Jacque Jones signs with Marlins

5/19/2008 2:33 PM

MIAMI (AP) -Outfielder Jacque Jones, cut by Detroit two weeks ago, reached a minor league deal with the Florida Marlins on Monday and is expected to soon become their starting center fielder.

Jones will first report to extended spring training in Jupiter, Fla.

In his 10th major league season, Jones hit .165 with one homer and five RBIs in 24 games for the Tigers. He was in a 1-for-26 slump when Detroit designated him for assignment May 5. He is a career .278 hitter with 165 home runs.

Marlins center fielders are next-to-last in the majors with a .216 average. They have combined for three homers and 14 RBIs.

Alfredo Amezaga has been the Marlins primary starter in center, but he's batting only .228. Florida would prefer to use him in a utility role.

Jones played for Minnesota from 1999-05, and was with the Chicago Cubs in 2006-07. He hit .285 with five homers and 66 RBIs last year.