Jones trying to let things come naturally

NEW YORK -- When joining a new team, players commonly try to do more to make an impression right away. It's human nature, even if it isn't always intentional.

First baseman Garrett Jones, a 32-year-old veteran, realizes that it is best to relax and let your given skills take over. But sometimes that's easier said than done.

"Maybe a little subconsciously, you want to get with your new team and do well, and impress, and just help your team win," Jones said. "You want to get off to a great start. You don't think about pressing, but sometimes you take a little harder swing, and you foul a pitch off. Where, if you take your normal swing, you square a pitch up. Little things like that."

After spending the past few years with the Pirates, Jones is adjusting to his new home with the Marlins. The left-handed-hitting first baseman entered Sunday batting .233 with four homers and 11 RBIs.

He delivered an eighth-inning homer on Friday that gave Miami a one-run lead in a game it ended up losing, 4-3, to New York.

Jones has performed better on the road than at home, batting .250 with three homers and five RBIs. At Marlins Park he is hitting at a .217 clip, with one homer and six RBIs.

"But I'm feeling more relaxed, knowing I'm in there playing every day," he said. "I just need to go out there and continue to play my game, and the results will take care of themselves."