Jacque Jones, OF, Chicago Cubs

January 6, 2006 @ 16:00:00

By Jeffrey Rake
Edited by Ryan Dodson

For years, the Chicago Cubs didn't have to worry about their right fielder. That's because they had OF Sammy Sosa belting home runs and driving in runners for more than a decade. The Cubs decided to part ways with Sosa last offseason and turned to OF Jeromy Burnitz, a cheaper alternative who they had hoped would provide them with stability and consistency at the position. 

Burnitz batted .258 last season with 24 home runs and 87 RBI. While his power numbers were acceptable, he had too many strikeouts in critical situations. This was a common problem throughout the lineup. The 2005 Cubs relied on the home run and had difficulty scoring runs if the ball wasn't leaving the park. The lack of team speed and a true leadoff man prevented them from playing small ball and manufacturing runs. The home runs were solo shots more often than not. 

That's why Cubs GM Jim Hendry is starting to change his philosophy. Hendry got his leadoff man by acquiring speedy OF Juan Pierre from the Florida Marlins. This move should provide 1B Derrek Lee and 3B Aramis Ramirez with plenty of RBI opportunities. 

And instead of the swing-and-miss Burnitz batting behind them, the Cubs will look toward their latest free agent pickup, OF Jacque Jones. The Cubs signed him to a three-year, $16 million deal on Dec. 20. 

The move was somewhat of a gamble for Hendry, given Jones' poor batting statistics the last two years. He's batted .249 and .254, respectively, after posting back-to-back .300 seasons. However, Wrigley Field should set up well for Jones' gap-hitting style. It's also a good possibility that his power numbers will rise, as he'll be batting in a much better lineup and playing in oft-windy Chicago. 

A fresh start in Chicago might also benefit Jones. He's been in Minnesota throughout his seven-year career, and he's sure to see a lot more fastballs in the National League. He's got tremendous bat speed and is capable of driving the ball a long way. He had 23 home runs last year and has hit 132 in his career. 

The key for Jones will be to reclaim his patience at the plate. As stated earlier, the Cubs don't need another Burnitz. And if Jones plays the way he has the last few years, that's exactly what the Cubs will be getting. Jones has a tendency to fall behind the count early, and then finds himself flailing at miserable pitches in the dirt. The Cubs will be counting on him to find ways to get on base and to increase his on-base percentage. 

Table: Jacque Jones Batting Statistics (2001-2005)

Year	Team	R	H	HR	RBI	BB	.AVG	.OBP
2001	Minnesota	57	131	14	49	39	.276	.335
2002	Minnesota	96	173	27	85	37	.300	.341
2003	Minnesota	76	157	16	69	21	.304	.333
2004	Minnesota	69	141	24	80	40	.254	.315
2005	Minnesota	74	130	23	73	51	.249	.319

If he's able to do that, he could find himself batting second in the lineup as the season progresses. He has decent speed and the Cubs would love to have his left-handed bat at the top of the order behind Pierre. 

From a fantasy perspective, Jones is obviously a guy that you won't be drafting higher than a No. 4 outfielder. However, he's a player worth watching during spring training and in the early weeks of the season. His potential is enormous, as he's capable of batting for high average, hitting home runs and can swipe double digit bases. 

It's very likely that he can have a .280-25-80-type of season. Again, just put him on your watch list, and you might be surprised at just how much production you can get out of him. 

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Jeffrey Rake

Jeffrey Rake is a KFFL contributer who offers a unique perspective in the NFL/MLB. He's a die-hard Chiefs & Cubs fan and has never seen his team win a championship. Jeff promises to bring you updated information that is accurate and reliable.

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