Andruw Jones News: Pro Sports Daily

Andruw Jones is jonesing for a chance with Sox

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March 8

Chicago Sun-Times

"It took Andruw Jones only three innings to make a statement about the player he wants to be for the White Sox. After fighting off the late-afternoon sun to catch a fly ball in the second inning of the Sox' Cactus League opener Thursday, Jones walked in the third, then stole second against Los Angeles Angels catcher Mike Napoli. ''Is that the same Andruw Jones who played for the Dodgers two years ago?'' one West Coast reporter asked. Yes. And no. That Jones was in his first season away from the Atlanta Braves, the team for whom he starred for 11-plus seasons, won 10 consecutive Gold Gloves in center field, hit 368 home runs, drove in 1,117 runs and stole 138 bases. That Jones went through a ..."

Jonesing to prove himself anew

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March 7

Daily Southtown

"It took Andruw Jones only three innings to make a statement about what kind of player he wants to be for the White Sox. After fighting off the sun to catch a fly ball in the second inning of the Sox's Cactus League opener Thursday, Jones walked in the third and then stole second off Angels catcher Mike Napoli. "Is that the same Andruw Jones who played for the Dodgers two years ago?" a West Coast reporter said. Yes ... and no. That Jones was in his first season away from the Atlanta Braves, the team for which he starred for 11 seasons, won 10 consecutive Gold Gloves in center field, hit 368 home runs, drove in 1,117 runs and stole 138 bases. That Jones went through a painful transition ..."

Andruw Jones taking center stage for White Sox

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February 21

Chicago Tribune

"There was someone bearing a striking resemblance to the old Andruw Jones as White Sox pitchers and catchers officially reported for spring training. The 10-time Gold Glove Award-winning center fielder arrived Saturday, well ahead of most of the Sox's position players. Jones reported in shape and with a strong determination to regain the full-time status he lost over the last two seasons. "I know I have a lot of gas left in my tank to perform on a regular basis,'' Jones, 32, said on the eve of the first workout for pitchers and catchers at Camelback Ranch. Jones' playing time likely would have been affected if Johnny Damon had reconsidered the Sox's offer, but Damon agreed to a one-year, $8 ..."

Jones signing adds power, depth to outfield mix

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November 26

Chicago Sun-Times

"For the second time this week, the White Sox deepened their bench by signing a player whose best days were during Bush's first term. On Monday, it was 11-time Gold Glove infielder Omar Vizquel, and on Wednesday it was 10-time Gold Glove outfielder Andruw Jones, who agreed to a one-year deal that will give him a base salary of $500,000 with an additional $1 million in performance bonuses. While there may be a lot of defensive hardware between Jones and Vizquel, there's also a lot of dust that has collected the last few years. ''This is an opportunity to add a power bat to the roster while improving our outfield depth,'' general manager Ken Williams said in a statement. ''With the addition ..."

Andruw Jones, White Sox agree on 1-year deal

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November 25

Chicago Tribune

"The White Sox and outfielder Andruw Jones have agree to terms on a one-year, $500,000 contract. Jones, a five-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner, could earn an additional $1 million in performance-based bonuses. Jones, 32, batted .214 with 17 home runs and 43 RBIs in 82 games with Texas in 2009. He was the Rangers' DH in 53 and played 12 games in left field, five in right and four at first base. White Sox general manager Ken Williams said Jones will be used in a reserve role."

Andruw Jones coming off disabled list

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September 8

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Two All-Star starters this year are missing from the Texas Rangers' offense, so a former All-Star will get a chance to add some punch to the lineup. Andruw Jones, a five-time All-Star, will be activated from the disabled list tonight and jump right into the mix as the designated hitter against Cleveland left-hander Aaron Laffey. The Rangers knew they would be without Michael Young (pulled left hamstring) this series, and manager Ron Washington confirmed that Josh Hamilton won't be coming to Cleveland. The center fielder had a second root-nerve injection Monday, but the procedure usually requires 24 to 48 hours for the cortisone to calm the nerve. The latest plan calls for Hamilton to join ..."

