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Former St. Louis Cardinals Prospect Daryl Jones Signs With Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds signed outfielder Daryl Jones, a former top prospect in the St. Louis Cardinals organization, on Wednesday.

By Satchel Price
ST. LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 30: Manager Tony LaRussa of the St. Louis Cardinals participates in the World Series victory parade for the franchise's 11th championship on October 30, 2011 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Szczepanski/Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 30: Manager Tony LaRussa of the St. Louis Cardinals participates in the World Series victory parade for the franchise's 11th championship on October 30, 2011 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Szczepanski/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Just a few days ago, outfielder Daryl Jones was granted free agency by MLB, and today the 24-year-old signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds. Jones, a 3rd-round pick from 2005, was once a top prospect in the St. Louis Cardinals' farm system.

Jones spent 2011 with the Cardinals' Triple-A affiliate, hitting .260/.360/.400 while splitting time between left field and center field. After the 2008 season, when Jones hit .316/.407/.483 in 123 games split between Single-A and Double-A as a 21-year-old, Baseball America ranked Jones as the organization's fourth-best prospect, ahead of names like David Freese, Allen Craig, Daniel Descalso and Eduardo Sanchez.

Jones is regarded as a potential fourth outfielder given that he's a defensive tweener. He doesn't have the range or instincts to play in center field, and he hasn't shown the pop to consistently play in a corner. The Reds may have a solid role player on their hands though.

For more on the Cardinals, check out Viva El Birdos, SB Nation's St. Louis Cardinals blog.