Jacque Jones gets minor league deal from Twins

[February 10, 2010]  MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Jacque Jones has returned to the Minnesota Twins, agreeing to a minor league contract.

Jones began his major league career with Minnesota in 1999 before joining the Chicago Cubs in 2006. The outfielder's best season came in 2002, when he hit .300 with 27 homers and 85 RBIs while the Twins advanced to the AL championship series.

Jones hasn't played in a major league game since June 2008, with the Florida Marlins. He spent last season with the Newark Bears in the independent Atlantic League and told the Twins at the winter meetings he was interested in reviving his career and willing to go to Triple-A if necessary.

"He's been a good player. We know he's a good person. He plays the game the right way," general manager Bill Smith said. "He was a big part of the Twins' resurgence."

Minnesota also announced Tuesday that outfielder Jason Pridie has been claimed off waivers by the New York Mets. That cleared a spot on the 40-man roster for recently signed second baseman Orlando Hudson.

[Associated Press]

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