Missed chances frustrate Texas Rangers' Jones

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August 23

Dallas Morning News

"Andruw Jones is well aware he's only hitting .217 for the Rangers this season. But what concerns Jones is that he's failing to produce when there are scoring opportunities. He had an RBI Friday night, his 41st of the season. But Jones is only three for his last 24 with runners in scoring position. He knows that isn't good enough for a team with playoff aspirations. "I'm frustrated that I'm not producing when I'm the lineup," said Jones, who sat Saturday against right-hander Matt Garza. "I'm concerned about the production, not the average. I've never been an average guy. Production has always been my key thing, and I get frustrated when that doesn't get done." Jones has been fighting a ..."

Andruw Jones fighting to get out of slump

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July 22

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Andruw Jones gave Texas Rangers fans a glimpse of his playing days with the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 8 when he homered three times against the Los Angeles Angels. Since that day, in which Jones tied the Rangers' record for homers in a game, he's 2-for-25 and hitting .227 after going 1-for-3 in Tuesday night's 4-1 victory. "I'm not hitting the ball the way I need to be hitting it," he said. "I had like 20 at-bats without getting a hit and probably like nine of them I hit right at people. But you can't have that as a excuse. It's just I'm going on a bad streak." Jones was able to find some humor in his struggles Monday night against John Smoltz, his former teammate with Atlanta. He went ..."

Home run fun gone for Texas Rangers' Jones

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July 22

Dallas Morning News

"It's been two weeks since Andruw Jones homered three times against the Los Angeles Angels, tying the Rangers record for homers in a game. Since that memorable July 8 performance, Jones is 2-for-25 and is hitting .227 overall. He went 1-for-3 in Tuesday night's 4-2 victory over Boston. "I'm not hitting the ball the way I need to be hitting it," he said. "I had like 20 at-bats without getting a hit, and probably like nine of them I hit right at people. But you can't have that as an excuse. It's just I'm going on a bad streak." Jones was able to find some humor in his struggles Monday night against John Smoltz, his former teammate with Atlanta. After going 0-for-3, Jones got a postgame text ..."

Andruw's comeback Texas-sized

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June 19

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"It took Andruw Jones all of four months to announce that Texas is where he'd like to finish his career. It took him much less time, however, to make that decision in his head. All it took was a couple of sessions of work with Rangers hitting instructor Rudy Jaramillo back in January when Jones was an unsigned, unwanted free agent coming off perhaps the worst offensive season in the past 30 years. "I don't want to say Rudy changed me," Jones said last week before hitting homers in consecutive games against the Los Angeles Dodgers, with whom he spent the nightmarish 2008 season. "But he gave me a lot of knowledge very quickly. He made it very easy to understand. I had been doing things wrong ..."

Jones knows empty feeling

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June 5

Boston Globe

"David Ortiz, meet Andruw Jones. He's walked in your shoes. Jones is a 10-time Gold Glove center fielder who made his mark with the Atlanta Braves, flopped with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and is now trying to resurrect his career at 32 with the exciting Texas Rangers, who will be at Fenway tonight for the start of a three-game series after dropping two of three to the Yankees, including yesterday's 8-6 setback. Jones lost his stroke in his final year in Atlanta in 2007, and last season in Los Angeles he hit .158 and battled weight problems and injuries after signing a two-year, $36.2 million deal with the Dodgers. Jones's agent, Scott Boras, negotiated an exit from Los Angeles, where the ..."

Career revival for Andruw Jones?

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June 4

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"Andruw Jones was once a longshot to make the Texas Rangers. Now that slugging outfielder Josh Hamilton has hit the disabled list with an abdominal strain, Jones' role is about to increase. The 10-time Gold Glover and five-time All-Star with the Braves appears to be reviving his career. He's hitting a respectable .282 with 5 homers, 14 RBIs and 9 doubles in just 85 at-bats. "Andruw might be the one we need to step up," manager Ron Washington told the Dallas Morning News. The Rangers also recalled Brandon Boggs from their AAA club. After being released by the Los Angeles Dodgers, Jones signed a minor-league deal with the Rangers in February. At the time, GM Jon Daniels called him "an ..."

Jones accepting role with Texas Rangers

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April 15

Dallas Morning News

"Andruw Jones' early play has been outstanding, but he understands his role and said he isn't about to start asking for more playing time. "You have to go with the guys that have started," he said. "That would not look good. You have to stick with the guys until things start going a different way, and then you have to make adjustments. You don't want to lose confidence in your players." Jones has started two games, going 5-for-8 with three extra-base hits and four RBIs. Manager Ron Washington said he's considering starting Jones on Wednesday in the series finale against Baltimore. Jones said he's pleased with his performance so far. "I worked really hard in spring training to fit into ..."

