Jacque Jones on ESPN

by CubFan BudMan on Dec 5, 2006 3:34 PM CST Comment 68 comments

The interview starts off with Jacque being asked how he deals with being on the trading block, he says "no different then the past"

Then the reporter says "it has also been reported that, you were the one who asked for a trade"

Once asked about this Jacque's face changes colors and he looks pretty embarrassed, Jacque responds with " ummmm?? I don't know about that?...you know what I mean?...but um...it was rough for me last year in Chicago and I played through it...I signed up for three years. So ummm...you know what I'm saying?...um um I gotta do what I gotta do and I gotta fulfill the last two years of my contract."

The reporter then asks him "You put up pretty good numbers...what made it rough for you"

Jacque responds: "Just you know... dealing with things there and getting some phone calls from some pretty bad people who got my number...I still don't know how that happened...some mail and stuff like that...but once I was on the field I did what I could do to help the team win..."

The reporter than asks how much he has been talking to his agent during the winter meetingsJacque responds " not much...I have a brand new daughter and I'm enjoying her and that's all I can do"

The reporter then asks him about the rumors to the giants, orioles and Rockies...and what is it about Chicago that makes it a good fit for you.... Jacque responds: " I just like to go out and play baseball man...regardless of the situations off the field or whatever..Um...I'm in my own world on the field and I love playing...and I'm most comfortable when I'm on the field playing.... so it really doesn't matter"

The reporter then asks how he would advertise himself to other teams
Jacque responds: "Umm... what u see is what you get...I've been pretty consistent my whole career... putting up pretty good numbers...but for a couple years my average was a little bit lower to than what I'm used too...but otherwise my power number were there. My RBIs and all that have been around the same since I've been in the league. So I'm durable and I feel like I can play every day and that's what it is"

The reporter then asks him " if you stay... then its you and Alfonzo Soriano in the corner outfield spots...watching his game from a far...what have you admired most about his game?"

Jacque responds: "He's a player who enjoys the game...he plays the game with a smile on his face...he gets along with everybody...he hits a lot of homeruns...he steals a lot of bases and I think he made a nice transition to the outfield last year

The reporter than asks, " what about now playing for Lou Pinella...how do u thing he will be a different kind of skipper than dusty baker"

Jacque responds:" pretty much all managers are the same...if they feel like there teams getting done wrong, there gonna go out there and fight for there guys...if they feel that their team isn't playing what there capable of...there gonna let their teams know...their gonna let their team have it...umm..They do it more on a one on one basis...and know else needs to really know except the managers and players"

The reporter than asks if he has talked to Lou pinella

Jacque says no..Not since last season

Then Jacque just talks about his time playing in Japan this fall.
He also said he was afraid of the sushi so he just ate KFC in Japan

Jacque is the asked what is his typical day when he is working out

Jacque responds that he wakes up at 7 and starts his work outs at 8 and then just practices at baseball fields

He is then asked how does he work out

Jacque then responds, "I try to mix it up"

The final question of the interview is " If it were up to you. Where would you be playing next season"?

He then responds:"Ummmmmm.... if it were up to me???...I've made a 3-year commitment. So if it were up to me I would honor the last two years in my contract"

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Sounds like...

... he informally asked to be traded, which is different from a formal trade demand. I suspect Hendry will accomodate him if he can.

Bottom line, from this interview it sounds like he doesn't really want to be a Cub. Fine with me.

by Al Yellon on Dec 5, 2006 3:33 PM CST reply actions

Trade Demand

I don't believe that he has any grounds for a formal trade demand. There are instances where there are grounds, such as being traded in the middle of a multi-year deal (and this was done away with in the new CBA). However I don't believe that there is any real mechanism for Jones to formally demand a trade.

DmL

by dmlichte on Dec 5, 2006 4:49 PM CST up reply actions

The ironic thing in all this:

Jacque actually had his best year in positional value since 2002, and in overall value since 2003. He delivered more than I thought he would.

It would be great if we could find a platoon partner for him in RF (against RHP: .303/.358/.528; against LHP .234/.261/.416). Oh wait -- there's Mark DeRosa (against LHP: .342/.394/.589; against RHP .278/.342/.404).

