Chicago Cubs Baseball

Jacque, we Chicago Cub baseball fans hardly knew you.

But, that wasn’t the case for Cubs’ general manager Jim Hendry, who evidently not only knew Jacque, but had seen enough of him during his tenure to ship the outfielder to Detroit for utility player Omar Infante. Monday’s trade quietly brought an end to Jones’ two-year stint with the Cubs, which at times was more calamitous than comfortable for all concerned parties.

Whatever expectations were cast upon Joneses’ arrival in the 2005 off season never materialized - at least in the hearts and minds of Cub baseball fans and obviously, in the eyes of the Chicago brain trust.

It was a regular occurrence for Jones to field boos as well as his position in the Wrigley Field outfield. And there was little let up when Jones stepped up to bat.

It seemed almost from his arrival Jones was destined to be the LaTroy Hawkins of position players. Whether it was the slow starts in both his years as a Cub, or whether it was his inability to perform in the clutch, Jones became the emblem of under achievement in Chicago Cub baseball - and unfortunately, more often than not, the target of Cubdom.

Whether the criticism was justified or not, Jones leaves Chicago with respectable, if not, wowing statistics. He batted .285 in each of his years and had an OBP of .385. While his power production fell off in 2007 (5 HRs, 66 RBIs), he still finished with 33 doubles and a slugging percentage of .400.

And I do know this, without his second-half performances in both center field and at the plate, it’s unlikely the Cubs would have won the NL Central.

But Detroit awaits Jones and possibly more familiar turf in the American League Central for the outfielder. Regardless of what the future holds for Jones, it can be said he handled his short stay with as much grace as possible.

“I gave [the Cubs] everything I had,” Jones said today. “I don’t have any hard feelings toward anybody. I went over there and did everything I was capable of doing and played my ass off every day. I did all I could do.”

And for what it’s worth, I believe him.

Independent Thoughts on Baseball

The sport of baseball is equally attractive for players and spectators. Cricket balls and tennis balls are different from baseballs. Americans love to watch baseball games live or on TV. Even spectators wear baseball hats during the season. It seems outdated to wear stretchable trousers but baseball pants are the most suitable dress of the players.