AUTHOR: Josh TITLE: Another Jones Providing Power for the Bucs? DATE: 7:47:00 PM ----- BODY:

Last year, Garret Jones became a fan favorite in Pittsburgh after he displayed tremendous power in the final three months of the season. Garret may be joined this year by another Jones, Brandon Jones was picked up by the Pirates off of waivers from the Braves (Also Garret Jones original team). Brandon Jones was a highly regarded prospect in the Braves farm system until he became expendable because he was going to be eligible for the rule 5 draft. In order to do Jones a favor, the Braves released him which allowed him to choose which organization he would sign on with for the 2010 season. Brandon Jones chose the Pirates, and as a good athlete who is capable of playing all three outfield spots, he could prove to be valueable for them. He will be given a chance to compete with Ryan Church in spring training for the starting job in right field. However since Brandon Jones is with a new organization he is no longer eligible to be claimed by another team in the rule 5 draft so the Pirates could have him start the season at AAA Indianapolis. During his time in the Braves farm system, Brandon Jones was always a big power hitter at each level he played at. Jones has similar power to Jayson Heyward who is now the number one prospect in baseball and also a part of the Braves organization. However because of his concerning strikeout rate against left handed pitchers, the Braves did not feel that Jones was part of their future. As a left handed power hitter, Brandon Jones could be viewed as similar to Garret Jones. The fans of Pittsburgh would be very happy to accept another late bloomer if Brandon Jones can provide some of the same excitement at PNC park that Garret provided last year. Brandon Jones is a low risk player for the Pirates to take a chance on, they are paying him only a minor league contract and they did not have to use a high draft pick on him. This is a win-win situation for the Pirates because Brandon Jones provides competition for Ryan Church and he has the potential to turn out to be another late blooming superstar. The Pirates team will look very different this year and for this reason they hope they can overcome their struggles of previous years and compete for the NL Central division title. ~Josh (Pittsburghbaseball)

----- --------