Think the Cubs will notice? Na-a-a-h ...

by chasfh on Dec 6, 2006 10:10 AM CST up reply actions

It doesn't sound like he wants to stay.......

that's what I got out of it.

RAMIREZ!! PRIOR!! Get MANNY!!!!

by PriorandAramisfan23 on Dec 5, 2006 3:33 PM CST reply actions

Interesting...

Was never mad at him for requesting a trade. I'm glad to say there hasn't been much vitriol spewed towards Jones-except some dislike for his numbers. And he's had plenty supporters here. He must have went to management and made a real "heart felt" request to be traded. I certainly admire it done that way, then all the public hoopla that surrounds public demands from most players that want to be traded.

I want Jason Schmidt, Josh Johnson and Manny Ramirez!!!

by tyger1147 on Dec 5, 2006 3:38 PM CST reply actions

don't let

the doorknob hit you in the ass jack.

by mike b on Dec 5, 2006 3:39 PM CST reply actions

His name is Jacque

J/K

Free Colossus!

by Random Hero on Dec 5, 2006 5:17 PM CST up reply actions

I thought you were

the main one here. It always seems that the failures in life hate those that are successful.

by cubswin on Dec 5, 2006 5:40 PM CST up reply actions

passive aggression

you're about a week late.

he wants to leave, leave. has nothing to do with his success. i hear he swears too much anyway.

by mike b on Dec 5, 2006 6:16 PM CST up reply actions

Well...

Frankly, it sounds like another player harassed out of Chicago. Say what you will about the signing, or his contract for that matter, but he played on the high end of his potential for us. Which is more than I can say for most FA signings. I heard off and on some of the vitriol spewed from the outfield last year. Too bad really.

by Damen Jackson on Dec 5, 2006 3:43 PM CST reply actions

Further...

To me there is a difference between a Jacque Jones case where someone gets harassed out of a city via racial slurs and such and someone who can't handle the scrutiny/pressure of a big market.

Sure, Jones said at the beginning of the year that some of the bashing on him wasn't fair (he sure broke out of his 0-20 slump or whatever quite nice), but for the most part we barely heard him complain.

I'll be a fan of his for his career, I think.

I want Jason Schmidt, Josh Johnson and Manny Ramirez!!!

by tyger1147 on Dec 5, 2006 3:49 PM CST up reply actions

If it's true that racial slurs happened.....

and they probably did, there is just no excuse for that, no matter how bad a guy is playing. If that happened, I wish all of Cubs Nation could send him and his family an engraved apology.

"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004

by ctcoff99 on Dec 5, 2006 4:49 PM CST up reply actions

Sorry...

... but there are always a bunch of low-class fans amongst every group. There are millions of Cub fans across the country and unfortunately there are some who are racist. There are racist Twins fans, Sox fans, Yankees fans and Giants fans. Its unfortunate and hopefully as a country we will see racism become less and less present every day. But it exists. Every player, black and white, should be smart enough to know this and if they believe that the racism has any connection to the fanbase, then they're ignorant.

Racist letters and phone calls are totally unacceptable and wrong, but racism exists. It is perhaps the most unfortunate part of our society. I'd hope that Jones, Baker and others understand the realities.

DmL

by dmlichte on Dec 5, 2006 5:07 PM CST up reply actions

Yes, there are racists everywhere...

He'd be admirable if he told them to shut-up and that they weren't running him out...It's likely to be the same in another city because the racists in that town will ride him...He controls how he chooses to respond.

by DudeVf1 on Dec 6, 2006 1:08 AM CST up reply actions

Yea, he definitely wants out

by VS on Dec 5, 2006 3:44 PM CST reply actions

You'd want out too

if you were subjected to the criticism and crap Jacque Jones had to endure in 2006, to include racial slurs. All I know is that Jones chipped in with a quality season and is a good outfielder and a good hitter. Yet people want to fixate on his slow start, poor performance against left handed pitchers and a handful of bad throws and baserunning blunders.