Texas Rangers to keep Andruw Jones, Kris Benson

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April 2

Dallas Morning News

"Kris Benson proved he is a man of his word, while also proving he can be an effective starter in the major leagues again. The right-hander was informed Wednesday morning that he will be a member of the Rangers starting rotation when the regular season opens Monday, and the rest of the pitching staff has also fallen into place. Scott Feldman, who was the Rangers' most dependable starter last year, has been sent to the bullpen. Jason Jennings was also told he will be one of seven relievers this season. "Benson did good enough in the spring to be one of the starters, and Feldman makes us a better team going down there with better stuff than he had before," manager Ron Washington said. ..."

Andruw Jones staying with Texas even though only shot is as backup

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March 23

Dallas Morning News

"Center fielder Andruw Jones is going to stick around with the Rangers, possibly until spring training ends, for a chance to make the opening-day roster. Jones, a five-time All-Star, is not going to opt out of his minor league contract Monday to become a free agent. General manager Jon Daniels and manager Ron Washington met with Jones before the team bus headed to Glendale, Ariz., for a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. They again told him that his only shot at making the roster is as a bench player, and Jones told them he is willing to accept a reduced role. But he also knows there are no guarantees he will be on the roster when the season begins April 6. "They want me on the team, ..."

Andruw Jones to remain in Texas Rangers camp

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March 23

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Andruw Jones was told by Texas Rangers brass Sunday that they want him to be a part of their team, and the center fielder is going to stick around possibly until spring training ends for a chance to make the Opening Day roster. The five-time All-Star is not going to opt out of his minor-league contract today and take his free agency, even though the Rangers have no plans of putting him on the 40-man roster. General manager Jon Daniels and manager Ron Washington met with Jones before the team bus headed to Glendale, Ariz., for a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. They again told him that his only shot at the roster is as a bench player, and Jones told them he is willing to accept a ..."

Rangers expect Andruw Jones to stay

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March 22

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"General manager Jon Daniels left a meeting with center fielder Andruw Jones and manager Ron Washington with the belief that Jones will not opt out of his minor-league contract tomorrow even though he has been told the best role he can hope for is to be the club's fifth outfielder, part-time DH and pinch-hitter. The Rangers aren't planning to put him on the 40-man roster, Daniels said, but they want Jones to remain in camp so that they can continue their evaluation. "To his credit he's told us that he's willing to play any role on the club that we see fit," Daniels said. "He's indicated a desire to stay with us.""

Andruw Jones could opt out of minor-league deal with Texas Rangers

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March 18

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Center fielder Andruw Jones had a message from agent Scott Boras on his cellphone when he headed to the clubhouse Tuesday, and the five-time All-Star assumed it was to talk about his future with the Rangers. Jones can opt out of his minor-league deal Friday if he isn't on the 40-man roster. Even though there is flexibility with the opt-out date, it looks more and more likely that the Rangers won't add Jones. He hasn't played in the past three Cactus League games. "We'll see what happens Friday. We'll probably make our decision," Jones said. "They probably will make their decision soon. The main thing is to go out there and get at-bats and get the work in that you need." The quest for ..."

Andruw Jones struggles with new swing, but remains confident

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March 1

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Center fielder Andruw Jones started for the second consecutive game Saturday and went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts and a walk in the Rangers 6-4 victory over Arizona in Tucson. He's now 1-for-9 this spring, and all eight of his outs have been strikeouts. But the former All-Star, in camp on a minor-league deal, remains confident. He has been told by hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo that it might take him 20 at-bats until he feels comfortable with his new swing, and the key is trying to break bad habits. "I'm trying to do too much, trying too hard, trying to impress right away," Jones said. "I'm working hard every day on things. I need to bring that into the game." Manager Ron Washington said ..."

CF Jones gets first start

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February 28

Dallas Morning News

"Chicago scored seven runs in the second inning against right-hander Scott Feldman, more than enough support for the Cubs pitching staff, which held the Rangers to nine hits. Feldman, penciled into the rotation to open camp, said he was glad to get a lousy outing out of the way now instead of during the regular season. But he knows he has plenty to work on before his next start. "You never want anything like that happen," said Feldman, who was 6-8 in 28 appearances (25 starts) last season. "I threw all my pitches, but my curveball was never located for a strike. ... I felt like I was always 2-1 or 2-0 [in the count], and you can't pitch like that." Jarrod Saltalamacchia doubled in both ..."

