It seems yesterday's "Andruw Jones to the Mets!" rumor died as quickly as it was born. The Mets and Dodgers did in fact talk about bringing the overpaid and overweight center fielder back to the NL East, but talks fizzled once the Dodgers balked at taking back a bad contract in return.
According to Marty Noble of MLB.com, the Mets were hoping the Dodgers would take Luis Castillo, who has three years and $18 million left on a four-year deal he signed last winter. Considering Jones is still owed roughly half of the $36.2 million contract he signed last winter, it seemed like an even deal, right?
Perhaps, but if the Dodgers are going to be tying up that much salary, they may as well get it over and done with in one year, especially Rafael Furcal and Blake DeWitt occupying the middle infield for the foreseeable future.
But even if the team doesn't dump Jones, the Dodgers are still interested in upgrading their outfield. The Dodgers opened the winter by making a two-year, $45 million offer to Manny Ramirez before taking it off the table when agent Scott Boras refused to counteroffer. Even though there's been no communication between Ramirez and the Dodgers, Ned Colletti told Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times, "Manny is our first choice."
Maybe the offer can be put back on the table, after all. Colletti refused to say what other outfielders he was pursuing, though a report yesterday indicated the team is talking to Adam Dunn.
Andruw Jones Won't Be a Met After All originally appeared on MLB FanHouse on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 12:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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