Jones' departure will create a defensive void in the outfield and another hole in the lineup. Cliff Floyd or Trot Nixon won't come close to replacing the contributions provided by Jones.

Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I READ YOUR BOOK !!!

by BlueMike on Dec 5, 2006 3:50 PM CST up reply actions

You know...

Mike we don't agree often, but we do here. Well said.

by Damen Jackson on Dec 5, 2006 3:53 PM CST up reply actions

and...

I won't be too surprised if 2007 Soriano numbers look like 2006 Jones numbers.

by Ghost of Fred Merkle on Dec 5, 2006 3:54 PM CST up reply actions

Hey, Merkle...........

.........you're pulling another "boner" with this prediction.

Statistically Soriano will leave Jones in the dust, even from the lead off position.

On your way back to touch 2B, re-think this one.

by tville on Dec 5, 2006 9:14 PM CST up reply actions

I wasn't criticizing him

I too though he was unfairly treated by the fans, especially early in the season. His leaving will really hurt the Cubs offensively as they'll have another hole to fill.

Maybe now they'll bring up Pie?

by VS on Dec 5, 2006 3:58 PM CST up reply actions

No..

Not ready, and I don't want to expose a 21 year old kid not ready to play to the same spewing that just ran a 30 year old man out of town.

by Damen Jackson on Dec 5, 2006 4:12 PM CST up reply actions

I think he is as ready as he'll ever be

Jacque, unfortunately, was pretty much booed from day one. As a top Cubs prospect, Felix should get a warm reception and a lot of leeway if he starts out slow (which he will).

by VS on Dec 5, 2006 4:21 PM CST up reply actions

Hehehe...

Yeah, that's what they said about Corey.

by Damen Jackson on Dec 5, 2006 4:23 PM CST up reply actions

I'd say Cub fans were extremely patient

with Corey. He was here for six seasons and things didn't start getting ugly for him until his last season (in which he sucked. big time) in Chicago. Besides, Pie is very different.

by VS on Dec 5, 2006 4:30 PM CST up reply actions

No kidding.

I liked Corey patterson, he was well spoken and put in a role that he shouldn't have been in batting lead-off, but fans were totally patient with him. He played extremely poorly and was booed--wake-up! Now if what people are saying is that boo=racism that's total gutless B.S. That's "don't blame me for nothing" B.S. Patterson was booed because he sucked. The same with the boos for Latroy...The same with the boos for Farnsworth and Dusty...

by DudeVf1 on Dec 6, 2006 1:18 AM CST up reply actions

I'm not sure...

...they will consider this another hole. They keep saying that they are looking for another outfielder, but that Murton is safe. They must have known of Jones' request for some time.

Also, I actually felt really embarrassed to be a Cubs fan at the beginning of the season based on how Jones was treated. I certainly didn't want him on the team, but fans never gave him a chance, booing him almost instantly for anything he did wrong. And the, of course, things became completely intolerable with the racism. Absolutely ridiculous, Chicagoans should all be above that. Everyone should be.

formerly mfarrell

by gravedigger on Dec 5, 2006 4:14 PM CST up reply actions

I can see

Sori in LF, Lofton in CF and Pie in RF

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Dec 5, 2006 4:47 PM CST up reply actions

Agreed.

WOODY!!!!

by Sarah Hope on Dec 5, 2006 4:09 PM CST up reply actions

TOTALLY agree...

....what a bunch of f-ing heathens the Cubs fans can be.....it's embarassing sometimes that players cannot be recognized for their positive contributions, only their negative ones......

I SUPPORT JJ

CARL CRAWFORD, PLEASE!!!

by southerncubbie on Dec 5, 2006 5:08 PM CST up reply actions

well said Mike

The garbage started before the season with fools like the score's resident POS, Mike Murphy, calling him "jockstrap" and began in April at Wrigley. It was embarrassing to be a fan.

by cubswin on Dec 5, 2006 5:44 PM CST up reply actions

What show was this interview on???

...?

by ontheuptick on Dec 5, 2006 3:49 PM CST reply actions

Embarrassed

Stuff like this makes me embarrased to be a Cub fan...and embarrassed for the city of Chicago.

