mistake, take 2

It’s troubling that the Atlanta Braves appear to have given up on Brandon Jones. The former Mississippi Braves outfielder was designated for assignment on Tuesday to clear roster space for free agent Eric Hinske. The Braves probably made a mistake last spring when they handed the left field job to free agent Garret Anderson instead of giving Jones a real shot. If they trade Jones this week, a strong possibility, they may be making another mistake, one that could come back to haunt them. Jones is a talent. Anyone who saw him during his two stints at Trustmark Park knows this. His left-handed swing is as sweet as they come. He’s got some pop, and at 6 feet 2, 195 pounds, will no doubt develop more as he plays more at the big league level. He hit 15 homers for the 2007 M-Braves, along with a .293 average. A former high school quarterback, Jones is athletic. He runs and throws well, certainly well enough to play left field. He just needs to play. The Braves never really gave him more than token appearances. In 148 big league at-bats over three years, Jones hit .257 with 22 RBIs. He got only 13 ABs last season. Someone will give him a regular big league job someday soon, and it would be very surprising if Jones didn’t produce. If it’s for someone other than the Braves, it’ll also be very disappointing.