Resurgence by Jones has ramifications for Rangers

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February 14

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Spring training doesn't just have its own special feel, it has its own language, too. The Texas Rangers start speaking that tongue today at Surprise Stadium. We'll be talking about "PIP" (pitchers' infield practice), "side work" (pitchers throwing in the bullpen) and, when exhibition games begin in about 10 days, the "JICS" will come out to play. Or, more likely, to sit and watch. "JICS" is what big league managers call those extra players - usually minor leaguers or non-roster guys - who make exhibition road trips "Just In Case." You know, just in case there's an injury or the game goes extra innings. Somehow, I never pictured Andruw Jones as a JIC, but that's basically how the Rangers ..."

Rangers sign Andruw Jones to minor league deal

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February 9

Dallas Morning News

"Impressed by a Jan. 26 workout with hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo, the Rangers have agreed to terms with free-agent center fielder Andruw Jones on a minor league deal. An official announcement is expected soon, general manager Jon Daniels said. Jones will make $500,000 if he makes the big-league roster and can earn another $1 million in performance bonuses. Jones, a 13-year veteran who turns 32 in April, is another low-risk, high-reward signing by the Rangers. Overweight last season, Jones hit only .158 with three home runs for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and he had knee surgery in May. But Jones has lost weight, perhaps as much as 25 pounds, and the Rangers hope that Jaramillo can help him ..."

Andruw Jones agrees to deal with Rangers

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February 8

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"General manager Jon Daniels confirmed a New York Post report that says the Rangers will announce this week that they have signed free-agent center fielder Andruw Jones to a minor-league contract. The value of the contract would be $500,000 if Jones makes the big-league roster with incentives that could play Jones $1 million if he plays regularly. Jones can opt out of his contract with the Rangers on March 20. A deal with reliever Brendan Donnelly should be completed in the next few days, Daniels said. Donnelly, who had Tommy John surgery in 2007, would make $950,000 if he makes the team and has two dates (March 27 and April 27) he can ask for his release if not on the big-league roster."

Rangers to sign Andruw Jones

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February 8

New York Post

"The Rangers will announce in the next few days that they have signed center fielder Andruw Jones to a minor league contract that will pay him a base salary of $500,000 if he makes the majors, the Post has learned. Jones will also have an opportunity to make $1 million more in bonuses, but to earn that total, he would have to be close to a full-time player, which is dubious at best. The Yankees had offered Jones a minor league contract, as well, a Yankee source confirmed following an initial report by SI.com. The Yanks would have had Jones come into camp and try to win the center field job instead of either Melky Cabrera or Brett Gardner. Jones is trying to resurrect his career and getting ..."

Texas Rangers interested in signing Andruw Jones

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February 8

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Free-agent center fielder Andruw Jones worked out last week at the Ballpark in Arlington, and the Texas Rangers are interested in signing the 10-time Gold Glove winner. General manager Jon Daniels confirmed that Jones, who batted a meager .158 last season, worked with hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo. A contract would likely be a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training. The Dodgers released Jones last month after his only season in Los Angeles. He reported to spring training overweight, had knee surgery in May, and was on the bench as the Dodgers advanced to the National League Championship Series. The Rangers, though, could use another big right-handed bat; Jones hit 51 homers ..."

Texas Rangers take a look at Andruw Jones

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February 8

Dallas Morning News

"Free-agent center fielder Andruw Jones worked out Jan. 26 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, and the Rangers are interested in signing the 10-time Gold Glove winner. General manager Jon Daniels confirmed that Jones, who batted a meager .158 last season after signing a two-year deal worth $36.2 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers, worked with hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo. Jones would probably be offered a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training. The Dodgers released Jones last month after his only season in Los Angeles."

Andruw mulling options, won't rush to sign

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January 22

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"Former Atlanta Braves center fielder Andruw Jones probably won't sign with any team until late next week, agent Scott Boras said Thursday. The Braves haven't said if they intend to make him an offer. Boras said again that eight teams expressed interest in Jones last week, after the Los Angeles Dodgers released him when Jones agreed to defer most of $21.1 million he's owed by the Dodgers. He signed a two-year, $36.2 million contract with the Dodgers, then was dumped after one season, a debacle that included a .158 average three homers in 209 at-bats and mid-season knee surgery. Boras said Jones will not take a minor-league contract and would not have to sign with any team for the ..."