I'm not sure that I would have busted my butt as much as he did amongst all the negativity.

Yes, he frustrated me many times, but still....

by Ghost of Fred Merkle on Dec 5, 2006 3:53 PM CST reply actions

Yep

Right or wrong, Dusty endured a huge load of crap from Cub fans in 2006. Combine that with the Jacque Jones story and I can't help but wonder if African American players will shun the chance to play for the Cubs in the future.

And this is coming out of the mouth of a conservative middle age white male.

Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I READ YOUR BOOK !!!

by BlueMike on Dec 5, 2006 3:57 PM CST up reply actions

espn news

by CubFan BudMan on Dec 5, 2006 3:55 PM CST reply actions

The bashing wasn't fair...

... absolutely. I thought Jones did about as well as he could have, under the circumstances. His offensive production was decent.

His baserunning was poor and his throwing arm is atrocious. If traded, yes, there is a hole to fill. But I believe it can be filled.

by Al Yellon on Dec 5, 2006 4:02 PM CST reply actions

Defense is important

An outfield of Matt Murton, Alfonso Soriano and Cliff Floyd from left to right is scary. While I think Soriano will evolve into a good outfielder, fact is he's on a learning curve. Murton isn't a good left fielder. Floyd was never a good outfielder to begin with, and now he's got bad wheels.

Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I READ YOUR BOOK !!!

by BlueMike on Dec 5, 2006 4:05 PM CST up reply actions

Facts

Sigh. Facts just don't seem to enter into your calculations. The statistics say that Murton is a good outfielder. Further he is young and works hard and his defense will likely improve. Soriano, in contrast, was a terrible outfielder last year. He didn't get as many errors as he should have as he didn't touch the ball. Soriano was a lousy infielder and never got better. There is absolutely no reason to think Soriano's going to get better this year.

Soriano has realized that hitting the HR fools the easily deluded... the GM's that overpay him and the baseball "fans" that vastly overrate him.

by Frustrated Fan on Dec 5, 2006 9:47 PM CST up reply actions

all i got out of that

is we are gonna have a shitty ass outfeilder named Cliff "injury-proned/sucky" Floyd... Maybe we can get away with T. Nixon.

Soriano+ DLee + Ramirez = 1 Damn Good Meat of the Lineup AND Zambrano +.....(We're gettin there)

by LilLPLancer23 on Dec 5, 2006 4:03 PM CST reply actions

FWIW...

... rumor has it Floyd may be about to sign with the A's.

by Al Yellon on Dec 5, 2006 4:21 PM CST up reply actions

That cannot be true

Mike said he was going to sign with the Cubs. So it's all but guarenteed then. He will be in Blue pinstripes

by cubsfan2883 on Dec 5, 2006 4:46 PM CST up reply actions

"Thank you Lord

for making the A's stupid, because the Cubs are almost just as stupid"

Soriano+ DLee + Ramirez = 1 Damn Good Meat of the Lineup AND Zambrano +.....(We're gettin there)

by LilLPLancer23 on Dec 5, 2006 9:20 PM CST up reply actions

I live in Minnesota...

...and Jacque was always a fan favorite here. Following his transition to Chicago closely, I honestly think the bitter taste in his mouth from the 2006 season with the Cubbies is due strictly to the fans. Is there a harder position to play than right field at Wrigley when it comes to converting from night time AL domed games to daytime NL outdoor games?? I do not think so. Jacque was destined to be criticized; we needed his lefty bat and rude Cub fans could not understand this transition has to be impossibly hard. Look at his stats, he played better than most of us thought he would. He strikes out a lot and swings at bad pitches, but then again, when was the last time we had a right fielder that didn't do that?? I respect him as a player and hope he comes back refreshed, gains a friendship with Soriano, and fans learn to respect a good player.

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Dec 5, 2006 4:33 PM CST reply actions

It's ironic...

How so many Cubs fans dislike Sammy Sosa at this time (I'm not one), but how many will hold any rightfielder to the same statistical and "fan-friendly" entertainment value standards. Up until 2004, Sammy had the entertainment thing down pat (including the production). He was, according to a study two months before the corked bat, the most marketable athlete in MLB. Is there anyone in the league right now that compares? Will anyone in RF for the Cubs? Just interesting to me.

