Ex-Cowboy still considering signing with Cleveland

Former Gaither ace Chris Jones has committed to play at Indiana University, but he may still sign with the Indians if they offer him enough money before tonight's deadline.

By JOEY KNIGHT
Published August 15, 2007

TAMPA - The career of former Gaither left-handed ace Chris Jones has taken yet another strange turn, smack into Hoosier country - though the bizarre journey may not be over.

A 15th-round draft choice of the Cleveland Indians in June, Jones said there's still a "50-50" chance he'll sign a professional contract today, the last day draftees may sign.

If not, he'll head to Indiana University - the third college program with which he has signed in the past year.

"It's really, really crazy," he said Tuesday.

Try and follow along.

Jones signed with the University of South Florida in 2006, but said he was informed the letter of intent "never went through officially." Days after being drafted, he signed with St. Petersburg College but got out of that commitment when he recently signed with Indiana.

SPC coach Dave Pano said he was as "shocked as everyone else" by Jones' signing with Indiana, but indicated junior college players can be released from their scholarships to sign with four-year schools.

Jones recently finished a summer travel season with the Midland (Ohio) Redskins, an elite travel team that won its 10th Connie Mack World Series in New Mexico.

As a Cowboys senior, he finished 2-2 with a 2.59 ERA in an injury-plagued final year. He missed his scheduled start against Sarasota in the Class 6A playoffs after tearing an ankle ligament the previous day.

Jones said Tuesday he hasn't backed off his initial demand for third-round-type money. Draftees must sign by midnight.

"My signing ability was top three to 31/2 rounds from last year's draft. That's what I told them," Jones said Tuesday. "It didn't matter really what round I got drafted, I just wanted that money."

Jones becomes the second member of the Cowboys' 2007 team to sign with a Big Ten program, joining pitcher/first baseman Drew Malley (Ohio State). Frank Permuy, the only coach in Gaither history, said he can recall no other Big Ten baseball signees from his school.

[Last modified August 14, 2007, 23:42:08]