Jason Jones has some harsh words for the Yanks

Via Mike Ashmore, current Twin and ex-Yank Jason Jones had some mighty big words for his former organization. From the Pioneer Press:

Trouble is, as much as he welcomed the thought of being a Yankee, they never seemed particularly interested in welcoming him. He shared a spring training locker room with guys who worked for the same organization, but he had a difficult time thinking of them as teammates.

“That’s how I would describe it — you just don’t feel like a part of the team. There are the veterans — the superstars — and then the rest of the guys,” said Jones, who was drafted by New York in the fourth round in 2004. “Here, there are superstars too, but it feels a lot more like we’re a team. It’s a lot better chemistry.”

[snip]

“I don’t think I ever talked to (Yankees GM Brian) Cashman, other than ‘hi’ and ‘bye’ a couple of times.”

As the article mentions, Jones was the Yanks’ fourth round pick back in 2004, signing for a $245,000 bonus. I’m kind of surprised about this little mini-outburst, but what can you do. Jones averaged just about 140 IP and a 3.44 ERA over the last four years, mostly in Double-A, but the fact of the matter is that he was stuck behind bigger names and better talent.  Such is the life of a middling Yankees prospect.

Update by Ben (5:11 p.m.): I just wanted to add a quick note about this development. Jones was a Rule V draft choice by the Twins a few months ago. If Minnesota opts not to keep him on their Major League roster and cannot create an injury him, they will have to offer to return him to the Yanks. The Yanks could then choose to trade him to Minnesota. Right now, Jones is in the process of creating a very awkward situation for himself, especially if he winds up back in the Yankee organization.