June 28, 2007

2006 MVP is late arrival to Honkers' nest

By Donny Henn

Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN

Chris Jones didn't exactly fly into Rochester on Wednesday wearing a cape and a big 'S' on his chest. He actually spent the previous night at the O'Hare International Airport thanks to a delay out of California, and then a missed connecting flight.

But Jones could probably pull off the blue tights and red underwear look if he wanted to, at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds.

And he may already have that sort of credibility among his Rochester Honkers teammates, fresh off his pilgrimage to the Mecca of college baseball, Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha.

Jones, last year's Honker of the Year Award winner, has re-joined the team for the 2007 Northwoods League season after playing with the Cal State Fullerton Titans at the College World Series.

Pitcher Mike Morrison also arrived this week from Cal State Fullerton for his first season with the Honkers.

Cal State Fullerton went 0-2 at the CWS, but Jones said he was still happy to share stories of his experience with his Honkers teammates.

"We were definitely disappointed that we lost our first two games," Jones related. "We were hot at the time and on a high after going through the Regionals and Super Regional without getting beat."

It was the 15th CWS for Cal State Fullerton, but the first for Jones, a sophomore who opted for a redshirt in his first year in 2006.

"I have no problem sharing stories about it because it was definitely the highlight of my baseball career so far," said Jones, a rightfielder/designated hitter.

"We played in front of nearly 30,000 people in the first game (a 3-2 loss to Oregon State), and there was over 20,000 for our second game (a 5-4 loss in 13 innings to UC Irvine). Just playing in front of crowds like that is an experience you'll remember for the rest of your life."

Prior to the CWS, Jones reports mixed reviews on his first full college season.

On the bright side he played in 53 games for the Titans, batted .272, and drove in 33 runs. But Jones wasn't as happy that he hit only one home run, or that he lost his starting job in right field three-fourths of the way into the season. He remained a regular in the batting lineup as a designated hitter.

"I didn't hit for as much power as I wanted to, but overall it was a good experience," he said. "I'll go back for my junior season and have a real shot at being the starter in right field again."

Last summer Jones also joined the Honkers a bit late, but he made up for lost time with 39 productive regular-season games. He batted .270 with a league-high eight home runs and 37 RBIs.

Jones should add more pop to an already strong Honkers batting lineup. He also brings the intangible of being part of last year's championship season.

"I'm definitely excited to play another season," Jones said. "Meeting new teammates is always fun, and trying to match what we did last year is definitely good motivation."

Jones, first baseman Brett Featherston, and pitchers Dave Sever and Tim Radmacher are the only holdovers from last year's 50-win team.

Efren Navarro Jr., who was last year's league MVP, left the team this week after signing a minor league contract with the L.A. Angels.

"Hopefully I can come in and help this team, too, based on my experience last year," Jone said. "But there's no added pressure on my part."