Braves might consider Andruw if available/cheap

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January 15

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"The Braves might consider signing fallen former Braves star Andruw Jones to a minimal contract if he becomes a free agent this month. Jones' agent, Scott Boras, worked out a new deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers that would relieve the Dodgers of most of Jones' salary commitment this season by deferring most of the $21 million he's still owed from a two-year, $32.2 million contract. His salary wouldto $5 million this year in the new deal. But if the Dodgers can't find a team that will trade for him, Boras said Jones would be released and become a free agent Thursday. Any team could then sign him to a minimum salary, with the Dodgers still obligated to pay him the entire amount he's owed. ..."

Dodgers to keep Andruw Jones at a distance

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January 10

Los Angeles Times

"The Dodgers considered trying to void Andruw Jones' contract before waiving any possible action as part of his contract restructuring, two high-ranking baseball sources told The Times. The Dodgers agreed last week to trade or release Jones by Jan. 15 in exchange for his deferring much of the $22 million remaining on his contract. The settlement includes a provision that the Dodgers will pursue no future claims against Jones, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the agreement has not been publicly disclosed. Dodgers spokesman Charles Steinberg said Friday the team would not comment on legal matters. Scott Boras, the agent for Jones, said he could not comment, citing ..."

Andruw good fit for Braves

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January 7

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

columnist Terence Moore

"Yes, I know. Andruw Jones never will be Andruw Jones again. He's got that Steve Blass thing going. He's lost whatever it was that made him a prolific baseball player, and he can't get it back. That said, whatever is left of Andruw Jones is still good enough for the Braves right now. This is especially true since this version of Andruw Jones will come cheap by the end of next week. That's when he'll likely become a free agent after his release from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Remember? The Dodgers signed Jones to that two-year contract worth $32.2 million before last season when he left the Braves as a free agent after a decade of mostly goodness at the plate and greatness in center field. He ..."

Braves may consider re-signing Andruw Jones

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January 6

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"The Braves could consider signing fallen former star Andruw Jones to a minimal contract if he becomes a free agent this month. Jones' agent, Scott Boras, worked out a new deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers that would relieve the team of most of Jones' salary commitment this season by deferring most of the $21 million he's still owed from a two-year, $32.2 million contract. His salary wouldto $5 million this year in the new deal. But if the Dodgers can't find a team that will trade for him, Boras said Jones would be released and become a free agent Jan. 15. Any team could then sign him to a minimum salary, with the Dodgers still obligated to pay him the entire amount he's owed. The Braves ..."

Braves' interest in Jones, Lowe is slight

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January 5

MLB.com

"To say the Braves have absolutely zero interest in Derek Lowe and Andruw Jones wouldn't exactly be accurate. But their interest in these two players currently appears to be only moderate. For this interest to increase, Lowe's cost is going to have to drop and Jones is going to have to gain his expected release from the Dodgers. But even if Jones is released, there shouldn't be any assumptions that he'll be able to celebrate a homecoming. The Braves have numerous concerns about their former center fielder and likely wouldn't be willing to provide him anything more than a minimum salary. In their prolonged search to land a frontline starting pitcher, the Braves are at least now keeping tabs ..."

It appears Andruw Jones is done as a Dodger

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January 4

Los Angeles Times

"Andruw Jones and the Dodgers? One and done. The Dodgers have agreed to trade or release Jones in exchange for his deferring much of the $22 million remaining on his contract, a baseball source said Friday. The deal is expected to shave $12 million from the Dodgers' 2009 payroll and cut Jones' salary next season to about $5 million. If the Dodgers cannot trade him, even at that discounted salary, then Jones can ask for his release before spring training, the source said. The Dodgers could apply the savings toward a new offer to Manny Ramirez, but that negotiation is independent of this deal. The Dodgers offered Ramirez two years and $45 million in November but have since withdrawn the ..."

Altering Jones deal could lead to Manny

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January 2

MLB.com

"The Dodgers are in discussions to rework the contract of beleaguered outfielder Andruw Jones, with the goal of moving him off the roster while freeing up salary that might be used to sign free-agent outfielder Manny Ramirez. An industry source confirmed a Los Angeles Times report that talks were ongoing. That report claimed the Dodgers would free approximately $12 million that could be used to sign Ramirez, who did not respond to a two-year, $45 million offer the Dodgers made in November and withdrew two weeks later. Before Jones left the club during its 2008 division-title run in September, he told teammates he did not want to return to Los Angeles for the final year of a $36.2 million ..."

