A development that will help the Dodgers re-sign Manny Ramirez, the Dodgers agreed to trade or release bust centerfielder Andruw Jones. This unloads a lot if money for the Dodgers to re-sign Ramirez and another roster spot. Andruw Jones had a terrible year last season batting only .158 in 75 games in a year which he was on the disabled for the first time of his career. This was the first year of a two year $36.2 million contract, which turned out to be huge bust. Jones contract is going to be restructured by the Dodgers and save them about $12 million. It doesn't seem like anyone would trade for Jones and rather bid on signing him as a free agent. The Rays are obviously looking at Andruw Jones, but he hasn't his best the past two seasons, and the Rays already have an emerging star in centerfield so Jones would move to rightfield or DH. Jones did have knee surgery so it is not out of the question to move him to right and he still has one of the best arms in the game. The cost would probably the same as any other free agent bat on the market the Rays would sign. The only problem is that Jones had two straight down years offensively so there is risk of signing him and getting poor production. Last year is strikeout rate ballooned from 24.1% to 36.4% and he is a low on-base guy during his career, Jones career high was .366 OBP which he did twice. I wouldn't mind the Rays signing Jones for a one-year deal for $5-7 million and move him in rightfield. He won't take away much defensively and can platoon in the DH spot with Willy Aybar.
Although, Jones isn't the best choice, his name has been added to the market and on the Rays radar.
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