#47 Mike Jones

[jacksonianmarch]

Editor’s Note: Diehard Magazine is in the midst of its second annual countdown of the top 50 prospects in the Red Sox chain today. Check here daily for the latest in-depth scouting report! And subscribe to our print magazine in order to learn even more on the top 50. Today: Prospect no. 47, first baseman Mike Jones.

 

The appeal of Mike Jones is simple: In a system bereft of power hitters, the man can mash.

 

That much was clear even in the pitcher-friendly Gulf Coast League last summer. Jones, albeit in his second season with the GCL Red Sox, led the team in most power categories, including homers, RBI and extra-base hits (18), and he would have led the circuit in slugging percentage if he had enough plate appearances to qualify for the crown. His nine homers were more than twice as many as any other short-season player in the chain and his homers and extra-base hits were the most by a GCL Red Sox player since at least 2004.

 

Jones saved his most potent hitting for last. He ended the GCL regular season on a nine-game hitting streak, during which he hit .405 (15-for-37) with five multi-hit games and, remarkably, six homers and 18 RBI. He remained scalding hot in the best-of-three GCL championship series, during which he hit 727 (8-for-11) with a homer and three RBI as the Sox won the title. He was a true one-man wrecking crew: The rest of the Sox went 13-for-88 in the playoffs.

 

Jones’ performance in the GCL earned him a late-season promotion to short-season Single-A Lowell, where he continued to perform well in RBI situations by racking up 13 RBI in just 47 at-bats.

 

“We thought he played very well,” Sox scouting director Mike Hazen said. “He’s got tremendous power. He’s got a pretty good approach at the plate. He worked really hard in the GCL and [received] that promotion up to Lowell and earned that.”

 

Jones, who was selected in the 25th round of the 2004 draft, was a “draft and follow” who signed with the Sox after his sophomore season at Arizona Western Junior College. Drafted as an outfielder, Jones converted to first base full-time last year and made just one error in 34 appearances. He also impressed the Sox by shedding 25 pounds between his first and second season.

 

As a left-handed power hitter who plays first base, Jones has a chance to move quickly. The Sox are so short on first base prospects that 2006 draftee Aaron Bates finished last season at Single-A Greenville. Given Jones’ age and the Sox’ eagerness to add power to the higher levels of the organization—only 11 players in the chain exceeded Jones’ 10 homers last season—see if he can replicate his success at higher levels, it is likely he will skip Lowell and begin this season at Greenville.

 

“We’re looking forward to seeing what kind of shape he comes in spring training,” Hazen said. “And then from there he should have a chance to make a full-season [club].”

 

 

DIEHARD 2007 TOP 50 PROSPECTS

50.) Jordan Craft, P

49.) Jose Capellan, P

48.) Kris Negron, IF

47.) Mike Jones, 1B

 

scout.com

[TheKilo]

Who is Mike Jones?

[jacksonianmarch]

a red sox minor leaguer with plus power potential.

[TheKilo]

a red sox minor leaguer with plus power potential.

 

*Shakes head*

 

How old are you, Jacko?

[jacksonianmarch]

*Shakes head*

 

How old are you, Jacko?

 

old. I know scaff is very interested in this as am I. The top 50 is fun to track.

[RedSoxRooter]

That's interesting. How many games are there in the GCL?

[jacksonianmarch]

not many, typically 40 or so. It is short season.

[riverside sluggers]

Mike Jones is one of the prospects I was gonna keep my eye out for. Since Theo took over, they mainly focused on pitching. Hey which is ok with me, but now we need more power coming out of the farm

[Cityofchampions33]

Who is Mike Jones?

 

Not only a good rapper but he can apparently hit for some power.

[ORS]

Vitals from soxprospects.com....

 

Age: 21

Born: June 14, 1985

Moreno Valley, CA

Height: 6-3

Weight: 240

Bats: Left

Throws: Right

Drafted: 25th round, 2004

How Acquired: Draft

College: Arizona Western JC

High School: Moreno Valley (CA)

[yeszir]

I was going to come in here and threaten bans for making any stupid jokes, but I see that it is already too late.

[jacksonianmarch]

I was going to come in here and threaten bans for making any stupid jokes' date=' but I see that it is already too late.[/quote']

 

witty my friend, welcome back. You go away for a week and the place turns to s***!

[TheKilo]

I was going to come in here and threaten bans for making any stupid jokes' date=' but I see that it is already too late.[/quote']

 

Hey, someone had to do it.

[scaffolds]

First of all they play 54 games in the GCL. Jones has a lot of potential and he isn't just a power htter he can also hit to the opposite field. Jone showed a lot improvement from 2005 to 2006 and should be Greensville first baseman in 2007. I have Mike Jones listed as the organization #36 prospect.