Jones on WDFN: Nickname doesn't fit closer's time with Tigers

by James Schmehl | MLive.com

Friday September 26, 2008, 1:40 PM

Former Tigers closer Todd "Roller Coaster" Jones might have exhausted fans with his rocky late-inning appearances, but his exit from big leagues was a smooth as a 1-2-3 inning.

"I got wise to the situation and chose to walk out of the door, before I was shown the door," Jones told WDFN. "I was smart enough to figure out when it was time to go."

Jones spent 16 seasons in the major leagues and ranks 14th on the all-time saves list with 319.

"Everybody calls me the "Roller Coaster," which I've earned," Jones said. "But, do you guys realize, my save percentage in Detroit was 85.6 percent?"

Jones, who is Detroit's career leader in saves with 235, said he knew before the start of the season this year would be his last.

"I knew that this was going to be my last season," Jones said. "With the shoulder injury, that just kind of reiterated the fact that I made a good decision."

Listen to the entire interview to hear Jones' take on the necessary adjustments the Tigers need to make in the offseason and his retirement plans:

Click here to download the audio.