The Detroit Tigers addressed another need, acquiring outfielder Jacque Jones Monday from the Chicago Cubs for utility player Omar Infante.
In acquiring Jones, the Tigers are seeking a one-year stopgap in left field until Cameron Maybin is ready for the majors.
Infante, a right-handed hitter, likely will play second base, shortstop and center field for the Cubs. His addition will not preclude the Cubs from pursuing second baseman Kaz Matsui as a free agent, but the team’s greater priority is finding a left-handed hitting outfielder.
The Rockies remain hopeful of re-signing Matsui, a switch-hitter, before Tuesday, the first day that teams can negotiate with other clubs’ free agents. If the Cubs signed Matsui, they still would plan to play Mark DeRosa five days a week.
DeRosa could alternate with Matsui, spell third baseman Aramis Ramirez and also play right against certain left-handed pitchers. He could also start at first on occasion, giving Derrek Lee an occasional day off.
Jones, 32, batted .285 last season with a .335 on-base percentage, but had only five home runs in 453 at-bats. The Cubs want better production out of right field, but Jones’ left-handed bat could fit in nicely with the Tigers, whose offense is more high-powered.
The Tigers filled their No. 1 need two weeks ago, trading for All-Star shortstop Edgar Renteria from Atlanta for two prospects.
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