I want Jason Schmidt, Josh Johnson and Manny Ramirez!!!

by tyger1147 on Dec 5, 2006 4:51 PM CST up reply actions

I think the fans will hit it off with Soriano.

If the fans can't warm up to Alfonso, we've got problems.

"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004

by ctcoff99 on Dec 5, 2006 4:57 PM CST up reply actions

I know exactly what you're talking about...

...and I think, at one point, Sosa was the most marketable athlete IN THE WORLD.

Anyway, I want Jones back. He's such a nice guy and we need his lefty bat and good defense. Everyone makes mistakes, especially in the 1:05 pm Wrigley sun.

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Dec 5, 2006 5:01 PM CST up reply actions

We should learn from this.

I'm glad to see that, in retrospect, most people seem to regret the way Jones was treated in Chicago. He got off to a horrendous start, and made some baserunning blunders, and some terrible throws. He also finished the season with a pretty damn good offensive stat line, pretty far above what anyone thought he would do.
We, as a fan base, should learn from this, because we're better than this. It looks like we ran a pretty good player out of town.

"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004

by ctcoff99 on Dec 5, 2006 4:45 PM CST reply actions

Nice article on the kind of guy Jacque Jones is

http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/millington/article/0,2845,MCA_21396_5166488,00.html

He did everything that was expected of him and more last season. His weaknesses (bad arm and bad against lefties) were well-known before he got here.

by DSZ on Dec 5, 2006 6:27 PM CST reply actions

Thanks for posting this...

....just goes to show how ignorant and hateful some Cubs' fans opinions of JJ is. The guy never deserved the kind of boo-mongering he was treated to at Wrigley, and he still performed in spite of that shite .

Does JJ deserve criticism for some of his play? Sure he does. But to serve as a target of hatred by fans, makes me question the integrity, and "objectivity" of a chunk of the fan base.

Fact is, he just didnt' deserve the kind of treatment he got.

And now you read something like this......it just makes me sick.

CARL CRAWFORD, PLEASE!!!

by southerncubbie on Dec 5, 2006 7:34 PM CST up reply actions

WGN

I was listening to David Kaplan and the folks in WGN this evening and they believe that Jones has asked for a trade and wants out of Chicago big time. If you add things up, it does make sense. I'd assume that his being on ESPN2 is part of his representation trying to shop him (I mean with all due respect, Jones isn't exactly must see TV). He apparently has talked to the people in Denver about how much he'd like to be out there. He wants out of Chicago.

On a side note, Kaplan has talked to some baseball people at the meetings about Zambrano and there were some who believe that if Carlos ever hits the free agent market, he will fetch $20M a year.

DmL

by dmlichte on Dec 5, 2006 7:43 PM CST reply actions

So Long

I will be glad to see him go. I am certainly not one of these racist fans, but give me a break. He simply couldn't handle the pressure here. He came to play for a team that hasn't won in nearly a century. This kind of situation brings out the worst in some people (the idiots who phoned and mailed him). Instead of crying about it, he should have let it go.

Now he wants to be traded (or so it seems). He obviously doesn't like playing for the cubs, in large part because of their fans. So due to a few idiots out there, he has made a judgement against all cub fans...giving those idiots exactly what they want.

Please don't take this the wrong way. I have ZERO respect for the people that are driving him out of town. They have given cub fans a bad name. However, there are/were far better ways to handle a situation like this.

by nevadadave on Dec 5, 2006 8:47 PM CST reply actions

He should have let it go...

You really don't have have the slightest idea of what you're talking about. I'd like you to come to work every day. Exceed expectations. Some might even argue have a career year. And at least in part while hurt. And have the guys in the cubes surrounding you hurl the most vile, disrespectful, racist comments that they can think of. And then you go home, and there are voicemails from the guys at the office for you to unwind to at night.

