ideal world would be hitting 6-7, but with the Cubs current situation will likely be hitting 5th which raises questions of their current lineup with or w/out him.

[soapy]

Perhaps we'll see a Walker for Mench trade and Mench could platoon with Jones in RF. The only potential problem being that Murton gets benched in favor of Mench in LF.

 

I'd prefer to keep Walker and go with E. Perez or Byrnes or someone like that, but Hendry seems determined to move Walker.

[Scott G. F.]

So let me see. In the season of Hope us Cubs fans already called in the 2006 season. Yep everything is back to normal after the 2003 season.

 

Hendry has addressed the needs of the Cubs. Pen, Lead-off CF and RF. Why is that a bust? You can only determine a bust over time. You all are not counting on pitching at all and are expecting the offense to carry this team. Well it isn't. Hendry is building a balanced team with OBP and speed in the front of the line-up followed by power and then a Barrett mix. Hendry has helped build a better defensive team too IMO.

 

He's trying to Dusty proof this team!

 

Pierre and Jones are high energy guys that'll bring a nice balance to the team. I like the moves. All nay says need to have a "smart egg nog" and relax! Hendry's not finished yet.

 

Largely agree. Group think and over reaction reign on here currently.

 

Jones has one glaring attribute over Burntiz.

 

He should be able to handle play much better during the summer months.

(has little smerk on face....looks at shoes)

 

Plus, with a the whinning and crying around here I'm not seeing any alturnatives to Jones except Burntiz. Like someone said crap vs. crap. Which to me is not fair to either. Burntiz was decent just not the usual RF production for a "gladiator" type person.

 

One more point.

Just because you're a GM running a fantasy baseball team doesn't mean you know what's going on and you're better then JH.

[Backtobanks]

If we can get someone to platoon with Jones in RF (Byrnes, Mench, etc) and Pie is ready next year, I don't think the Cubs will have too much trouble trading Jones at $5million per year for 2 years. He was offered more than that by 2 teams this year, so I'm not too upset with the 3-year contract.

[neely crenshaw]

i am not unhappy with signing jones. i do think, as we all should know, that with dusty managing he is signed to play everyday not platoon. i do not see a byrnes coming, and if they go after mensch, it will be to play everyday also.

i will be unhappy if this is the" impact" siging if the off season. much like burnitz last year. he played hard and better than anyone expected. i do not fault him. the problem was/is that if burnitz is your best offensive outfielder and power hitter- hitting 4th, you do not have a very good outfield or offense. if you have a bomber in left-like manny, a lead off guy in center, and a scrapper like burnitz on the other side you will just fine!

 

if we stay as is..we will be completely relying on pitching. this team is a little better suited to play defense behind that pitching so that will help. the offense would be slightly better IF lee has another great year.

[UK1679666180]

Plus, with a the whinning and crying around here I'm not seeing any alturnatives to Jones except Burntiz. Like someone said crap vs. crap. Which to me is not fair to either. Burntiz was decent just not the usual RF production for a "gladiator" type person.

 

Sanders is about to sign with the Royals for 1 less year, 1 mil less, and has hit RH'ers better than Jones and hit LH'ers much better than Jones.

 

If Sanders is crap, what does it say about Jones? B/c Sanders>>>Jones.

 

One more point.

Just because you're a GM running a fantasy baseball team doesn't mean you know what's going on and you're better then JH.

 

Wait, this is a message board? Damn, I thought these were the actual GM meetings. I'll be damned.

[Guest]

Bryan Smith at baseballanalysts.com has a positive take on the Jones signing. Smith has credibility, so it made me feel a little better. Check it out.

Somehow the fact that Jones' baserunning ability will gain the Cubs half a run a season is little consolation for the fact that he's corner outfielder with a .750 OPS.

[Magnetic Curses]

So let me see. In the season of Hope us Cubs fans already called in the 2006 season. Yep everything is back to normal after the 2003 season.

 

Hendry has addressed the needs of the Cubs. Pen, Lead-off CF and RF. Why is that a bust? You can only determine a bust over time. You all are not counting on pitching at all and are expecting the offense to carry this team. Well it isn't. Hendry is building a balanced team with OBP and speed in the front of the line-up followed by power and then a Barrett mix. Hendry has helped build a better defensive team too IMO.

 

He's trying to Dusty proof this team!

 

Pierre and Jones are high energy guys that'll bring a nice balance to the team. I like the moves. All nay says need to have a "smart egg nog" and relax! Hendry's not finished yet.

 

Largely agree. Group think and over reaction reign on here currently.

 

Jones has one glaring attribute over Burntiz.

 

He should be able to handle play much better during the summer months.

(has little smerk on face....looks at shoes)

 

Plus, with a the whinning and crying around here I'm not seeing any alturnatives to Jones except Burntiz. Like someone said crap vs. crap. Which to me is not fair to either. Burntiz was decent just not the usual RF production for a "gladiator" type person.

 

One more point.

Just because you're a GM running a fantasy baseball team doesn't mean you know what's going on and you're better then JH.

 

well, you just indicted hendry without knowing it.