Agent: S.F. has 'a lot of appeal' to Big Unit

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December 11

San Francisco Chronicle

"Randy Johnson is being wooed by both Bay Area teams. He seems to prefer the Giants. "Randy's really interested," one of his agents, Barry Meister, said Thursday, the final day of the winter meetings. "We made a check list of everything that's important, and San Francisco checks off on every box. They're in the National League. They'll be competitive. They train in Arizona. "San Francisco has a lot of appeal." Asked specifically about Johnson's interest in the A's, Meister was not as direct, saying, "We're just trying to keep our options open." Giants general manager Brian Sabean is seeking a veteran starter to round out a rotation that includes Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez and ..."

Andruw Jones has written off the season

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September 4

Los Angeles Times

"With the Dodgers' outfield set, the regular season winding down and his knee swollen again, Andruw Jones said he had already started looking forward to next year. "This year," Jones said, "it's basically over." Jones, who is hitting .161 with three home runs and 14 runs batted in in 74 games, was activated from the disabled list Monday, the day major league teams could expand their rosters. But he is still bothered by his surgically repaired knee, which he reinjured while on a rehab assignment in Las Vegas. Jones scaled back his workouts this week and admitted he doesn't think he can make much of a contribution this season, not with only 23 games left and Manager Joe Torre settled on an ..."

Jones stays put

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August 4

Orange County Register

"If Andruw Jones is to come out of his season-long slump, he will have to do it mostly from the bench. Manager Joe Torre re-iterated Sunday there are no plans to demote him to the minors, where he could play every day and get plenty of at-bats, to work out his troubles. "You're taking him away from the people who could help him," Torre said. "That's not something we're comfortable with right now. We have the people here to help him." The Dodgers say they aren't giving up on Jones, and Jones is spending plenty of time working on his swing. Torre is frustrated that given Jones' work ethic, there has been no change. Jones, who has 370 career home runs, is batting .161 with two home runs and ..."

Andruw Jones needs a minor adjustment

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August 3

Los Angeles Times

"It is sobering to realize how quickly Jones has fallen from greatness. He turned 30 just last year. His career might be over. Jones and the Dodgers owe it to each other to do their best to find out. The Dodgers ought to ask Jones to go to the minor leagues, and he ought to say yes. He was supposed to be the Dodgers' big bat. He hit a career-low .222 for the Atlanta Braves last season. He hit 26 home runs, which would have led the Dodgers but represented his lowest total since his rookie season of 1997. In desperate need of a power hitter, the Dodgers signed him to a two-year, $36-million contract last winter, essentially betting he would maintain his pop even if his batting average did not ..."

Andruw Jones has his moments, good and bad

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July 24

Los Angeles Times

"With one swing, Andruw Jones took one huge step forward. And with another, he took a massive one back. In the fourth inning of the Dodgers' 5-3 loss to the Colorado Rockies Wednesday, Jones drove in James Loney with a double. A double to right-center. "That's what he's been working on," Manager Joe Torre said of the Dodgers' $36-million center fielder with a .166 average and 12 runs batted in. But Jones' final at-bat, which came in the eighth inning, was like many of his at-bats this season. He went to the plate with one out, men on second and third and the Dodgers trailing by two runs."

Andruw Jones keeps his outfield spot -- for now

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July 23

L.A. Daily News

"There are, of course, 36.2 million reasons why center fielder Andruw Jones has remained a seasonlong fixture in the Dodgers' starting lineup despite the fact he entered Tuesday night's game at Colorado batting .166 and averaging one strikeout every 3.1 plate appearances. But Jones might be on the verge of using up every last one of those reasons. With left fielder Juan Pierre set to begin a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A LasVegas tonight against Omaha and tentatively slated to rejoin the Dodgers as early as Saturday, manager Joe Torre is about to be faced with the same four-men-for-three-spots outfield logjam he faced at the start of the season."

Dodgers' Jones finally catches break

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July 14

L.A. Daily News

"Sunday seemed like a good day to rest Andruw Jones, but even after an embarrassing night Saturday he was given another chance. Jones' five strikeouts Saturday only added to his hitting woes this season and managed to turn up the volume on fans voicing their displeasure of the $36.2-million man. And if trying to find his hitting stride wasn't enough, manager Joe Torre added to Jones' already hefty baggage."

