Camp notes: JaCoby owns up to mistake

Prospect grateful to join Tigers camp amid drug suspension

February 22nd, 2016

LAKELAND, Fla. -- JaCoby Jones made a mistake. He admits that.
The Tigers prospect won't go into the details of what led to his positive test and 50-game suspension for a drug of abuse last fall, but he owns the offense.
"It was a stupid mistake," he said. "It was a reality check. I'm disappointed, but now I'm just looking forward to getting the spring going, getting better."
He's also thankful the Tigers invited him to Major League camp.
"I wasn't expecting it after I got my suspension," he said. "It's a big deal. It's a good thing for me. I'm excited to learn from this great group of guys. It's my first big league camp, so I'm pretty excited about that. It should be a fun experience for me."
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Jones, acquired from Pittsburgh in the Joakim Soria trade, was playing in the Arizona Fall League when the suspension came down, so he served 12 games of the suspension there. That leaves 38 games, more than a month's worth of action, to serve before he can get into a regular-season game. So when camp breaks, Jones will stay back for extended spring workouts. However, he can play in as many Spring Training games as the Tigers want.
The Tigers want Jones to get the exposure of a Major League clubhouse and big league work ethic. They also want to look at Jones defensively and get an idea where he fits, not just long term but after his suspension ends this year.
His natural position is shortstop, and he has played there nearly his entire professional career. He also has played center field, with good reports on his defense there. He played nearly his entire collegiate career at second base at LSU, where he was blocked at short by Marlins Minor Leaguer Austin Nola and Astros top prospect Alex Bregman. Jones played third base in the Fall League.
"To be honest with you, we haven't decided what we're going to do with him," manager Brad Ausmus said. "Maybe he's a guy who can play all those positions and he's kind of a Ben Zobrist-type guy who moves around. But I still think there's time, because he's still developing."
Moya makes hair-raising entrance
Once the Tigers signed Justin Upton to play left field, there was question what kind of presence slugging prospect Steven Moya would have in camp, with his path to the big leagues blocked for the foreseeable future. His arrival Sunday created a stir for different reasons.
Moya hasn't cut his hair since he was with the Tigers as a September callup last fall. With his hair curled up, the 6-foot-7 outfielder looks more like 6-9.
"Every time I see him, I realize how big of a human being he is," Ausmus said. "And he keeps himself in good shape. He's just strong. If you put a cape on him, he'd look like a superhero."

Orange is the new cap
On the third day of workouts, the Tigers tried out their new Spring Training road look, donning navy blue jerseys with orange lettering. They also tried out their bright orange caps for the first time.
For a team that wore their traditional white and gray look even on workout days in the not-too-distant past, it was a different look, especially the cap.
"I think the kids will like it," Ausmus said.
Some younger players in the Tigers clubhouse did.
"I like it," shortstop Jose Iglesias said. "It matches my glove."