 

"I'm not seeing any alternatives to Jones except Burnitz" could have been averted earlier in the offseason. hendry chose to ignore giles, that's his fault, not mine or any of the other fantasy Gm's around here. hendry sucks, period.

[imb]

One more point.

Just because you're a GM running a fantasy baseball team doesn't mean you know what's going on and you're better then JH.

 

God I am sick of seeing this garbage. Here's what you should do, go into every political thread and tell everyone to shutup, because they dont know what they're doing anymore than President Bush. I mean, if we aren't smart enough to be a GM of a baseball team, obviously we arent smart enough to challenge the leader of the nation.

 

This just really gets under my skin. If your boss does something you dont agree with, do you just swallow it up? You dont have to be smarter or more capable than someone to disagree with them.

[Sarcastic]

One more point.

Just because you're a GM running a fantasy baseball team doesn't mean you know what's going on and you're better then JH.

 

God I am sick of seeing this garbage. Here's what you should do, go into every political thread and tell everyone to shutup, because they dont know what they're doing anymore than President Bush. I mean, if we aren't smart enough to be a GM of a baseball team, obviously we arent smart enough to challenge the leader of the nation.

 

This just really gets under my skin. If your boss does something you dont agree with, do you just swallow it up? You dont have to be smarter or more capable than someone to disagree with them.

 

Thankfully Hendry does not have the power to cut our health care services or send us to war.

[Lefty]

One more point.

Just because you're a GM running a fantasy baseball team doesn't mean you know what's going on and you're better then JH.

 

God I am sick of seeing this garbage. Here's what you should do, go into every political thread and tell everyone to shutup, because they dont know what they're doing anymore than President Bush. I mean, if we aren't smart enough to be a GM of a baseball team, obviously we arent smart enough to challenge the leader of the nation.

 

This just really gets under my skin. If your boss does something you dont agree with, do you just swallow it up? You dont have to be smarter or more capable than someone to disagree with them.

 

Thankfully Hendry does not have the power to cut our health care services or send us to war.

 

That makes Hendry as powerful as the President. Wow!

[CubmanPi]

And here I thought this thread was just a mercy bump to take our minds off nasty rumor talk and realize that the Jones deal isn't so bad after all.

[Jazz]

Am i the only one who wants to see Jones succeed here, or predicting it? This isnt the first time weve brought in someone like this, and they have succeeded under baker before. Barrett, Gruzielanek, Karros, Dlee (although he always had talent, he never showed 5 Tool MVP caliber talent), etc..

I really hope/think Jacque can come in at put up an .800+ OPS here starting everyday, even though all the variables tell me he shouldnt, seeing as he was playing in Minnesota and putting up the numbers he did, but still, theres your cub fan optimism.

 

I will however not be content with this move at all unless we acquire a big addition to the middle of the order at either SS, 2B, or LF (murton did prove himself, but i wouldnt be to sad if we put Manny in Left over him)

[CubmanPi]

Am i the only one who wants to see Jones succeed here, or predicting it? This isnt the first time weve brought in someone like this, and they have succeeded under baker before. Barrett, Gruzielanek, Karros, Dlee (although he always had talent, he never showed 5 Tool MVP caliber talent), etc..

I really hope/think Jacque can come in at put up an .800+ OPS here starting everyday, even though all the variables tell me he shouldnt, seeing as he was playing in Minnesota and putting up the numbers he did, but still, theres your cub fan optimism.

 

I will however not be content with this move at all unless we acquire a big addition to the middle of the order at either SS, 2B, or LF (murton did prove himself, but i wouldnt be to sad if we put Manny in Left over him)

 

I wasn't terribly disappointed with the Jones move. It's not the blockbuster everyone wanted (at this point, no blockbuster at all is a MUCH better option), but I think Hendry's timing with Jones is similar to Barrett's, where he came over just in time to regain full productivity. In Barrett's case, that means we got him cheap, which is a key difference, but I still have a hard time complaining too much about this move.

 

 

 

 

(Previous cynicism was inspired by other possible pending moves, which ARE truly boneheaded.)

[goonys evil twin]

Am i the only one who wants to see Jones succeed here, or predicting it? This isnt the first time weve brought in someone like this, and they have succeeded under baker before. Barrett, Gruzielanek, Karros, Dlee (although he always had talent, he never showed 5 Tool MVP caliber talent), etc..

I really hope/think Jacque can come in at put up an .800+ OPS here starting everyday, even though all the variables tell me he shouldnt, seeing as he was playing in Minnesota and putting up the numbers he did, but still, theres your cub fan optimism.

 

I will however not be content with this move at all unless we acquire a big addition to the middle of the order at either SS, 2B, or LF (murton did prove himself, but i wouldnt be to sad if we put Manny in Left over him)

 

None of those people compares to Jones. Barrett had crappy numbers but he was very young with upside. Grudz and Karros were platoon players who were acquired in an effort to get rid of Hundley. DLee was good. He wasn't great, but he was good.

 

Jones sucks. He's sucked for years, and he's going to keep sucking. Of course I'd like to see him succeed because we're stuck with him. But it's not going to happen.