While I dont know about Arias attitude, we all know about Jones attitude.
He initiated the idea of learning to play a new position. Thats pretty smart on his part. He looked at the situation, saw Jose at third, saw five corner outfielders for one position, and saw a major organizational hole at first base.
On the other hand, while we have that hole at first base, we also have...if I've counted right...eight MIFs at AA and above, with no opening in Cleveland. If I was a MIF in this org, esp if I hit right handed, I might be doing exactly what Jones is doing...lobbying to learn to play first base and/or the outfield.
There is a well established culture in this org. Jones has shown that he fits it. I think he did that when he showed up in the parking deck to watch TMacs first MLB start during Covid.
One thing that strikes me...even though we have so many youngsters competing for a limited number of positions, including kids that are already in Cleveland...they all seem to be truly excited when one of their competitors do well.
We have a ton of kids that have bought into this whole idea of culture....and we have two veterans that have shown the way before them.
Jose didn't pout when it was obvious that Lindor was gonna take his place at short, and he didn't pout when the org brought in a FA 3B. He learned to play left field. Amed didn't pout when it looked like he was being replaced by Gimenez at SS. He moved to the OF, first to center and then to left.
A kid that doesn't fit this culture will stick out like a sore thumb, and won't be here long.
