Minnesota Twins Rookie Pitcher, Justin Jones was born September 25, 1984 in Norfolk, Virginia. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs during the 2nd round in 2002. The Twins acquired him from the Cubs in a four-way trade in which Red Sox received Doug Mientkiewicz and Cubs received Nomar Garciaparra on July 31, 2004. He was ranked as second-best prospect in the Chicago Cubs system and third-best prospect in the Midwest League following the 2003 season.

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Justin Jones, was 7-3, 3.01 (77.2 ip, 26 er) with 28 walks and 54 strikeouts in 13 starts for Ft. Myers last season. He has a career record of 17-14, 2.93 (288.1 ip, 94 er) with 119 walks and 284 strikeouts in four minor league seasons.

His 89-94 mph fastball and his curveball are both plus pitches. With his age and frame, he projects to add velocity. His changeup is advanced for his age, as is most of his package. He also throws an occasional splitter. Lefties went 5-for-58 (.086) with no extra-base hits against him in 2003.

Justin needs to stay healthy and strong to stay on the Twins major league side. In 2003, he was shut down twice with a tired arm and didn't pitch after Aug. 5. He didn't need surgery but definitely needs to get stronger. Justin will have tough competition in spring training to remain on the major league roster.