Is JaCoby Jones gaining a foothold in Detroit Tigers’ CF battle? – Detroit Free Press

In this week's episode, Anthony Fenech and George Sipple try to decipher the meaningful from the meaningless as spring training nears its midpoint. Subscribe to "Talkin' Tigers" in iTunes or Google Play.

Detroit Tigers outfielder Jacoby Jones goes through drills during spring training Monday, Feb. 20, 2017, in Lakeland, Fla.(Photo: Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press)

LAKELAND, Fla. --In a perfect world, JaCoby Jones would get more time in Triple-A.

In a perfect world, one of the Detroit Tigers centerfield competitors would have claimed an inside track to the vacant starting spot by now. In a perfect world, manager Brad Ausmus said with his trademark sarcasm this morning, the team would acquire superstar Mike Trout.

But the Tigers are no further along in identifying a front-runner for centerfield --not with Mikie Mahtook scuffling at the plate and Tyler Collins sidelined defensively.But Ausmus indicated that Jones isnt automatically going to get sent to the minor leagues for more marinating.

Asked about his overall impressions from the first two weeks of games, Ausmus singled out Jones.

Ive been impressed with JaCoby defensively, he said. He seems to have very good instincts out there. Theres not a lot of panic.

It was a revealing comment because of two prevailing thoughts in camp: that Jones is all but ticketed to Toledo to start the season and that the Tigers will favor whichever playerserves them best defensively.

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To this point, Jones has been the most impressivein centerfield. Mahtook has made some nice plays. Collins has yet to play during a game. And the possibility of Anthony Gose becoming a factorshould not be discounted --he has the best defensive ability of them all.

I think you need to be able to defend with our centerfield, for sure, Ausmus said, speaking about Comerica Parks vast quarters. You wouldnt think we would need offense to be the priority, based on the other position players that we have playing on a regular basis.

Of course, Jones is the least experienced of the candidates. And the team is determined not to rush him -- or anyone --to the major leagues too soon.

I think, in a perfect world, (Jones) gets a little more time, Ausmus said. He doesnt want to hear that, Im sure, but in a perfect world, I think he could use more time. And then the other concern is, if you brought him up and it was a platoon situation, then, well, if hes only playing against lefties, are you stunting his growth even more?

Despite there being no definitive read on the centerfield situation, it points towarda platoon situation, probably Mahtook and Collins. Though Mahtook is 1-for-16 this spring, he has yet to face a left-handed pitcher. Though Collins still a few days away from playing the field --Ausmus hinted that that could come this weekend --the team has been impressed by his approach.

There remains a chance that the Tigers add another candidate --scuttlebutt from the scouts this spring has the team seeking help --but Ausmus said, right now, there isnt an impetus to go outside the organization.

We certainly havent made any decisions, Ausmus said. Quite frankly, I havent even narrowed it down at this point. Were just letting them play it out, let the guys get their at-bats.

The truth is, were not any closer. Thats the best answer I can give you.

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Contact Anthony Fenech: afenech@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @anthonyfenech.

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Is JaCoby Jones gaining a foothold in Detroit Tigers' CF battle? - Detroit Free Press