Originally posted on 04/19/2014:

I'd be okay with that. Jones is raw and strikes out a ton. He can definitely hit, but he looks to be several years away from being on a MLB 40 man roster unless something clicks quick for him. Pirates need help now IMO and this gives them another bat - whether he's productive or not, we'll see.

Honestly my impression of the deal is they got a guy who should be in the prime of his career and needed a fresh start. All the stories you read about Ike said that he was really struggling when the Mets made it clear they didn't want him. PNC Park should help him. I think he'll embrace this chance. He doesn't have to hit 30 HRs and drive in 90 for this to be a good deal and won't since he'll be platooning. Thornton was obviously just a throw in, I saw he was left unprotected for the Rule 5 draft and no one took him.

Certainly interested to see the PTBNL.