PITTSBURGH — First baseman Garrett Jones’ arbitration ruling is expected tomorrow, according to the Associated Press.
Jones, 30, asked for $2.5 million in his first year of arbitration, the Pirates countered with $2.25 million. Jones made $455,500 during the 2011 season.
The Pirates and Jones both stated their cases today in a salary arbitration hearing. The arbitrators will pick one of the two figures and the ruling is expected Thursday.
Jones finished the 2011 season with a .243 avg, 30 doubles, 16 home runs and 58 RBI over 148 games with the Pirates. His 58 home runs since 2009 rank first on the Pirates (Andrew McCutchen is second with 51).
Casey McGehee, who the Pirates acquired in a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers for reliever Jose Veras this offseason, is reported to have his arbitration case with the Pirates tomorrow. McGehee asked for $2.725 million, the Pirates countered with $2.35 million. He is also first-time arbitration eligible.
