Per Stacy Long's blog, OF DJ Jones retired from the Rays organization on Thursday. Jones was an 11th round pick in the 2007 draft out of high school. He debuted in 2008 for Princeton and hit .227 in 47 games. He spent the 2009 season with Hudson Valley and hit .215 in 47 games for the Renegades. Jones was committed to Auburn, but chose to go professional.Although nothing has been officially announced, Stacy also reports that 1B/C David Genao, C Luis Bautista, and OF Hunter Pace are not on the latest Rays minor league roster. Genao was an 18th round pick in the 2008 draft, who hit .231 in 2 minor league seasons. Pace was released, according to word at the Rays complex yesterday.
DJ Jones is a good kid. I was fortunate to meet his Dad last year at a game and he is a very nice man. DJ has a young family to support and I am sure it would be a tough gig to try and grind it out in the minor leagues. I hope he goes back to college as he is very young and has a bright future. All the best to the young man and his family.
ReplyDeleteDJ is a great guy. I've had a chance to talk to him, his dad, his wife, and his whole family. He has a great young son, and I'm sure this is the right decision to make. He is a great person and I wish him the best.
ReplyDeleteI just met DJ a couple of weeks ago, and he seems like all you two have said. I, too, wish him and his family the best.
ReplyDeleteThe Jones family would like to thank all of you for your support of DJ during his career. We are sad that he has chosen to give up baseball but we support his decision. We'll look for Carter to carry on the baseball gene in the future! Seriously, we have so many great memories of games, places and all the wonderful people we have met along the way. God bless all of you and thanks for the memories DJ! Love, Dad
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