Garrett Jones looking more and more like a legitimate major league hitter

Breaking into the big leagues at age 28, many brushed off Garrett Jones' explosive rookie season as a fluke. From what he has shown so far he may not be just another one year wonder. He has displayed a good eye and has done a nice job waiting for his pitches. The average is likely to drop from the .293 in 09 and fall somewhere in the .270 range. With his power a year approaching 30 HR is a real possibility. He showed surprising speed in 2009 with 10 steals in 84 games with the Pirates and another 14 in AAA. The 24 swipes in 09 topped his previous high of 12 posted in 04 between A and AA. A repeat is unlikely but any speed he provides the Pirates offense will be a good thing. With young stars-in-the-making Andrew McCutchen and Lastings Milledge hitting in front of him he could have his fair share of RBI situations this year. Garrett Jones has a combination of power and a good eye at the plate that can be lethal to opposing pitchers. He has the makings of a feel good story about determination and perserverance.