Bluefish Sign Kennard Jones

The Bridgeport Bluefish announced that they have signed outfielder Kennard Jones for the 2012 season.

Jones will be entering his fifth season in the Atlantic League, and first with the Bluefish. He previously played in the Atlantic League for the York Revolution (2008 and 2009, Newark Bears (2009 and 2010), and the Long Island Ducks (2011).

Kennard Jones was originally drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 3rd round (85th overall) of the 2002 MLB Amateur Draft out of Indiana University. In 2005, he hit .281 with 60 RBI and 23 stolen bases for the Padres Double-A affiliate Mobile. He played five seasons in the Padres organization including two stops at Triple-A in 2005 and 2006. Jones signed with the Baltimore Orioles organization in 2007, and was assigned to Frederick(A+). That season he hit .252 with 4 home runs with 48 RBI, and 26 stolen bases.  He started the 2008 season with the Baltimore's Double-A affiliate Bowie, but was released in June of that season. He signed with York Revolution soon after and went on to have tremendous season, hitting .333 with 8 home runs 49 RBI and 17 stolen bases in only 88 games.  Jones started the 2009 season with York, but was traded to the Newark Bears late in the season. In 2010, Jones re-signed with Newark Bears and had another great season hitting .296 with 5 home runs, 51 RBI and 40 stolen bases. Last season, Jones was a catalyst for the Long Island Ducks First Half Championship, and Liberty Division Championships. He hit .282 with 8 home runs, 54 RBI and 28 stolen bases, and was one of their most electrifying players.

It seems as his career goes on Jones gets better and better. He's always had speed and has able to steal bases but he's added some power to his arsenal. Last season, he had career high 8 home runs, and 54 RBI (the second most in  his career). He' be a great addition to an outfield in Bridgeport that already includes Prentice Redman and Joey Gathright.