Tigers’ Jacque Jones would like to head south

...much like his game.

Given the opportunity to decide, outfielder Jacque Jones’ first choice might be to join the Marlins. That’s what Jones, who the Tigers designated for assignment last week, told an associate.

For now, Jones has no control over his next destination. The Tigers have until Friday to trade or release him. Either way, they are on the hook for what’s left of his $5.5 million salary (about $4.05 million). Any team that acquires him would make the Tigers pay much of the remaining money.

Jones probably wouldn’t cost the Marlins much more than a low level minor-leaguer and/or the pro-rated major league minimum (about $290,000).

“It would probably be his top destination,” the associate said. “Last year he was really excited about the opportunity to go down there. It was something that almost came to fruition.”