And as for a better means of going about it...Please. All indications are he played a full season, and very quietly asked to be moved. What exactly has he done that was inappropriate? Frankly, he has struck me as a very classy individual.

by Damen Jackson on Dec 5, 2006 10:32 PM CST up reply actions

I don't doubt...

that it was difficult for him. I don't support those that made those "vile" comments.

My point was simple. By judging all cub fans/players for the actions of a few is exactly the same as them judging Jones because he is black.

Jones is a good player. I would start him over Burnitz any day. I just want a guy that plays hard and can handle the pressure of playing under the microscope in Chicago. Thats all.

As far as me not having the "sightest idea" of what I'm talking about...well thats just not true. I have been there myself. I have been a "victim" of racism my whole life. I've never went crying to my boss or teacher about it. I've never asked for another position because of it. I deal with it. It is part of life...there will always be idiots out there and that won't change.

by nevadadave on Dec 6, 2006 7:53 AM CST up reply actions

Have a look...

...besides Lee & Jones, are there any other African-Americans on the Cubs roster?

It's all whites and Latinos.

Hmmmm.... curious.

by firebottle on Dec 5, 2006 11:39 PM CST reply actions

There aren't...

... that many African-Americans left anywhere in baseball these days. Two out of 25 is 8%. I'd imagine that's about the proportion across MLB right now.

by Al Yellon on Dec 5, 2006 11:43 PM CST up reply actions

That's actually correct

American-born blacks currently make up 8% of major league rosters. To put that in some perspective, in the 70s, the number was as high as 30%. In 1959, when the Red Sox became the last MLB team to integrate, the number was 17.25%.

All that said, the number of black players in recent years who clearly did not like Cubs fans is more than a little disconcerting.

by DSZ on Dec 6, 2006 12:17 AM CST up reply actions

It's not just a comparison of numbers...

African Americans have a long tradition of professional baseball and it's disappearing because the NBA will pay even 10 year olds to play apparently...Racism has nothing to do with this trend that's primarily about chasing $$$$ and hype of the NBA.

by DudeVf1 on Dec 6, 2006 1:27 AM CST up reply actions

This is insane...

I can't believe we are even talking race percentages in baseball. Who cares!! Teams and GM's want to win...no matter what color their players are. I don't care if we put 9 martians on the field as long as they play hard and win. (I hope I didn't offend any martians by saying that)

by nevadadave on Dec 6, 2006 7:59 AM CST up reply actions

But it IS important

Nobody is saying anything about race quotas or the like - we're wondering where the Black players have gone. If Black Americans no longer want to play baseball, it might represent a serious systemic problem within MLB.

formerly mfarrell

by gravedigger on Dec 6, 2006 8:52 AM CST up reply actions

sports illustrated

did a piece about t a few years ago. talked about how the nba and nfl were more appealing.

by mike b on Dec 6, 2006 8:55 AM CST up reply actions

It's not all black and white...

I don't think this is a race issue. I don't think this is a "serioius systemic problem" within MLB either. I would venture to guess that the percentage of "white" ball players has dropped as well. The very simple reason is the vast amount of Latino talent that has now been utilized by MLB. Add to that the rise in available Asian talent, and there is your drop off.

According to the 2000 census, 75% of the US population is white. Does that mean that 75% of baseball players are white? NO. Should 75% of MLB players be white? NO. The best players should be on the field...PERIOD.

If young Black Americans are choosing other sports (football, basketball, etc.) over baseball, that is their choice. I'm sure young "-insert race here-" Americans are doing the same thing. If baseball has a problem, it goes far beyond race.

by nevadadave on Dec 6, 2006 9:20 AM CST up reply actions

It's troubling that the NBA...

markets instant gratification to kids and that they will apparently sign kids who have just completed puberty. What's often over looked in this is the irresponsible "amateur" programs that reach down to Jr. High level and are basically treating kids like professionals.

I'll entertain alot of ideas, but baseball having systemic race problems keeping players out is nonsense. What is sad is that many African Americans who integrated the sport are watching their community choose other options.

