- Full name Nate Jones
- Born 04/23/1990 in
- Profile Ht.: 5'11" / Wt.: 165 / Bats: R / Throws: R
- School Leland
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
-
Long one of the organization's most intriguing prospects, Jones is growing into more than just a guy with a big arm and little idea how to use it. He has made major strides the last two seasons, becoming a full-time starter and earning a spot on the 40-man roster in 2010. He posted a 3.05 ERA in his final 10 starts, the best stretch ever for a guy who previously had earned comparisons to Bobby Jenks with his high-90s fastball and hammer curveball. Jones' heater sat at 91-95 mph after he moved to the rotation, and he did a much better job adding and subtracting velocity from it last year. His curveball also added depth, yet some scouts think his changeup might be the better secondary pitch, giving him a good weapon against lefthanders. Jones has shortened his delivery and does a better job of repeating it, and he seemed more willing to pitch to contact last season. He still has stiff arm action and throws across his body, though, costing him consistency and command. He gets hit harder than someone with his stuff should, primarily because he works up in the strike zone too often. Ticketed for Double-A to open 2011, he could reach Chicago quickly if he can improve the location of his pitches.