South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
Outfielder Jacque Jones may be Marlin soon
BY JUAN C. RODRIGUEZ
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
12:31 AM EDT, May 16, 2008
Former Tigers outfielder Jacque Jones cleared waivers Thursday morning and could be a Marlin as soon as today, according an industry source who has spoken with club officials.
Damon Lapa, Jones' agent, would not confirm the Marlins' interest or name any other teams that had initiated discussions. He did say his client hoped to narrow the field to a couple of finalists in the next day or two.
"We've started some dialogue with a number of clubs," Lapa said. "Ever since he technically became free there's been an uptick in intensity. He's weighing all his options."
In this case money isn't a factor. With the Tigers on the hook for the remainder of his $5.5 million 2008 salary, whichever team signs Jones would pay him the prorated major league minimum, roughly $268,000.
Jones can play all three outfield positions and would give the Marlins additional veteran depth with Josh Willingham (back) out.
On the disabled list since April 28, Willingham suffered a setback while swinging earlier this week and has no timetable for a return.
"I want to say, yeah, but maybe not all the way," said Willingham, on if he was back to square one. "I probably was a little overanxious and tried to do too much too soon as far as swinging and activities, and now I'm dealing with it."
The left-handed hitting Jones, 33, also would give the Marlins another option in the leadoff spot. Born in San Diego, Jones continues to make his residence in that city's suburbs and could opt to sign with a team closer to home.
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