When we complete the investigation of baseball's systemic problems then I hope we can tee up the subsequent investigation of essentiall All-Black Colleges in America and why so few NFL quality propsects are on their rosters for the past oh20 years? I think we'll find the same systemic problem and it's colored green.

by DudeVf1 on Dec 6, 2006 10:14 AM CST up reply actions

I'm inclined

to agree with all of that.

formerly mfarrell

by gravedigger on Dec 6, 2006 11:35 AM CST up reply actions

How old does a kid

have to be to sign with the NBA now? isn't it 19 or even 20? I don't follow it but they just raised the age recently.

by cashcowsquirtingsourmilk on Dec 6, 2006 11:58 AM CST up reply actions

I don't know what it was raised to...

But I think the damage is done now. At the jr. high level kids are recruited heavily to play H.S. basketball and in the summers they play on teams funded by shoe companies. Baseball gives players out of H.S. a ton of money to sign but the culture is nothing like that surrounding basketball and it's not marketed at all...Also, when baseball is going around the globe to find talent from any race that plays the game well it doesn't hold up that they are trying to exclude one race, the competition for talent is too intense.

by DudeVf1 on Dec 7, 2006 7:51 PM CST up reply actions

I am a Jones Fan

He had a solid year last year, agreed he doesn't have an arm. I hope he is not traded, he is a valuable left handed bat in a very right handed line-up.

"Harlem Furniture......You'll like our style!"

by Imtrejo on Dec 6, 2006 2:49 AM CST reply actions

Yep

Jacque Jones is a quality ballplayer.

Rommel, you magnificent bastard, I READ YOUR BOOK !!!

by BlueMike on Dec 6, 2006 9:38 AM CST up reply actions

The problem

The reason he was booed early on had little to do with Jacque Jones. He was booed to in effect boo Jim Hendry. Hardly anybody liked the Jones signing last year. After failing to acquire a star player for right, Cubs fans were resigned to signing a stopgap. As a stopgap, based on his 04-05 numbers Jones was OK at best. A younger version of Jeromy Burnitz. But three years just seemed ridiculous. Remember, the Cubs won a bidding war with Kansas City for his services. That's the type of player Hendry acquired and Cubs fans weren't happy.

That said, after April he hardly ever got booed anymore because he started hitting pretty well. The only time he got booed was with one of his terrible throws. Of course, that was practically every day it seemed.

Personally, I'd be ecstatic if he left. Yes, his hitting was a pleasant surprise last year. He still didn't hit lefties much, but against righties he was outstanding. But it smells like a career year to me, and I wouldn't expect him to keep it up. Further, his arm makes me sick. A SABR guy might reject this notion outright, because it seems ridiculous. But I would venture to say he cost the Cubs more than 20 or 30 runs with his arm last year. He was horrible. I can count on one hand how many times he had a throw that could be described as adequate.

Good-bye, and good luck.

by MikeJ on Dec 6, 2006 10:35 AM CST reply actions

Agree in part...

He was booed in part because of the signing by Hendry and how it was viewed by a lot of fans, myself included (I did not personally boo Jacque Jones. But booing is okay, in fact it's far better than racisal slurs or hurling objects--it's civilized.) But I think his reason for leaving is more personal in terms of the racist crap. That is to say, it sounds like he has received or engaged in more personalized back-and-forth with some racist fans.

Paul Sullivan even mentioned this in his article in the Tribune yesterday and referred to a game where Jones was arguing with fans from the dugout. Sullivan claims that this was witnessed by opposing players, Cubs players and other fans not engaged in the argument. I think Sullivan also wrote that fan(s) had Jones' cell-phone number and may have been harassing him with racist calls.

It's never smart to argue with fans. But it happens regularly and I've never seen an instance where the player was the better for it, except possibly when Myers won that argument with the drunk who rushed him. Defending yourself against physical violence when you have to no problem, but it's foolish to engage in verbal jawing when it can escalate to violence or possibly this type of harassment Jones experienced.

The people who slung racial insults at jones were wrong to do it. Fans can inform security to have the people removed when they hear stuff like that around them--and we should do that. But given the details here (lack of them) I think Jones is making the wrong decision. It's his decision to make, but based on what I've read I don't view him as courageous.

by DudeVf1 on Dec 7, 2006 8:06 PM CST up reply actions