Dodgers get a rise out of Andruw Jones

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July 10

Los Angeles Times

"The Dodger's James Loney lines a double in the fifth inning Wednesday night against Atlanta at Dodger Stadium. Email Picture Struggling outfielder drives in a run and breaks up a double play in 2-1 win over Braves. Derek Lowe is sharp over 72/3 innings. That Andruw Jones would get a standing ovation for driving in a run and another for breaking up a double play with a hard slide into second could be the most visible and audible signs of what a trying season this has been for him"

Andruw Jones has a rocky return for Dodgers

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July 5

Los Angeles Times

"Penciling Andruw Jones into the lineup Friday against the San Francisco Giants, Manager Joe Torre said he hoped he would see "a different Andruw." But Jones, who was hitting .165 when he went down in May because of a knee injury that required surgery, struck out in his first four trips to the plate. He grounded out to third in his last at-bat. Torre excused the performance, saying, "He's rehabbing right now, as far as I'm concerned.""

Rafael Furcal, Andruw Jones and Nomar Garciaparra ready to begin rehab assignments

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June 28

Los Angeles Times

"Rafael Furcal, Andruw Jones and Nomar Garciaparra are scheduled to begin minor league rehab assignments with triple-A Las Vegas on Monday, with Furcal and Garciaparra saying they could be back in the Dodgers' lineup next weekend in San Francisco.Jones, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery May 27, is aiming to return for the start of the second half of the season, July 18 in Arizona.Signed to a two-year, $36.2-million contract in the off-season, Jones was hitting .165 with two home runs through 43 games when he was sidelined. Being out for so long, Jones said, let him do more than heal his body."

Injured Dodgers outfielder Jones gets some swings in

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June 22

L.A. Daily News

"Andruw Jones took batting practice on the field Friday and the reviews were rave. He looked comfortable. He looked like his old self. He looked like he might be able to help one day soon. He could be a force in the lineup. It all sounded so familiar. "He's just letting the bat come through the zone, and he just seems comfortable to me," manager Joe Torre said. Jones had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee May 27 to repair torn cartilage and took just 25 days to get himself into the outdoor cage. He already had been taking swings in the indoor cage."

Andruw Jones will have knee surgery

May 25

Los Angeles Times

"Andruw Jones' frustrating season took another turn for the worse Saturday when the Dodgers announced their $36-million outfielder would undergo surgery on his right knee Tuesday and was expected to miss four to six weeks."

Dodgers' Andruw Jones hopes to avoid knee surgery

May 21

Los Angeles Times

"Andruw Jones reported that his swollen right knee felt "much better" Tuesday, saying he remained hopeful that he could avoid arthroscopic surgery to repair torn cartilage and remove a cyst that would sideline him for four to six weeks. Jones, who signed a two-year, $36.2-million contract with the Dodgers this winter, said that the injury was something that had gradually worsened over time."

Dodgers gain win, lose outfielder

May 20

L.A. Daily News

"Dodgers manager Joe Torre won't have to worry about how to squeeze four outfielders into three spots for at least the next three days. He might not have to worry about it for a lot longer than that. Moments after rookie third baseman Blake DeWitt's walkoff, bases-loaded single in the bottom of the ninth inning, scoring Russell Martin to give the Dodgers a 6-5 victory over the Cincinnati Reds in front of 34,669 Monday night at Dodger Stadium, Torre revealed struggling center fielder Andruw Jones will be sidelined at least until Friday after an MRI exam showed fluid and torn cartilage in his right knee. Moments after that, Jones made it sound more serious than Torre had."

Dodgers' struggling Andruw Jones has torn cartilage in right knee

May 20

Los Angeles Times

"Andruw Jones has torn cartilage and a buildup of fluid in his right knee, according to the results of an MRI exam he underwent Monday. Jones said that if the swelling in his knee doesn't subside by Friday, he will undergo surgery that will sideline him for four to five weeks. "Hopefully, I can do it in the off-season," he said of the possible surgery. The center fielder, who signed a two-year, $36.2-million deal in the winter but is batting only .167, said he felt discomfort in his knee over the last two games in Anaheim. Jones was 0 for 11 in the three-game series, which concluded Sunday as the Dodgers lost two of three. He said he had difficulty sleeping Sunday night, which ..."